The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has expressed concerns over the state of prisons in the Maldives and various issues faced by detainees.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is currently undertaking a country visit to the Maldives from November 29 to December 9. The working group held a press conference on December 9 to brief the media on its findings during this visit.
Speaking to the press, the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group Elina Steinerte said a lot of work is needed to improve the state of prisons in the Maldives. She highlighted a wide range of issues faced in prisons, including the lengthy arbitrary detention faced by some detainees. Noting there are individuals who have been detained without a trial for 4 years, the chair-rapporteur said priority needs to be given to speed up trials and protect the rights of detainees.
Furthermore, Chair-Rapporteur Steinerte highlighted some issues faced in providing the right for legal representation, as well as access to healthcare. She also noted some prison cells are overcrowded beyond capacity.
During the press conference, the chair-rapporteur of the UN Working Group highlighted the efforts undertaken by Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) to improve the state of prisons. She expressed hope the newly ratified Police Service Act will lead to better results, especially in protecting the rights of detainees.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is visiting the Maldives following a standing invitation by the government. The working group will present its final report on this visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2022.
The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is a Special Procedures mandate-holder of the UN Human Rights Council, established by the former Commission on Human Rights in 1991 to investigate instances of alleged arbitrary deprivation of liberty. The mandate of the working group has been extended by the commission to cover the issue of administrative custody of asylum-seekers and immigrants.