"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.
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.
The Global Doha Declaration Programme organized a seminar at the historic Diplomatic Academy of Vienna to empower future diplomats to transform the world promoting a culture of lawfulness.
As part of its global efforts to reduce reoffending and provide prisoners with #ANewChance upon release, UNODC recently opened two new rehabilitation centres in Zambia. The new facilities are aimed at curbing recidivism in the country and promoting social reintegration
Prisoners might be deprived of their freedom but not their rights!
Under the Doha Declaration Global Programme, we are working hard to promote prisoner rehabilitation and provide inmates with #ANewChance.
In this podcast, we talk to Derrick who spent six years in prison in Zambia before being acquitted. We spoke about life in prison and his decision to open up a Prisoner Reintegration and Empowerment Organization, which - supported by UNODC's Doha Declaration Global Programme - helps former prisoners start a new life.
Work-related activities within prisons play a critical role for both prisoners and society. Rehabilitation provides prisoners an opportunity to develop skills, increase post-release employability and contribute to families and society.
UNODC's work supports this and we're looking to build a global brand of prison products to further boost rehabilitation efforts. Recently prison practitioners from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, EL Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay gathered to discuss this issue, bringing with them a vast selection of items from their countries.