July 18, 2025 - Cairo, Egypt
Across the globe, an estimated 11.7 million people are currently incarcerated, a figure that has risen by 25% since 2000. As incarceration rates continue to rise, ensuring the fair and humane treatment of people in closed settings has become an urgent priority for societies worldwide.
At the heart of this global commitment are the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. Named after the late South African president, who spent 27 years in prison and later became a global voice for human rights, these rules offer a clear vision: that every person, no matter their circumstances, deserves to be treated with dignity and given a meaningful chance at rehabilitation.
With support from the UK’s Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF), UNODC is working hand in hand with Egyptian authorities through the project, “Reforming and Enhancing the Institutional and Operational Capacities of the Criminal Justice System in Egypt.” The aim: to fulfill global standards for humane prisoner treatment and rehabilitation within Egypt's penitentiary system.
To date, over 750 officers, including correctional facilities and rehabilitation centres personnel, Police Academy cadets, and non-commissioned staff, have participated in specialized training sessions. Through a blend of workshops, study visits, and e-learning modules, UNODC supports practical guidance to foster humane and rights-based detention environment.
UNODC facilitated a study visit for 10 Egyptian police officers to the UK, aiming to exchange best practices with British law enforcement. They visited prisons like Belmarsh and Brixton, stepping inside the Brixton Prison Café, which is run by inmates themselves as part of their rehabilitation.
The delegation gained key insights into the UK justice system, focusing on the humane treatment of detainees, rehabilitation approaches, and human rights obligations. From managing high-risk prisoners to protecting victims, witnesses, and suspects, participants gathered valuable insights to help make correctional system safer, more equitable, and more effective.
At Cairo’s Police Academy, future law enforcement officers are gaining hands-on knowledge in humane prison management through an offline e-learning platform developed by UNODC. This innovative, interactive tool features scenario-based learning and engaging modules focused on prisoner treatment and prison reform.The system covers six core areas: prison conditions, prison regimes, safety and security within prisons, healthcare services, legal safeguards, and rehabilitation and reintegration. Cadets have to complete all modules and pass a final test to earn their certification.
Accessible to all academy students, this tool enhances their understanding of effective, rights-based prison management, equipping them with the skills and awareness needed both in the classroom and in real-world practice.
To complement the e-learning platform at the Police Academy, UNODC held two "Training of Facilitators" sessions, designed to build a network of trainers capable of guiding other officers through the e-learning modules. This initiative ensures the sustainability of the training, providing more officers with ongoing access to expert-led, high-quality training in prisoner management and prison reform.
