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, Morocco, Jordan and Yemen.
Current work focuses on:
- developing gender-sensitive and child-friendly justice 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
Briefing
Fragile and conflict-affected settings: Prisons and criminal justice systems
A policy briefing on criminal justice systems with case studies on Yemen and the Central African Republic for the international community and national authorities to improve responses in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Languages: English, French
News
Olivia Rope appointed as leader of Penal Reform International
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 […]
News
Advisory Council established with distinguished experts appointed to support PRI’s work
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 […]