Police says it values independent oversight and will work to meet international standards

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has issued a report on the treatment of prisoners in police custody and children in state‑run shelters under its National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) mandate.

The report highlighted several concerns regarding conditions in police detention and children’s shelters. Key issues noted include:

• An increase in the number of remand prisoners  

• Delayed access to healthcare  

• Shortage of staff  

• Concerns over disciplinary measures in detention facilities  

• Important rules and SOPs yet to be developed  

In a press statement responding to last year’s NPM report, the Maldives Police Service said it recognises the vital role played by independent institutions in strengthening accountability, transparency and the protection of human rights.

ނޭޝަނަލް ޕްރިވެންޓިވް މެކޭނިޒަމް (އެން.ޕީ.އެމް)ގެ އަހަރީ ރިޕޯޓު 2025ގެ ޚުލާސާ:https://t.co/8Gu4oU1Hpo pic.twitter.com/VlN2Za8T5v

— HRC of the Maldives (@hrcmv) May 5, 2026

Police said the monitoring efforts carried out under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) demonstrate the national importance placed on preventing ill‑treatment and improving custodial standards.

According to police, the report highlights challenges faced by the entire system, not just a single institution. They stressed that the findings are recommendations for corrective action, not legally binding conclusions of wrongdoing or misconduct.

Police also expressed concern over how some media outlets interpreted the report, saying the coverage did not take into account the resource limitations and operational challenges faced by institutions.

“We assure you that the service will continue to work with the HRCM and other relevant stakeholders to improve the quality of service. We also assure you that all necessary efforts will be made to comply with the laws and international standards,” the statement said.