A Dhivehi translation of “The Nelson Mandela Rules” has been presented to the Maldives government.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator to the Maldives, Catherine Haswell, presented a Dhivehi translation of “The Nelson Mandela Rules” to Vice President Faisal Naseem during a special ceremony at the President’s Office on Saturday.

Receiving the copy, VP Naseem expressed his honor in having received the book, on the birthday of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

Mandela is a towering and inspirational figure whose example many global democratic practitioners strive to match, said the Vice President.

VP Naseem added that he “strongly admires” Mandela, who was also an activist, alongside being a political leader.

Haswell praised “The Nelson Mandela Rules” and expressed her firm belief that it is important for all countries to adhere to them in the treatment of prisoners and highlighted that the rules are widely referred to international standards in determining whether the detention facilities and treatment of prisoners nationwide, align with global best practices on human rights.

The UN Resident Coordinator expressed keenness to engage with the Maldivian government in the area of prison reform, which the incumbent President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is keen on.

Reiterating this, VP Naseem stated that the current government prioritizes prison reform and the implementation of a justice system that gives precedence to rehabilitation and reintegration, having shed light on the ongoing work in its efforts to provide education and job training opportunities for prisoners.

The ceremony was joined by the Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla who noted with pride that this is an important step taken for prison reform. He assured that work will proceed to train the prisons officers and officials in accordance with “The Nelson Mandela Rules” in the near future.

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.

The rules give guidance to the aspects of management at prison facilities and includes prohibition of torture and limits on solitary confinement.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had, during his inaugural session at parliament in February 2019, revealed that work was underway to bring the necessary changes to the prison system, to the standards of the 'Nelson Mandela Rules.'