The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator to the Maldives Catherine Haswell has presented a Dhivehi translation of 'The Nelson Mandela Rules' to Vice President Faisal Naseem.
The ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ is named in honour of the first black President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years for his anti-apartheid activities by the then apartheid regime. The rules outline a comprehensive list of minimum-standards relevant to the just and humane treatment of prisoners.
Vice President Naseem stated it was his honour to receive this book on Nelson Mandela’s birthday. He expressed Mandela is a towering and inspirational figure, whose example many global democratic practitioners strive to emulate. He added he himself strongly admires the former South African President and activist.
The UN Resident Coordinator spoke in praise of the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ and expressed her firm view that it is important for all countries to adhere to them in their treatment of prisoners. She highlighted that the principles contained in them are widely referred to international standards, in determining whether detention facilities and treatment of prisoners, align with global best practices on human rights. She expressed she as well as UN resident staff are keen to engage with the government in the area of prison reform.
Warmly acknowledging her remarks, Vice President Naseem stated the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih prioritises prison reform and the implementation of a justice system that gives precedence to rehabilitation and reintegration. He detailed some of the ongoing work of the administration in that regard, highlighting its efforts to provide education and job training opportunities to prisoners.
The vice president was accompanied at the meeting by the Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla.