Director General/Executive Director
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Allow me to begin by thanking Ambassador Seokolo for this meaningful gift to UNODC, signifying Nelson Mandela's long walk to freedom, and our commitment to following in his footsteps in the fight for justice.
I would equally like to thank Ambassador Küntzle for Germany's continued support for the work of the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules.
The Nelson Mandela Rules, or revised UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, continue to remind us that the proper administration of prisons underpins the rule of law and is a part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNODC promotes prison reform in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules, which are as much about safeguarding fundamental human rights and dignity of those behind bars as they are about the security and well-being of all people.
Investment in the humane custody of offenders has proven to reduce re-offending upon release. It is an investment in crime prevention, in social cohesion and public safety.
The Rules also acknowledge the many challenges faced by prison staff, who undertake complex and demanding tasks in support of criminal justice systems and yet often receive little recognition.
UNODC supports countries to put the Nelson Mandela Rules into practice to ensure the fair and effective administration of justice, through humane conditions of imprisonment as well as through appropriate resort to non-custodial sanctions and access to legal aid.
Our support includes providing field-based technical assistance and guidance materials through our Global Programme on Addressing Prison Challenges.
UNODC continues to receive an increasing number of requests from Member States, encompassing legislative reform, prison staff training and guidance on prison management practices.
In this regard, I welcome the support of so many Member States through the Group of Friends for the Nelson Mandela Rules.
I also commend the commitment shown by South Africa with the national launch of the Nelson Mandela Rules during the centenary last year, and I hope other governments will follow this example.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you once again for your dedication in promoting the practical application of the Nelson Mandela Rules, to help all countries move from words to action.
Through our joint efforts, we seek to carry on the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Not just on the International Day in July, but every day, to leave no one behind, to address the plight of an otherwise forgotten population behind bars, to protect human rights and promote public safety. Thank you.