JSC provides information requested by UN Special Rapporteur

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has provided some information requested by UN Special Rapporteur Ms Gabriela Knaul, who is currently visiting the Maldives.

JSC Media Official Hassan Zaheen said that Ms Knaul requested for information on the procedures followed by JSC in receiving complaints, conducting investigations and taking action. He said that this information was shared with Ms Knaul at a meeting held at JSC today.

During her visit Ms Knaul will study the independence of the justice system of Maldives.

JSC said that a presentation on work to be done to strengthen the institution was also given at today’s meeting.

“At the meeting today, information was given about the procedures of the commission. Information was also shared about the commission’s policies on dealing with complaints,” said an official of JSC.

JSC has not disclosed any details of the issues discussed at the meeting.

Foreign Ministry has said that Ms Knaul is visiting the Maldives as part of her engagement with the Maldives and also as a follow up to her predecessor Dr Leandro Despouy’s visit to the Maldives in 2007.

The Ministry said that her mission to the Maldives will be focused towards assessing the independence of judges and lawyers as well as the smooth functioning of the justice system after the enactment of the new democratic Constitution in the Maldives in 2008, and that she will hold meetings with all Government and non-Governmental stakeholders including NGOs during her visit.

Ms Knaul paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Waheed on Sunday.