Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners will be formulated by the end of the year.
Speaking to brief government policies to address problems in correctional facilities, Home Minister Imran explained there would be significant changes in the facilities once the standard minimums are formulated. These standards will define the services and care prisoners get and address problems in the corrections facilities.
Explaining the purpose of correctional facilities, Minister Imran urged all prisons officers to work to instil competencies and skills by the time prisoners return back to society. He also urged officers to be calm and patience in facing challenges at work and challenges from prisoners. The home minister also expressed his belief in correctional officers in carrying out the tasks efficiently, as the government plans to meet the standards of the Nelson Mandela Rules this year. The Nelson Mandela Rules is the standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners set by United Nations to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
The minister also urged Ministry of Home Affairs and Maldives Correctional Services to provide better care and services at correctional facilities in accordance with the pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He explained preparation of audits to inspect conditions of the correctional facilities as a significant achievement. He expressed appreciation towards the management and the staff at Maldives Correction Services in carrying out the inspectional audit.
President Solih has pledged to improve the standards of the prisons in Maldives. The government intends to develop additional prisons to provide better treatment and rehabilitation for prisoners.