Although efforts are being made across North Africa and the Middle East to ensure criminal justice systems reflect international standards and comply with human rights law, there are some significant challenges for reform.
These include prison overcrowding, delays in the trial process, poor coordination between criminal justice agencies, lack of resources and, in some countries of political will, and a lack of reliable data about prison systems.
PRI has been working in the region since 1991. The MENA programme is based in Amman, Jordan and currently operates in Algeria, Jordan, Sudan and Yemen.
Current work focuses on:
- developing gender-sensitive and child-friendly justice systems
- supporting the development and effectiveness of legal aid systems
- promoting non-custodial sanctions, particularly for vulnerable groups
- supporting countries to adopt national and integrated plans for reform
- building regional human resource capacity through networks of expertise
- promoting the abolition of the death penalty.
Latest updates
Press release
Renewed PRI–Yemen Ministry partnership to build women police capacity and strengthen gender-sensitive justice
Amman, Jordan – 4 August 2025 Building on previous efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Penal Reform International – Middle East and North Africa (PRI MENA) and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Yemen signed a renewed cooperation agreement focused on enhancing women’s participation in law enforcement and improving institutional responses to gender-based issues. […]
News
Hosting Kuwaiti delegation in Jordan to exchange best practices on non-custodial sanctions
Penal Reform International – Middle East and North Africa (PRI MENA), in collaboration with the Public Prosecution Office of the State of Kuwait, facilitated an official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from 28 to 30 July 2025. The visit aimed to exchange experiences and best practices in legislating and implementing non-custodial sanctions and […]
Press release
Inclusive security sector reform and migration governance in Lebanon: Perspectives from national institutions
Amman, Jordan – 10 July 2025 Penal Reform International, as part of the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP), funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and managed by Nuffic, successfully concluded a six-day training workshop in Amman, Jordan, held from 5 to 10 July 2025, titled “Inclusive Security Sector Reform and Migration Governance […]