Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the implementation of Mandela Rules will reform the prisons in several areas.
Speaking at a ceremony to commence a workshop organised by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and Ministry of Home Affairs on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, Minister Imran said the administration aims to reform the prisons. The minister further said the administration intends to develop the prisons to international standards and establish better facilities and services in jails. In this regard, he expressed hope to develop the health care system, rehabilitate and improve inmate behavior and better treat inmates in solving problems. He assured to train prison officers in accordance with the Mandela Rules in efforts to reform the prisons.
At the ceremony, the United Nations Resident Coordinator to the Maldives Catherine Haswell presented the Dhivehi translation of The Nelson Mandela Rules to the government of the Maldives. Following the presentation, Minister Imran noted it as an important step taken towards the reform. He said the implementation of the rules will establish peace, strengthen democracy and advance human rights efforts of the administration.
Minister Imran praised the staff of UNODC and the home ministry and congratulated them as the day marked the first ever Nelson Mandela International Day. He said it is time the government reformed the prisons and move forward with development.