New York: The global community is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, alongside the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules. This year presents not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to renew commitments to penal and prison reform, which holds benefits for society at large.
According to EMM, despite the significant challenges that prisons worldwide face, there is a burgeoning momentum for reform. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is actively collaborating with over 50 Member States to transform prison and penal systems from punishment-focused institutions to centers fostering justice and rehabilitation. Highlighted below are ten stories from various prisons that underscore the transformative power of effective penal reform.
In Nigeria, a chess initiative in prisons is providing inmates with an intellectual outlet and a means to develop strategic thinking skills. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Dave, a prisoner involved in a UNODC-supported reading-for-release program, finds solace in historical fiction, which offers him a sense of freedom and distraction from his current circumstances.
In Mexico, Matías, a prisoner, has participated in a UNODC-supported water harvesting program. He learned how to install water systems, equipping him with valuable skills and qualifications for future employment opportunities. In Malaysia, Abdullah, a former inmate, benefited from vocational training programs that helped him stay positive and optimistic about life after prison.
Thailand’s prisons have become a stage for transformation, with inmates receiving vocational training and engaging in music performances. Khun Panya shares his pride in his son, who has become less aggressive and more focused on positive influences through participation in a UNODC-supported concert initiative.
Sri Lanka’s prisoners are cultivating agricultural skills through a UNODC-supported food security initiative. Kasun, one of the participants, is now confident about using his newfound knowledge to grow food post-release. In Ghana, Superintendent Bright Kwame Dogbatse emphasizes the importance of training prison officers in the Mandela Rules to facilitate successful reintegration of former inmates into society.
In Lebanon, Lama, a prisoner at Beirut’s women’s prison, is a testament to the power of second chances, having undergone vocational training that has significantly altered her outlook on life. Tajikistan’s Jumaboy has experienced a turning point through literacy programs, discovering new opportunities for self-education and personal growth.
Finally, in Kazakhstan, prisoners like the welder who now earns a salary, are finding purpose and the ability to support their families through paid work opportunities within the prison system. This initiative has given the prisoners a sense of contribution and happiness, making a difference in their lives and their communities.