Efforts underway to identify issues in prisons following HRCM statement

Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) states they have initiated action in light of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives’ (HRCM) statement urging for arrangements to protect inmates from heat in light of the humid days Maldives is presently battling.  

Correction’s Spokesperson told Sun that efforts were presently underway to identify the issues within prisons. The Spokesperson added that renovations to mend these issues will commence as early as possible after the completion of the identification process.

However, the Spokesperson stressed an exact date for renovations cannot be specified at the moment.

HRCM, in a statement last Thursday, said most detention facilities are observed during visits as humid places even on normal days. They also noted poor ventilation in most cells.

Therewith, HRCM called on the relevant authorities to make arrangements to combat heat at correctional and juvenile detention facilities, immigration detention centers and police custodial prisons managed by them as allowed by the capacity. 

Detention facilities presently used in the Maldives had been developed years ago. Therewith, this sort of renovation is expected to consume days.