New York: Prisons have become a fragile link in many criminal justice systems, weakened by over-incarceration, overcrowding, poor conditions, and chronic neglect, fueling calls for urgent reform. A decade ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Nelson Mandela Rules, a set of 122 guidelines setting minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, inspired by one of the world’s most influential former political prisoners, the South African civil rights icon, Nelson Mandela. These rules aim to ensure safety, security, and respect for human dignity, offering clear benchmarks for prison staff.
According to EMM, overcrowding deprives people of their most basic rights, including access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. Yet prison services remain underfunded, under-prioritized, and undervalued. These systemic failures not only endanger prisoners and staff but also weaken efforts to reintegrate former prisoners, posing risks for the wider community, added General Assembly President Philémon Yang.
The number of women in prison has increased by 57 percent over the past 20 years, nearly triple the rate of men. Most systems are not equipped to meet their specific needs. This is not safe. And this is not humane, said Ms. Waly. Women in detention are especially vulnerable, facing greater risks of sexual violence, limited access to reproductive healthcare, and separation from their children.
Ms. Waly urged governments to reimagine how prisons are managed, emphasizing that a bold vision is needed, focusing on people and their potential. She highlighted UNODC’s commitment to prison and penal reform, which will be a key part of UNODC’s upcoming strategy 2026-2030. Handled responsibly, prisons can support public safety, justice, and the rule of law. But today’s prison environments often remain dangerous and counterproductive.
UN officials stressed that rehabilitation must be at the heart of reforms, including support systems that reduce the likelihood of reoffending and help former prisoners reintegrate into society. “The true measure of justice is not how we punish,” Mr. Yang concluded, “but how we protect, rehabilitate, and build a better future for everyone, everywhere.”