Committee green-lights participation in UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime

The Parliament’s National Security Committee has green-lighted parliament approval for Maldives’ participation in the United Nations (UN) Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo Convention), which would facilitate transnational assistance in prosecution processes related to organised crimes.

The eight members present at yesterday’s Committee meeting agreed that the Maldives will become signatory to the Convention, provided that the Convention does not contain protocols that contradict with the Constitution of the Maldives and basic principles of Islam.

Some transnational crimes included in the Convention include terrorism, smuggling migrants, drug-related crimes, money laundering, corruption and human trafficking.

The Convention also classifies participation in organised crimes and obstruction of justice as crimes.

Subsequent to participation in this Convention, Maldives will be required to revise its legal structure in order to take the necessary action stipulated in the Convention. The Convention also states Maldives should cooperate with other countries in the investigation and prosecution processes whenever necessary.

The Convention, which came into effect on 29 September 2003, has been signed by 163 countries.

The final decision for Maldives to participate in the Palermo Convention will be made by voting at the parliament floor.