Penitentiary Reform
Following two decades of armed conflict, Afghanistan's prison system remains in desperate need of repair and development. A fully-functioning corrections system is an essential component of effective justice in post-conflict countries, as the government works to re-establish the rule of law
An insufficient prison system encourages an environment for gross violations of human rights and public safety, and decreases the public's confidence in the fairness and compassion of the state. In some contexts, a lack of effective prison capacity and oversight has led to problems including unlawful and arbitrary confinement, physical and sexual abuse, corruption, torture, and marginalization of vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Currently in Afghanistan, there are 34 provincial prisons and 203 district detention centres in Afghanistan. Most prisons are in need of substantial physical improvements in order to meet international standards.
UNODC seeks immediate and concrete human impact, aiming for a humane approach within the prisons and detention centres, with a specific focus on the most vulnerable group: women. Adequate and separate housing for female prisoners with children remains a key issue, as minor children are often incarcerated with their mothers, and most prisons do not have the capacity to care for their specific needs, as mandated in the Law on Prisons and Detention Centres.
Reforming the penitentiary system is a priority for the Afghan Government and UNODC, in partnership with the relevant national and international stakeholders in the country. Consistent with the Afghanistan Compact and the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), the overall objective of the national prison reform strategy is to create functioning prisons, including separate facilities for women and juvenile offenders, in each of the 34 provinces. UNODC directly supports this effort through its ongoing programme in penitentiary reform.
UNODC provides assistance in prison settings, and trains prison wardens and managers in humane detention, including the management of drug addiction and the reintegration of ex- prisoners. UNODC supports male and female prisoners through educational and vocational training, in order to help them in starting a new life after imprisonment.
An additional service package implemented through psycho-social counselling training to female prison staff combines technical advisory services to relevant Afghan institutions along with social and psychological support for prisoners. UNODC continues its response to poor conditions and overcrowding in prisons by supporting the Afghan government in developing alternatives to imprisonment, and keeping addicts out of prison through preventive measures.
Concept Note on "Reforming Penitentiary in Afghanistan" (full text)
