Over a year on from the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, this seventh edition of Global Prison Trends is published jointly by Penal Reform International (PRI) and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ). This report documents key trends over the past year, especially the impact of the pandemic on prison populations and staff, and how […]
The 30th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (the ‘Crime Commission’) will be held in Vienna and online from 17 – 21 May 2021. The Crime Commission is the principal policymaking body that guides the UN in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, which takes action through resolutions […]
The rescheduled 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will be held from 7 – 12 March 2021 in Kyoto, Japan under the overall theme “Advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda”. The UN ‘Crime Congress’, held once every five years since 1955, […]
Penal Reform International (PRI) mourns the death of John William Nyoka, Board member, who passed away yesterday on 3 February 2021 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. John Nyoka had faithfully served PRI’s Board since 2016, bringing a passion for prison reform in Africa following a long career in the prison service and later as a […]
A group of UN and regional human rights experts with mandates relating to detention and women’s rights today called on governments across the world to fully implement the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules). The Bangkok Rules were adopted by the UN General […]
The Executive Board of Penal Reform International (PRI) has announced that Olivia Rope has been appointed as the organisation’s Executive Director. Olivia, who has been acting Executive Director since 1 November, is stepping up from her role as Director of Policy and International Advocacy. Dirk van Zyl Smit, Chairperson of PRI, said “We are delighted […]
Penal Reform International (PRI) has announced the establishment of an Advisory Council and is honoured that eight distinguished experts have been elected as the first members. The Council will strengthen the organisation’s impact and networks to achieve PRI’s ambitions for 2020-2023. Hon’ble Justice Muhammad Imman Ali, a Judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and […]
Versión en español más abajo December 2020 marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules). As we approach this milestone, we consider progress – and delay – in making the Rules a reality for all women […]
To protect children deprived of their liberty during the COVID-19 pandemic, states must take urgent action to release children from detention and to implement non-custodial measures to ensure children’s safe reintegration into families and communities. To support professionals working in this field, the Global Initiative on Justice with Children produced a range of resources, including […]
Penal Reform International (PRI) regrets to announce that Florian Irminger has chosen to resign as Executive Director from the end of October 2020. Florian will be taking up the position of Secretary General of the Green Party in Switzerland. Florian Irminger commented: ‘I have a high esteem for PRI’s work, am grateful to have been […]