The Government of the Maldives has submitted the Juvenile Justice Bill to the People's Majlis. The bill was submitted to combat the urgent need for a judiciary system to completely protect the social and constitutional rights of children and describe the standards that must be met for those who are under the minimum age of social or criminal responsibility.
Upon ratification, this bill will establish the juvenile justice system separate from the criminal justice system, with a set of officials specialized in the juvenile justice system, encompassing a Juvenile Court established at Male' City and corresponding regional divisions. According to the new rights being granted, all children under the age of 15 are protected from being penalized under criminal law.
The bill also directs the creation of a Department of Juvenile Justice as a Government entity with its own set mandate, under the jurisdiction of the pertinent Ministry. The bill also requires the establishment of juvenile detention centres within 18 months of ratification.