Investigating deaths in prisons is an essential part of a state’s human rights responsibilities, including the obligation to guarantee the right to life and the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Investigations of deaths in prisons provide crucial evidence to find out what went wrong, provide redress to families, […]
The European Prison Rules, adopted by the Council of Europe, set out standards on the management of prisons and the treatment of people in prison. They apply in all Council of Europe member States and provide critical guidance to prison staff on how to protect and safeguard the human rights of people in prison – […]
The Index of Implementation accompanies the Guidance Document on the Bangkok Rules. Developed in partnership with the Thailand Institute of Justice, it seeks to assist key actors and others to assess the extent to which the Bangkok Rules are reflected in their criminal justice systems, to help identify gaps in implementation and, together with the Guidance […]
This guide is based on research into the COVID-19 justice response around the world, including a particular focus on the responses in Kenya and Kazakhstan. The analysis examines the elements of justice system governance which enabled the sector to react quickly and effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic in prisons as well as the factors which inhibited timely, relevant responses. The guide aims to inform better governance in any future crisis situations, as well as the direction of penal reform more broadly.
This guidance document on implementing the United Nations Rules on the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, co-published with the Thailand Institute of Justice, is part of PRI’s Toolbox on the UN Bangkok Rules. It has been updated in 2021 to reflect new standards, particularly the Nelson Mandela Rules and the […]
This methodology for judges of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the use of alternative sanctions to imprisonment sets out the methodological foundations for the criminal sentencing; the concept of alternative penalties and their application; and recommendations for judges on the imposition of criminal sentences not related to imprisonment in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The document was […]
This guidance document was developed by the judges of the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the “Criminal Law” training course. It includes a comprehensive legal analysis of the most dangerous factors of torture, and an analysis of liability for torture in the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and international law. A […]
This Manual is intended for Kyrgyz probation officers and employees of the penitentiary systems of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan engaged in execution of punishments not related to imprisonment and other measures of criminal law. Particular attention in this manual is paid to international standards of work to ensure the rights […]
People in prison are among the most vulnerable to suffering from the negative effects of natural hazards. Despite international and national momentum to enhance disaster risk reduction (DRR), its application in prison systems is often not a primary concern. Based on primary research, this guide – the first of its kind – presents practical measures with a human rights-based approach for practitioners and frontline staff working in prison systems.
This guide provides an overall framework which can be followed to ensure that daily prison processes and activities by prison staff and other professionals working in prisons are conducted in compliance with the European Prison Rules, developed by the Council of Europe, as revised in 2020.