Archive

Good governance for prisons during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

Guidance document on the Bangkok Rules

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 […]

Methodology for judges on the use of alternative sanctions

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 […]

Guidance document for judges on consideration of torture cases

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 […]

Manual for probation officers in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

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 […]

Natural hazards and prisons: Protecting human rights in disaster prevention, response and recovery

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.

Short guide to the European Prison Rules

The European Prison Rules, developed by the Council of Europe, set out standards on the management of prisons and the treatment of people in prison. 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 Rules, as revised in 2020.

Protecting Human Rights in Prisons while Preventing Radicalization Leading to Terrorism or Violence: A Guide for Detention Monitors

With an increasing focus at the international, regional and national levels on preventing and countering radicalization leading to terrorism or violence (VERLT), particularly in the prison context, states often adopt measures that can have profound impacts on an individual’s human rights. Scrutiny by independent monitors is, therefore, pivotal in ensuring that all such measures are […]

Operational guidelines for professionals on children in conflict with the law during COVID-19

In order to protect children deprived of liberty during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Initiative on Justice with Children called for the release of all children from immigration detention and accelerated release of children from criminal justice or protection facilities, as well as urgent action to implement non-custodial measures to ensure children’s safe reintegration into […]

Women in prison: mental health and well-being – a guide for prison staff

People in prison have a disproportionately high rate of poor mental health, and research shows these rates are even higher for women in prison. While primary care remains the responsibility of healthcare professionals, frontline prison staff play an important role in protecting and addressing mental health needs of women in prison. Penal Reform International (PRI), […]