Ministry of Home Affairs has established a Juvenile Residential Treatment Centre in Veymandoo, Thaa Atoll.
At the inauguration ceremony, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ali Nazeer said that the national policy on helping the marginalised youth in the Maldives prioritises preventing minors from participating in criminal activity. He said that the establishment of the Juvenile Residential Treatment Centre is a significant step for criminal justice as it will assist in helping youth at risk.
Additionally, State Minister Nazeer said that prevention of crime should take priority over stopping crime and that work should focus on closing opportunities for criminals. He said that the Maldives is reaching a new standard in establishing and implementing laws in accordance with international best practices. He emphasised that developing infrastructure will not solve social issues in the country but the juvenile centre will greatly assist in the efforts.
The Juvenile Residential Treatment Centre was established in Veymandoo in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act. The centre will accommodate minors who need to be isolated for treatment as well as those who need to be kept for rehabilitation. The staff at the centre will provide the minors with education and skills training during their stay.