A decade ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the rules of Nelson Mandela-a set of 122 directives establishing minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, inspired by one of the most influential former political prisoners in the world-the South African Civil Rights icon, Nelson Mandela.
These rules aim to guarantee security, security and respect for human dignity, offering clear benchmarks for prison personnel.
Despite this, penitentiary systems around the world continue to face deeply rooted challenges. The General Assembly met on Friday to discuss the way of better protecting companies against crime by focusing on rehabilitation and preparing prisoners for life after prison.
Overcrowded cells
“Prison cells are overflowing,” said Ghada Waly, executive director of the United Nations Drugs and Crime (Unodc), noting that 11.5 million people are currently imprisoned worldwide.
“” Overcrowding deprives people of their most fundamental rights, including access to health care, drinking water and sanitation“She warned. However, the penitentiary services remain underfunded, sub-priorized and undervalued.
These systemic failures not only put detainees and staff, but also weaken efforts to reintegrate former prisoners – posing risks for the community in the broad sense, added President of the General Assembly Phillémon Yang.
Women behind bars
The number of women in prison has increased by 57% in the past 20 years, almost the rate of men.
Most systems are not equipped to meet their specific needs. “” It’s not sure. And it’s not human“Said Ms. Waly.
Women in detention are particularly vulnerable, faced with greater risks of sexual violence, limited access to reproductive health care and the separation of their children.
Time for daring reform
“” We need a daring vision-the one that goes beyond bricks and bars to focus on people and their potential“Said Ms. Waly, urging governments to reinvent how prisons are managed.
Managed in responsibility, prisons can support public security, justice and the rule of law. But today’s penitentiary environments are often dangerous and counterproductive.
UN officials stressed that rehabilitation should be at the heart of reforms, including support systems that reduce the probability of recurrence and help former prisoners to reintegrate into society.
“The real measure of justice is not the way we punish,” concluded Mr. Yang, “but how we protect, rehabilitate and build a better future for everyone, everywhere. »»
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
