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
News
New horizons in Türkiye with ambitious project to be implemented by Penal Reform International and Civil Society in the Penal System Association
In February 2024, Penal Reform International (PRI) and local partner, Ceza İnfaz Sisteminde Sivil Toplum Derneği (Civil Society in the Penal System Association, CISST), embarked on a new project funded by the European Union to improve human rights in the in Türkiye’s Penitentiary System. For the next four years, PRI and CISST will deliver an ambitious […]
News
Penal Reform International Receives Kuwait’s National Diwan for Human Rights (NHRI) Delegation to Forge Future Collaborations
Press release Amman, Jordan – 18 February 2024 Penal Reform International/Middle East and North Africa Office was delighted to host a distinguished delegation from the National Diwan for Human Rights in Kuwait. The visit was led by Counsellor Huda Al-Shaiji, a prominent member of the Diwan’s Board of Directors, alongside Ms. Duha Alotaibi, Director of […]
Press release
National Human Rights Committee of Qatar and Penal Reform International Forge Partnership to promote human rights and Reform Criminal Justice Systems
Press release On 6 February 2024, in Doha, Qatar, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of the State of Qatar and Penal Reform International (PRI) made a significant step towards improving and safeguarding human rights in the criminal justice system by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership aims to foster a collaborative […]