The Membership Council
The Membership Council comprises of members elected from and by the members of the association. Its composition aims to reflect the different regions of the world and a gender balance. The Membership Council meets once a year to approve the audited accounts. It approves the organisational strategy and any elections to the Board. Members of the Membership Council are unpaid. Only actual expenses, such as travel expenses to attend meetings, are reimbursed.
The Board
The Membership Council elects from its members a Board which includes the Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary General and Treasurer. The Board meets at least three times a year. The Executive Director reports to and is evaluated by the Board and takes part in its meetings. The Board approves the appointment of the external auditor and the budget.
PRI Membership Council
David Fathi (Chair)
Member of the Membership Council since 2016, Chair since December 2021
David Fathi is a lawyer who has devoted more than 20 years of his professional career to the representation of prisoners and the struggle for a criminal justice system that is humane, progressive and rehabilitative.
From 2007 until 2010 he was the Director of the US program at Human Rights Watch where he supervised research and advocacy on the death penalty, prison conditions, racial discrimination, the rights of immigrants and other human rights issues. Since 2010 he has served as Director of the National Prison Project of the American Civil Liberties Union and from 2012 to 2015 he represented the American Civil Liberties Union in the negotiations leading to the adoption of the United Nations Revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’). The ACLU National Prison Project leads Stop Solitary, a national (and increasingly international) campaign to end the abuse of long-term solitary confinement.
David has published and lectured extensively on criminal justice and human rights issues, and wished to become a member of PRI’s Membership Council to be able to share learning with colleagues in other countries, particularly to help colleagues advocate against the kind of punitive policies that have made the US criminal justice system a human rights disaster.
David considers that PRI’s leadership role in the revision of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners was invaluable, and has no doubt that the resulting Nelson Mandela Rules are significantly more protective and progressive, thanks to PRI’s leadership.
Erika Marseille (Treasurer)
Member of the Membership Council since 2020, Treasurer since 2022
Erika Marseille is an economist currently working as an independent. She brings a strong financial and economic background to PRI, as well as an understanding of the legal context in which PRI operates, which will be fundamental to promoting the financial resilience of PRI and its ability to promote fair and effective justice long-term.
Erika combines her passion for human rights with her financial expertise by holding roles on boards or internal financial oversight mechanisms of civil society organisations, including in the past Amnesty International, Netherlands Helsinki Committee, and Transparency International Netherlands. As a Dutch organisation, PRI also welcomes Ms Marseille’s practical and legal understanding of the operations of international non-governmental organisations registered in The Netherlands.
When elected Erika said: ‘From my early years on, human rights have appealed to me. Being a financial expert, usually my “domain” is in the management of the organisation, financially as well as otherwise. For NGOs to attract people willing to give their time to shape the public debate and publicly advocate the cause, the organisation must be healthy and managed properly. This is where I come in. Status quo is something that does not attract me, I like change, and more so: improvement. As I am now doing a master in law, focusing on mediation and alternative dispute resolution, I am delighted to join PRI and help the organisation grow and flourish.’
Dr Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa (Secretary General)
Member of the Membership Council since 2016, Secretary General since December 2021
Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa is a Ugandan lawyer. She is the Chairperson of the inaugural Ugandan Leadership Code Tribunal. Before this appointment she was working as the Dean, Faculty of Law, Uganda Christian University where she taught human rights and international humanitarian law. She also worked for over 12 years with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, serving in several posts such as the Director of the Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections at the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Roselyn joined PRI because she wishes to contribute towards: the creation of efficient criminal justice systems; access to justice; prevention of torture and ill treatment; juvenile justice; abolition of the death penalty; and promoting a gender-sensitive and a human rights-based approach to detention. She considers the promotion of a human rights-based approach to detention invaluable
She holds a Doctor of Laws and a Master of Laws from the University of Pretoria, South Africa; a Post Graduate Diploma in Law (Law Development Centre-Kampala, Uganda) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) with Honours from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Dr Catherine Appleton (Deputy Chair)
Member of the Membership Council since 2020, Deputy Chair since December 2021
Dr Catherine Appleton is Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and at the Centre for Research and Education in Security, Prisons and Forensic Psychiatry at St Olavs University Hospital, Norway. She is also a Research Associate in Law at the Human Rights Law Centre, University of Nottingham, UK and Co-Director of prisonHEALTH. Her publications include: ‘Life Imprisonment: A Global Human Rights Analysis’ (2019); ‘Life Imprisonment and Human Rights’ (2016), co-authored and co-edited with PRI chairperson Professor Dirk van Zyl Smit; and ‘Life after Life Imprisonment’ (2010), awarded the British Society of Criminology Book Prize.
Catherine brings to PRI her experience as a researcher and advocate on issues of human rights in prisons, most notably her ground-breaking research examining the use of life imprisonment worldwide. Dr Appleton’s extensive experience as a prison researcher and networks in the field will be a significant asset to PRI’s policy and international advocacy work. Catherine Appleton has worked closely with PRI on the issue of life imprisonment alongside PRI in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, and contributing to international advocacy efforts carried out by PRI.
Catherine, when elected, said: ‘As a PRI Board member I believe I will be able to provide expertise, experience and a relevant global network when shaping the long-term strategic direction of PRI. I look forward to being part of an impressive and global team, strengthening PRI as a leading organisation driving penal reform worldwide and impacting positively on many people’s human rights and lives.’
Michelle Carpentier
Member of the Membership Council since 2020
Michelle Carpentier is the former Executive Director of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), former correctional and parole officer and leader at the Correctional Service Canada.
Michelle brings extensive experience to PRI of working in criminal justice settings and promoting fair and effective corrections worldwide. Her experience in corrections will be an asset to PRI’s work with prison and probation staff globally and the skills and knowledge developed in her roles within the leadership of the Correctional Service Canada, the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), and as a corrections advisor with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti, will be an invaluable contribution to strategic decisions at PRI.
Michelle, when elected, said: ‘I share the same values of those of the organisation and I will use the experience gained in my 36 years career in corrections, from frontline officer to senior executive. I saw first-hand the devastating effects of imprisonment, especially in poor conditions where human rights sometimes appears to have been forgotten. This is the main reason why I love to join PRI’s [Membership Council] and because I truly believe that every individual regardless of where they come from or what they have done deserves to be treated fairly, with humanity and needs opportunities to better themselves. I am about to start retirement and I believe it is time for me to give back, including through joining PRI.’
Suzanne Jabbour
Member of the Membership Council since 2020
Suzanne Jabbour is Executive Director of Restart Centre for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture and Chair of the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture. She has also been member of the Board of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), which she chaired from 2012 to 2016.
Suzanne will bring important technical expertise to PRI on prison health, mental health in prisons, as well as on preventing of torture and ill-treatment in places of detention and strengthen PRI’s policy and accountability work, and its engagement with international and regional mechanisms, at a time we need the United Nations and regional systems to pay attention to criminal justice more than ever. Her experience as Executive Director of Restart Centre will also bring valuable insight to PRI’s governance and strategy.
When elected Suzanne said: ‘With an extensive career in human rights, specifically, the rights of persons d.eprived of their liberty and torture victims, I am interested in being involved with the esteemed [Membership Council] of PRI, where I can deliver value through my technical expertise. I am delighted to offer my professional and international experience to contribute to PRI and help the organisation achieve its 2020-2023 strategy.’
Paula Litvachky
Member of the Membership Council since 2016
Paula Litvachky is Executive Director of the Argentinian NGO, Centre for Legal and Social Studies. She trained as a criminal lawyer, and has extensive research and project coordination experience in criminal justice issues. Paula has overseen research, public policy advocacy and litigation relating to citizen security, police and prison violence, and criminal justice policy.
Paula has worked for a number of years on the promotion and implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) in Argentina, both nationally and provincially, as well as on the development of national prevention mechanisms in the region. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in human rights at the Universidad de Lanus, Argentina.
Professor Fergus McNeill
Member of the Membership Council since 2025
Professor Fergus McNeill is Professor of Criminology and Social Work at the University of Glasgow, with over 35 years of experience spanning academic research, policy advisory roles and front-line social work. His earlier career includes ten years working in residential drug rehabilitation and criminal justice social work, which laid the foundation for his academic focus on rehabilitation, desistance from crime and reintegration.
Fergus is widely published and known for pioneering research on community sanctions, supervision and penal reform. His 2018 book Pervasive Punishment was awarded the European Society of Criminology Book Prize and is considered a landmark in modern penology. He is currently leading and collaborating on major research projects exploring penal supervision and reintegration across Europe and internationally.
He has served in leadership roles across academic and civil society organisations, including as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Howard League for Penal Reform, and as a co-opted Board member of the Confederation for European Probation. Fergus has advised national and international bodies including the Scottish Parliament, UN agencies, and the EU.
He brings to PRI his deep commitment to reducing imprisonment and criminalisation, particularly through decarbonising and decolonising penal reform efforts. Fergus joined the Membership Council to contribute his expertise and learn from PRI’s global partnerships and people-centred approach to reform.
Dr Josephine Ndagire
Member of the Membership Council since 2025
Dr Josephine Ndagire is a Ugandan lawyer and academic with over 18 years of experience in criminal law, international human rights law, and transitional justice. She currently lectures at the School of Law, Makerere University, where she teaches courses in criminal justice and legal reform. She holds a Doctor of Juridical Sciences from Emory University (USA), a Master of Laws from the University of Notre Dame (USA), and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University (Uganda).
Dr Ndagire has held senior roles in academic and legal institutions across Uganda, Germany and the United States and also worked with the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative and served as Programme Officer at the International Association of Women Judges in Washington, DC.
A prolific author, she has published widely on issues such as conflict-related sexual violence, transitional justice and the criminal justice system in Africa. Her book National Redress for Gendered International Crimes has contributed significantly to global scholarship on gender and justice.
Through her work with regional and international organisations—including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Society for Human Rights, and Penal Reform International—she brings extensive expertise in legal reform and advocacy for rights-based justice systems.
Dr Dmitry Nurumov
Member of the Membership Council since 2018
Dr Dmitry Nurumov is Director of the Legal Policy Research Centre Kazakhstan. He is a licensed defence lawyer. He serves as key expert in multiple EU-funded projects in Kazahkstan and has occupied a number of positions with the United Nations, OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international bodies, as well as non-governmental organisations.
Ambika Satkunanathan
Member of the Membership Council since 2025
Ambika Satkunanathan is a Sri Lankan human rights lawyer and researcher with over two decades of experience working on justice reform, penal policy, and the rights of marginalised groups. She currently serves as a global consultant and advisor on human rights, drug policy and penal reform and has held roles with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Stanford and Berkeley Universities, and Harm Reduction International. She served as a Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2020, where she led a national prison study and oversaw monitoring of detention sites.
Ambika holds degrees in Law and Politics from Monash University and a Master of Human Rights Law from the University of Nottingham. Her publications span human rights, transitional justice, and criminal justice reform. She has long engaged in regional and global coalitions on drug policy, counter-terrorism and poverty decriminalisation and has worked extensively across South and Southeast Asia.
Ambika’s values and work closely align with PRI’s mission, especially regarding the holistic, intersectional and community-centred approach to reform. She has previously collaborated with PRI through the Global Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status and brings strategic and technical expertise as well as strong regional and international networks.
Professor Maiko Tagusari
Member of the Membership Council since 2025
Professor Maiko Tagusari is a Japanese lawyer and academic specialising in criminal justice, human rights and the abolition of the death penalty. She currently serves as a Professor at Tokyo Keizai University and has over 30 years of experience as a legal practitioner and human rights advocate in Japan and internationally.
Maiko has held numerous prominent roles including Secretary-General of the Center for Prisoners’ Rights, Human Rights Advisor to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and expert member of key committees at the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, including the Penal System Reform Committee and the Committee on Abolition of the Death Penalty.
She has contributed extensively to policy development in Japan through her work with the Ministry of Justice and civil society, and has been actively involved in litigation and advocacy promoting prisoners’ rights, effective legal defence and criminal justice reform.
An accomplished author and translator, Maiko’s work includes major publications on the Japanese criminal justice system, death penalty policy, and international human rights standards. She has lectured globally and engaged in cross-border advocacy on penal reform, including presentations before international bodies such as the UN and Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Professor Tagusari brings to PRI deep legal expertise and strategic insight on working with both civil society and governments in conservative contexts. A long-time user and supporter of PRI’s resources, she now contributes her knowledge and experience to further the organisation’s mission as a member of its global Membership Council.
Professor Robert van Voren
Member of the Membership Council since 2016
Prof Robert van Voren is the Chief Executive of Human Rights in Mental Health-FGIP (formerly Global Initiative on Psychiatry). His work as a human rights activist began with defending political prisoners in the former Soviet Union, particularly those detained in psychiatric hospitals. In 1980, he co-founded the International Association on Political Use of Psychiatry and became its General Secretary in 1986. That organization is now called Human Rights in Mental Health.
Robert holds a number of positions on boards of organisations in the fields of human rights, mental health and prison reform. He has written extensively on issues related to mental health and human rights. He is particularly interested in the fields of prison mental health and forensic psychiatry, but also in human rights abuses within the penitentiary system.
Robert joined PRI because he feels that he can contribute to the goals of the organization with his specific expertise, and thus help to make the world a better place, including for those who find themselves behind bars.