Signed by Jean-Luc Lemahieu, UNODC's Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, and Maria Assunta Accili Sabbatini, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations in Vienna, the latest agreement builds on the achievements of the previous prison reform work undertaken in Lebanon. Aimed at furthering this, the current phase of the partnership focusses on creating a foundation for a long-term prison rehabilitation strategy and strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Justice, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Lemahieu highlighted that "an effective and humane prison system is a prerequisite for ensuring a fair justice system." He also pointed to the efforts of the Government of Lebanon amid ongoing challenges and welcomed Italy's continued commitment and partnership to support the country in this regard.

"The agreement confirms Italy's strong commitment to advancing cooperation with Lebanon, one of our closest partners in the Mediterranean," Ambassador Accili Sabbatini said, adding: "We are happy to do this with UNODC, whose expertise and professionalism have already proven valuable in previous phases of the project."

UNODC has been working closely with the Ministry for Justice and the Ministry for Interior of Lebanon since 1999, supporting the country's efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system. Priority areas include prison reform and juvenile justice.

 Globally, UNODC assists countries with building and reforming their prison systems in line with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and in implementing non-custodial sanctions and measures in line with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures (the Tokyo Rules).  With the adoption of the Nelson Mandela Rules in December 2015, UNODC has intensified its work, widely disseminating a checklist for internal inspection mechanisms in national prison systems to assess compliance with the Rules.