Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has begun work to expand Malé jail, to meet ‘Mandela Rules’ standards.

Noting that the jail is being expanded to fit a total of 60 people, MCS said that it will meet the 'Nelson Mandela Rules', or the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners; 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 worldwide; there are 122 rules, divided into different categories from sleeping conditions to solitary confinement.

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

MCS expects to finish the work during Ramadan.

The Malé jail renovation comes after its Annex 1, where convicts are held temporarily, was closed by authorities for not meeting human rights standards.

Improving conditions inside prison facilities is a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and carrying out audits was included in his ambitious 100-day agenda.

The President, in February, announced plans to change the current prison system to the standards of the 'Nelson Mandela Rules.'