Criminal justice and penal reform in the South Asia region faces a number of challenges.
Problems include: prison overcrowding, lack of alternatives to imprisonment, little training for criminal justice officials and lack of specialised systems and measures for vulnerable groups, including women and child detainees.
PRI worked in South Asia from the mid-1990s until 2016. From 2012, we focused primarily on Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, but we also sought to influence criminal justice good practice and standards within the whole region. We focused on promoting:
- Alternatives to imprisonment
- Juvenile justice reform
- Improving conditions for women and girls in the criminal justice system
We provided training, resources, guidance, technical assistance and advocacy support on international criminal justice standards and best practice in these areas.
Read an overview of PRI’s work in South Asia.
Latest updates
News
Tribute to John William Nyoka, Penal Reform International’s Board member
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 […]
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 […]