The Attorney General's Office and the British High Commission recently convened a meeting called 'Unlocking Justice' to address challenges within the Maldives' criminal justice system and strengthen collaborative efforts for its improvement.

Held on February 10, 2025, at Kurumba Maldives, the meeting centred on findings from a study conducted by Tetra Tech International Development for the British High Commission. Stakeholders gathered to review recommendations and outline concrete steps to enhance the judicial system's effectiveness.

The session brought together prominent legal figures, including Chief Justice Uz Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham, Prosecutor General Justice (Retired) Uz Abbas Shareef, Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen.

The meeting also welcomed judges from the Supreme Court and High Court of Maldives, members of the diplomatic community, Criminal Court judges, and representatives from key institutions including the Prosecutor General's Office, Attorney General's Office, Judicial Service Commission, and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Officials from the Department of Judicial Administration, Maldives Bar Council, Maldives Police Service, and Maldives Correctional Service participated alongside judges from the United Kingdom.

The Chief Justice emphasised the necessity of sustained and proactive measures to strengthen the criminal justice system. Discussions focused particularly on addressing trial delays and improving communication and information-sharing among institutions.

The Attorney General confirmed ongoing efforts to reinforce the legal framework governing the criminal justice system, highlighting the government's commitment to reducing trial delays and enhancing operational efficiency.

The event featured three panel discussions exploring various aspects of the justice system, including stakeholder perspectives, judicial leadership, and the role of digitalisation in modernising judicial processes.

UK technical experts Joe Holmes and David Wells, specialists in institutional reform and criminal justice systems, are overseeing 'Unlocking Justice' project aiming to achieve meaningful improvements through collaboration between Maldivian and international stakeholders.