Quezon City (the Philippines), 16 August 2024, ̶ A new handbook will address the religious and cultural needs of Muslim detainees, offering insights into Islamic practices relevant to the context of detention. The handbook, launched by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will serve as a comprehensive guide for custodial officers in the Philippines, marking a milestone in improving treatment of incarcerated Muslims.
“The handbook represents an essential resource as it promotes religious and cultural respect within the Philippine correctional system,” said Daniele Marchesi, UNODC Country Manager for the Philippines. “It addresses and aims to dismantle the stereotypes and stigma that negatively impact Muslim prisoners, particularly those related to discourses on terrorism and violent extremism. By breaking down prejudices and misconceptions, we can foster a more just and equitable criminal justice system.”
The handbook, titled Handbook on Islam in Places of Detention: A Practical Guide for Custodial Officers in the Philippines, was co-authored the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Philippine National Police, National Commission for Muslim Filipinos, and the Commission on Human Rights, with the support of UNODC.
In a predominantly Christian Philippines, where 80% of the population follows Christian denominations and only 6.4% adhere to Islam, understanding Islamic practices is vital. According to the BJMP, there were 6,368 Muslim Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in April of this year, and BuCor reported 3,184 Muslim PDLs.
This handbook aims to address the knowledge gap among custodial officers, ensuring respectful and informed management of Muslim PDLs. It aligns with the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules, particularly Rule 2, which prohibits discrimination based on religion and mandates respect for prisoners’ religious beliefs.
“This handbook contains guidelines for the respectful treatment of the cultural and religious sensitivities of Muslim prisoners, ensuring that their rights and dignity are preserved,” BJMP Chief JDIR Ruel S. Rivera said.
Breaking down prejudices and stereotypes
The handbook aims to break down prejudices that may lead to unfair treatment and discrimination. By advancing the knowledge and expertise of officers about Islamic practices, the handbook promotes a culturally sensitive environment in detention facilities.
“The handbook will be part of the desired reforms that will help in many ways and serve as a guide for corrections officers in their daily activities and interactions with our Muslim brothers and sisters,” said BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr.
The launch also marks a significant step forward in addressing the unique needs of incarcerated Muslim women. By incorporating the principles of the Bangkok Rules, the handbook advocates for the fair treatment of women prisoners, recognizing the multiple forms of discrimination they face and ensuring access to gender- and culture-relevant programmes and services. Providing custodial officers with insights into unique challenges faced by Muslim women in detention, the handbook promotes a more respectful and inclusive environment, ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld.
“This initiative represents a significant stride towards a more humane, accountable, and effective criminal justice system, safeguarding public safety while upholding justice, dignity, and respect for all individuals,” said Rafael Barreto Souza, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer in UNODC, adding that the next steps will involve on-the-ground implementation of the handbook's guidelines.
The launch event also featured a ceremonial signing of a declaration of cooperation among the co-authoring agencies, as a demonstration of their commitment to upholding the handbook’s principles.
The handbook was funded by the Australian Government, with governmental entities, civil society organizations, and religious leaders from across the Philippines contributing to its development.
