Maldives: UNODC Empowers Prosecutors to Tackle Maritime Terrorism Through Specialized Training 

Male, Maldives/August 24, 2023: Effective legal frameworks, criminal justice strategies, operational and technical capacities are essential to enable Member States to prevent and respond to terrorism.

In an effort to bolster national security, UNODC, under the project "Support to addressing the risk of terrorism and increasing security in the Maldives," conducted a comprehensive two-day training session for prosecutors from the Prosecutor General’s Office, Government of the Maldives. This crucial initiative, funded by the European Union, was designed to equip Maldives prosecutors with specialized skills in prosecuting maritime terrorism.

Guided by an international expert, the program delved into the complexities of prosecuting maritime terrorism cases, aligning with both domestic legislation and international conventions.

The participants were immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that encompassed critical legal instruments and standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation. This training also delved into vital aspects of human rights, international legal instruments for counterterrorism, and maritime safety and security measures, such as vessel classification, search protocols, and boarding procedures.

The outcome of the training was transformative: participants left with an enriched understanding of UNCLOS provisions related to maritime terrorism cases, ensuring jurisdictional clarity within distinct maritime zones. They also gained invaluable insight into maritime terminology and the intricate procedures of vessel boarding conducted by law enforcement agencies, enhancing their ability to navigate challenges during maritime interdictions.

Moreover, the training facilitated a deeper awareness of mutual legal assistance requests and extradition processes, fostering effective collaboration with international partners in addressing maritime terrorism cases.

This initiative builds upon the achievements of the previous project "Support to Maldives on Counter-Terrorism," implemented between February 2020 and July 2021. This earlier undertaking, also funded by the European Union, concentrated on enhancing the capabilities of the Maldives' criminal justice officials, particularly in detection, investigation, and prosecution of terrorism-related cases. The recent training seamlessly dovetailed with the knowledge and skills imparted during the previous project, demonstrating UNODC's commitment to ensuring long-term impact and the sustainability of its endeavors.

This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Funded by European Union)