On September 6, 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducted a specialized training program for 15 judges in the Maldives focusing on maritime counter-terrorism. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening the country’s legal frameworks and capabilities to combat terrorism. The judiciary’s role in these efforts is increasingly recognized as crucial, emphasizing the need for judges to be well-versed in complex legal issues and ensure justice is administered impartially.
The three-day course equipped participants with essential knowledge on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as it pertains to maritime terrorism. Judges gained familiarity with maritime terminology, vessel boarding procedures, and the unique challenges faced during maritime interdictions. Emphasis was placed on understanding the significance of mutual legal assistance requests and extradition processes as strong tools in combating maritime terrorism.
Interactive training methods, including plenary sessions, group work, and case study analyses, effectively engaged the participants. The judges shared insights from their own experiences, contributing to a rich discussion and collaborative learning environment. Notably, a representative from TikTok highlighted the organization’s cooperative efforts with law enforcement, illustrating the modern challenges posed by digital platforms in the realm of counter-terrorism.
Through the practical approach of the training, judges demonstrated improved comprehension of evidence assessment and recognized the unique challenges related to maritime terrorism cases. Reference materials utilized during the sessions included UNODC’s Practical Guide for Requesting Electronic Evidence across Borders, which further enhanced the judges’ understanding of international best practices.
This judicial training follows a similar program held for prosecutors in Maldives just a month prior, reinforcing the project’s objectives of building capacity within government agencies. By bolstering the judiciary’s understanding of international maritime law and relevant best practices, the initiative aims to ensure that the Maldivian legal system is equipped to handle terrorism-related cases effectively.
The training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 and 17, focusing on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and reflects the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening its legal frameworks in the fight against terrorism. This initiative underscores the importance of empowering judicial authorities to contribute to national security and uphold the rule of law.
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