Maldivian prisons to meet 'Mandela Rules' standards

The government has begun work to launch the 'Nelson Mandela Rules,' for the treatment of prisoners, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

While the inaugural session of the parliament was held at Dharubaaruge on Thursday morning, this is the first time the president- a former parliamentarian himself- has addressed the parliament since assuming office in November 2018.

Noting that no one should be deprived of their basic rights "even if in custody," President Solih said that his administration has begun work to improve the country's correctional facilities.

As such, he said that they are currently working on bringing the necessary changes to the prison system, to the standards of the 'Nelson Mandela Rules.'

'Nelson Mandela Rules', or the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

They are the UN's guidelines to ensure that prisoners are treated well and their dignity is respected world-wide; there are 122 rules, divided into different categories from sleeping conditions to solitary confinement.

The rules, which took five years to prepare, plays homage to former South African President Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for 27 years for his work.

While President Solih has announced decision to launch the 'Mandela Rules,' his government is to conduct an audit of prison and detention facilities within the 100 days in office.

In order to fulfill this, Home Minister Imran Abdulla has formed a seven-member commission which is to complete the audit within 75 days.

Imran, who had been jailed from 2015 to 2018, has stated that the current conditions in the country's prison facilities are “so bad” that the individuals would require rehabilitation after completing their sentences.