NSAP 2019-2023 acknowledges that a lack of necessary laws, shortfalls in existing legislation hinders the effectiveness of State institutions in the Maldives. Furthermore, limitations of the legal system, independence and accountability of the judiciary, lack of transparency and effectiveness of the JSC, lack of public trust in the judiciary system, dissatisfaction with the courts, judges and magistrates due to lack of competence, allegations of corruption, unfair/unjust decision-making, unavailability of lawyers, have severe implications on the delivery of justice in the Maldives. [at 366, NSAP 2019-2023].

The sub-sector, therefore, proposed to address the challenges to Access to Justice through legal and judicial reforms, and committed to the introduction of a legal aid bill to strengthen the service provision.