Building on the momentum generated by this week’s swearing in of the Maldives’ first-ever permanent Supreme Court, and the related adoption of the Judges Act, the Government today announced details of partnership agreement with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) designed to support the judicial sector, strengthen the independence and capacity of the judiciary, and enhance public trust in the country’s courts of law. The long-term partnership between the Maldives and the ICJ will be led, on the side of the ICJ, by Dr. Param Cumaraswamy and Dr. Leandro Despouy, two former United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the Independence of the Judiciary, and two of the world’s foremost experts on matters pertaining to the judicial sector and the separation and balance of powers between the judiciary and the other branches of government.The two former Special Rapporteurs will visit the Maldives from 13-18 September to discuss and agree on the terms of reference for the ICJ’s long-term engagement.In addition, the mission will also have a more immediate focus on providing advice to the Government and other actors, gathering information about the challenges to judicial independence and integrity, reporting back with findings and recommendations as well as bench marks for monitoring progress, and engaging in follow up at national and international levels (UN, Commonwealth, etc.).The ICJ is expected to work with the Government of Maldives on a sustainable basis to strengthen the judiciary and incorporate international standards into national law and practice.