15 December 2020: Today marks an important step in 'Bridging The Digital Divide' of the justice sector with the handover of equipment by UNDP to the Attorney General's Office of the Maldives to facilitate video conferencing and software systems for virtual and digital platforms to conduct online court hearings. 

Along with the handover of equipment, UNDP is also supporting the AG Office with training of court officials to use the digital platforms and ensure necessary information and service are continuously accessible to all sectors of the public to ensure equal access. 

With the handover of digital equipment, AG Office will be establishing integrated case management and e-filing of cases across all courts, while safeguarding data privacy and security.  increases access to justice.

"I sincerely thank the UNDP for the equipment we received today. A special thank you to UNDP Resident Representative to the Maldives, Ms Akiko Fujii for her leadership and foresight and the continued support provided, to strengthen the governance and justice system of the Maldives," said Hon. Ibrahim Riffath, Attorney General of the Maldives.

UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fujii thanked the Attorney General for championing the agenda of modernizing the justice system and decentralizing services for island communities, and stated these efforts as a fundamental step to achieve the Sustainable Goals for the Maldives, especially Goal 10 on reduced inequalites, and Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.