MP calls for health, welfare ministries to explain delays in juvenile justice law

An opposition lawmaker has asked the People's Majlis to summon the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social and Family Development to explain why key provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act have not been fully implemented.

Mohamed Ibrahim, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) member for Galolhu North constituency, submitted the request in a letter to Parliament on Monday.

In the letter, Mohamed said the Juvenile Justice Act was enacted to protect the interests of children while placing rehabilitation at the centre of the juvenile justice system. However, he said several provisions of the law had not been implemented as required.

He requested that the ministries respond to a number of issues relating to the enforcement of the Act.

Among the concerns raised was the failure to establish juvenile detention and rehabilitation centres in line with the law. Mohamed asked when construction of the juvenile detention centre would be completed.

He also sought information on the status of diversion programmes intended to support the reintegration of children who commit offences.

The letter highlighted a shortage of personnel trained to work in juvenile justice and asked what measures were being taken to address the issue.

Mohamed said the absence of rehabilitation facilities had resulted in children remaining in detention for longer periods and asked how the government planned to resolve the problem.

He also questioned how authorities were dealing with children below the age of criminal responsibility, which is set at 15 under the law.

The letter raised concerns over coordination between institutions involved in the juvenile justice system, saying delays in information sharing and operational cooperation were affecting implementation.

Mohamed further requested information on measures taken against those who exploit children, and whether enforcement action had increased.

He also asked whether the Department of Juvenile Justice had sufficient funding, staffing and other resources to carry out its responsibilities under the Act.

In addition, the MP sought details of monitoring carried out by the Children's Ombudsman's Office and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, and asked whether conflicts with other legislation were affecting implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.