Since 1991, Penal Reform International (PRI) has worked across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to advance fair, effective, and rights-based criminal justice systems that uphold human dignity. Through its regional office in Amman, PRI has delivered programming in Algeria, Jordan, Sudan, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Kurdistan, and Palestine, and cooperated with partners in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia. Operating in both stable and conflict-affected settings, PRI collaborates with ministries of justice and interior, prison administrations, civil society and justice sector professionals to strengthen the rule of law and promote access to justice for all.
Our work in the region addresses systemic challenges, including prison overcrowding, gaps in legal aid, gender-based violence and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups in detention. PRI supports justice reform through technical assistance, legal and policy development, capacity building, and strategic advocacy. Programmes also promote environmental sustainability in justice systems, including the development of green prison infrastructure and climate-resilient facilities. Rooted in international human rights standards, PRI’s approach contributes to sustainable justice sector transformation that leaves no one behind.
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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, […]
News
Civil society convenes in Amsterdam to launch the Global Alliance of Civil Society on Prison Reform
This week, representatives from civil society from 31 countries are meeting in Amsterdam – alongside participants joining online – for the kick-off conference of a new Global Alliance of Civil Society on Prison Reform, convened by Penal Reform International (PRI). The initiative brings together a growing network of almost 90 civil society organisations on prison reform. The Alliance is being launched at a time of sustained pressure on justice systems globally. With more than […]
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. […]