The Children's Ombudsperson Office (COO) has visited Asseyri Prison in Himmafushi to check if the newly established Juvenile Centre has fulfilled the requirements as stated in the Juvenile Justice Act. The visit was made by Children's Ombudsperson Niumath Shafeeq and officials from the Compliance and Enforcement Department of the COO.
During the visit, the team from the COO met the children at Asseyri Prison and identified the extent to which they were provided with the rights and services required under the law. The COO also met with a team of senior officials of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) regarding the work of the Juvenile Detention Centre.
The COO also assessed the implementation of the Child Rights Protection Act and the Children's Act at Asseyri Prison. The COO said any necessary information will be shared with authorities after the visit.
Furthermore, the COO revealed the implementation of the shared information will be closely monitored.
The Juvenile Detention Centre was brought to service on January 30. The objective of the centre is to provide early rehabilitation for juveniles exposed to crime. The centre was established with the resources and personnel required to provide rehabilitation for juveniles exposed to crime.
The centre was established as part of the administration's efforts to build a peaceful and resilient society in the Maldives.