We are excited to publish the third issue of the Maahara Digest! The aim of the digest is to raise awareness about social reintegration for individuals within the criminal justice system in the Maldives and foster understanding of the available opportunities and challenges pertaining to this critical issue. Through the issues, we would also be highlighting the endeavors of Transparency Maldives (TM) in promoting effective social reintegration and our collaborative work with local CSOs to encourage resilience.
The third issue of the Maahara Digest aims to bring attention to the current situation in the Maldives and is primarily based on the findings of the “Situational Analysis of the pathways to social reintegration for offenders and drug-dependent persons in the Maldives” published by TM in 2022.
This edition concentrates on our various collaborations with both state and non-state actors to advocate for research-based strategies, endorse restorative justice, provide access to resources and services, establish supportive relationships, enhance capacity, develop skills, and encourage positive identities, all aimed at promoting effective social reintegration.
One of the key objectives of TM under its PRIME project is to support the promotion of effective social reintegration. The project also seeks to emphasize the importance of social reintegration as an essential component of building safer, resilient communities and fostering greater harmony within society. Over the past few years, we have collaborated with various groups in different locations to enhance key skills, knowledge, and capacity. Our primary focus has been on strengthening civil society engagements aimed at promoting effective social reintegration and overall resilience.
Through our numerous collaborations, partnerships, and subgrants, we have:
- Engaged effectively in evidence-based research advocacy efforts, addressing reintegration issues with seven key government stakeholders.
- Conducted restorative justice and juvenile justice trainings and awareness for state stakeholders, CSOs, and community members.
- Provided access and resources to vulnerable groups through our subgrant with Journey for their RISE project.
- Promoted parenting skills to cultivate resilience and supportive relationships.
- Built the capacity of service delivery workers in providing rehabilitation.
- Conducted career guidance sessions and vocational training for vulnerable individuals in prisons and rehabilitation centers.
- Cultivated positive self-identity and life skills through our subgrants with Huvadhoo Aid NGO for their ‘Vulnerable Youth Support project’ and Femhealth NGO for their project ‘ERA’.