UNDP Donates to the Digitization Efforts of the Maldives Judiciary

On Wednesday, the United Nations Development Program in the Maldives handed over ICT assets to the Department of Judicial Administration in a ceremony held for the occasion. The Asset Transfer Letter to the Department of Judicial Administration was received by Chief Judicial Administrator, Uza. Aishath Rizna. Chairperson of Judicial Services Commission, Honorable Uza. Hisaan Hussain presided the event as the Chief Guest. 
 
The digital equipment are to be used in Magistrate courts to facilitate vital judicial services work remotely and increase access to justice for communities. It is believed that this support will significantly multiply the number of court hearings from last year amid the restrictions in effect.  
 
The generous donation was backed by the British High Commission in the Maldives through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund programme in the country. UNDP also acknowledges the continuous support received from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office towards the development of Maldives and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the country. 

 From the ICT assets handover ceremony for the Magistrate Court. Photo: Maldives Judiciary

Speaking at the ceremony, the British High Commissioner to the Maldives, Her Excellency Caron  Röhsler said that the early decision to move judicial services to online platforms was an impressive achievement by the Department of Judicial Administration. In support, “the UK was pleased to provide additional assistance to further extend the reach of the rule of law throughout the islands and atolls of Maldives,” she stated.  
 
UNDP has made a number of donations in this regard to key justice sector stakeholders since the onset of the pandemic. They include Apex Courts in Male’, the Prosecutor General's Office and the Attorney General’s Office. From September 2020 to December 2020 alone, more than 11,000 online hearings were facilitated by the Judiciary with these new technological solutions in place. 
 
“It is important to consider the access to justice services that needs to be provided for hard to reach and vulnerable populations, including access to legal aid and information, to comprehensive services for victims and survivors of violence, to protection of migrants and displaced populations.” said UNDP Resident Representative ad interim in the Maldives, Vera Hakim. She stressed on the importance of increasing public confidence and belief in the judiciary and justice sector as a whole with likewise support.  

 UNDP RR a.i. Vera Hakim speaking at the digital assets handover ceremony to Maldives Judiciary. Photo: Maldives Judicary

In her remarks Chief Judicial Administrator, Aishath Rizna, extended her sincere gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the judiciary for the continued support provided by UNDP.