The Amsterdam Declaration issuing stark warning on prison crisis by civil society globally
Founding members of the Global Alliance of Civil Society on Prison Reform from 31 countries met in Amsterdam on 26-27 March 2026 to advance a shared vision to address the growing prison crisis impacting millions of people and societies across the world.
Bringing together representatives of civil society including people with lived experience of imprisonment, the meeting marked a significant step in building a coordinated global movement for prison reform.
The meeting culminated in the Amsterdam Declaration: A Declaration by Civil Society on Prison Reform, which sets out shared concerns, priorities and commitments for collective action.
The Declaration highlights that at least 11.5 million people are imprisoned globally on any given day, with impacts extending beyond individuals to families, communities and wider society. It highlights evidence that excessive dependence on imprisonment does not improve safety outcomes and instead contributes to cycles of disadvantage and exclusion.
It further outlines key priorities, including:
- strengthening accountability and safeguards in criminal justice systems
- reducing the use of imprisonment and promoting evidence-based non-custodial options
- addressing stigma and discrimination against people in prison and after release
- ensuring leadership and participation of people with lived experience in reform efforts.
The Declaration also emphasises the need for governments and international organisations to work in partnership with civil society, grounded in human rights standards and informed by evidence and lived experience.
The 46 Signatories for the Amsterdam Declaration from across regions have endorsed the Declaration, reflecting the breadth of expertise and commitment within civil society to advancing prison reform globally.
The Global Alliance will continue to serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and coordinated advocacy to address systemic challenges in prison systems worldwide.
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If you have any questions please contact cso.alliance [at] penalreform.org