Parliament moved to address failures in implementing Juvenile Criminal Justice Act

North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has asked Parliament to summon officials from the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology and the Ministry of Health to the Committee on Human Rights and Gender, citing their failure to implement the Juvenile Criminal Justice Act.

In his letter, Kudu noted that although the Act is a modern law designed to protect the interests of juveniles, ensure accountability for offenses, and promote reform, several aspects of its implementation are not being carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

He highlighted multiple issues, including:  

• Lack of resources  

• Failure to conduct diversion programs  

• Lack of specially trained personnel  

• Challenges in keeping children in custody  

• Difficulties in age determination  

• Poor coordination between institutions  

• Limited action against adults who exploit children  

• Weak roles of law enforcement and independent institutions  

• Conflicts with other laws  

Kudu said the juvenile detention and rehabilitation centers mandated under the Act are not up to the required standard, leaving no safe environment in the country to house juvenile offenders.

He added that the entire system has been weakened by the failure to expand nationwide diversion programs, mechanisms intended to rehabilitate children without sending them to trial, and by delays in training specialized police, prosecutors and judges to work within the juvenile criminal system.

The letter also noted that a shortage of probation officers and social workers has resulted in children not being monitored, while the absence of proper correctional facilities has led to juveniles involved in serious offenses being kept in custody for extended periods.

Kudu further pointed out that after the age of criminal responsibility was changed to 15 years, major legal and administrative obstacles have emerged in prosecuting offenses committed by younger children. He also highlighted inadequate budgets and resources for the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Juvenile Court, alongside persistent coordination gaps between institutions.

He stressed that there can be no lasting solution if adults who commit crimes with children are not held accountable.

Kudu therefore requested that all relevant agencies, including Home Affairs and Health, be brought before the Human Rights and Gender Committee for questioning, in order to resolve contradictions between laws and address systemic failures.

Recently, youths and children have been involved in fights and riots in the community. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Sunday in connection with a fight at Hiyaa Park in Hulhumale'. Earlier this month, three children living at the temporary residential treatment center in Hoarafushi were also involved in a fight. Police said they are closely monitoring such incidents and working at various levels to reduce youth violence.