Why is the rehabilitation of prisoners important? How can countries ensure a balance between security and dignity in prisons? Find out more in this new episode of UNODC Explains.
Under the Doha Declaration Global Programme, UNODC has developed a Practical Guide to Creating a Brand of Prison Products to support Member States in developing or enhancing a brand of prison products or services, in full compliance with international standards and norms applicable to prison-based work programmes and prisoners' working conditions.
Overcrowding in prisons is a global issue, including in Indonesia where rehabilitation facilities originally designed to house around 130,000 people are now nearing double that capacity.
At parts of efforts to resolve issues such as this, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime launched a prisoner rehabilitation project in the Semarang Female Correctional Facility. Developed under the Doha Declaration Global Programme, the project aims to lower the reoffending rate by providing prisoners with vocational training in batik - the country's traditional fabric dyeing technic. By obtaining commercially viable skills that can be used post-release, prisoners earn #ANewChance to reintegrate into society and avoid conflict with the law in the future.
Since 2000, the global female prison population has increased by 50%. This story of Asih is one example of how rehabilitation programmes supported by UNODC's Global Doha Declaration programme help provide inmates with equal opportunities for #ANewChance upon release.
UNODC's new Handbook on the Classification of Prisoners is designed to provide practical information and guidelines to support prison administrations with the development of an effective system that meets international standards. It is based on grounded research evidence and the experience of numerous countries that have implemented such systems. Although primarily designed for prison officers, it is also intended to be a useful resource guide for other criminal justice officials and parties involved in the criminal justice system.
"Clean hands are key to fighting #COVID19" is the firm recommendation from WHO and healthcare workers worldwide. In prisons, poor hygiene can boost transmission of infections. Here's how UNODC's Global Doha Declaration Programme and the Namibian Correctional Service are working to solve this.
As part of its global efforts to reduce reoffending and provide prisoners with #ANewChance upon release, UNODC helps implement rehabilitation programmes that focus on vocational and cognitive skills training. Together with the Namibian Correctional Service, it launched two facilities to provide inmates skills training on soap production and hydroponics. Initiated under the UNODC's Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration, new facilities are aimed at curbing recidivism in the country and promoting social reintegration.
Strong prisoner rehabilitation programmes can transform the lives of prisoners upon release. Mathias Shangheta spent 12 years in prison in the Namibian capital, Windhoek. Part of the Namibian Correctional Service, the facility offered a rehabilitation programme, including workshops on respectful communication, life skills and vocational training. Using this time constructively with an eye to the future, Mathias was able to obtain a certificate in plumbing and pipe fitting and used this opportunity to get a job as a plumber at the Namibian Ministry of Justice once released. "To be in prison is not the end of the world, but you must change your behaviour. When one day you come outside, then you become a new person", - encourages Mathias.