Results from Penal Reform International’s project on women in criminal justice system in Georgia

In December 2016, Penal Reform International concluded a one-year project that was dedicated to pursuing a gender-specific criminal justice system in Georgia, in line with the UN Bangkok Rules.

The work, funded by Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF), included advocacy and technical assistance to implement gender-specific approaches, in legislation, policy and practice. As part of this, PRI developed evidence-based recommendations, building on research published in Women’s Gender-specific Needs in the Criminal Justice System of Georgia and Who are women prisoners? Survey results from Armenia and Georgia. One area of recommendations focused on increasing alternatives to imprisonment for women, in view of the damaging impact prison has on women and their families.

PRI convened a roundtable meeting with key governmental and civil society stakeholders, in November 2016, where the results of the project and key documents were presented. Working towards a gender-sensitive criminal justice system that protects the human rights of women offenders continues to be a priority area for PRI in the South Caucasus region.

Key documents from the project:

  • Research report: Presenting analysis of Georgia’s criminal justice policy, legislative acts, regulations and practice in terms of gender-specific aspects.
  • Book, ‘Women behind bars’: Women prisoners and former prisoners shared their stories about their imprisonment and the impact on them and families. It also includes stories from some women on the violence and trauma they have faced in their lives. (In Georgian)
  • Recommendation document: Based on PRI’s Guidance Document on the Bangkok Rules, this briefing outlined key recommendations for Georgia to implement a gender-specific system. (In Georgian)
  • Brochure on the Bangkok Rules: Based on PRI’s Short guide on the Bangkok Rules, this short booklet outlines what the Bangkok Rules are, and gives a summary of their provisions. (In Georgian)

See PRI’s Toolbox on the UN Bangkok Rules and information on women in criminal justice systems.

Photo credit: Antonio di Vico, 2016.