Currently, under the prevailing Criminal Justice Act, individuals as young as 15 can be held accountable for criminal offences in the Maldives.
juvenile Court of The Maldives
As crime rates surge both locally in the Maldives and worldwide, it's understandable to feel a sense of unease, particularly in our close-knit island community. Recent events, like the shocking video depicting extreme bullying, have heightened concerns. This incident underscores the pressing need to address issues at their roots, especially to prevent young individuals from normalizing violence as a means of asserting power in society.
The rise in bullying and violent behaviour, particularly among school-age children, has prompted a critical reevaluation of our justice system. What was once dismissed as harmless teasing has morphed into disturbing acts of aggression, with some youths resorting to violence to assert dominance over their peers. These troubling trends have spurred discussions about the efficacy of current legal frameworks.
In response to these challenges, the Maldivian government has proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years. While this may seem startlingly young, similar measures exist in other parts of the world, where the age of criminal responsibility often falls between 10 and 12 years old. Currently, under the prevailing Criminal Justice Act, individuals as young as 15 can be held accountable for criminal offences in the Maldives.
However, the proliferation of incidents like the recently leaked video has underscored the inadequacy of existing measures. The government's proposed adjustment aims to address this gap by providing a legal framework to intervene early in cases involving juvenile offenders. By lowering the age of criminal responsibility, authorities hope to implement more targeted interventions and support systems for at-risk youth, ultimately fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
In addition to adjusting the age of criminal responsibility, it's crucial to prioritize rehabilitation for young offenders. Punitive measures often fall short of addressing underlying issues driving delinquency. Reformation efforts should include access to counselling, education, and vocational training, aiming to break the cycle of violence and empower youth to make positive choices.
Promoting empathy and conflict resolution skills through education initiatives is vital in shaping attitudes and behaviours. Community involvement, including families, schools, and organizations, provides essential support networks for at-risk youth. By investing in rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of delinquency, we can create a safer, more resilient society for future generations.
