barbed wire, blurred palm tree leaves in the background
This summer, a group of young people from across the world came together to discuss a simple but powerful statement: prisoners matter.
These young people represented Generation Justice (GenJust), an initiative launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2024 with a view to making the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the process leading up to it, the most youth-inclusive one ever. The goal of this initiative is to create a space for young people, amplify their voices and facilitate their contribution.
From the desire to ensure their country’s representation on the world stage to a passion for gender-responsive justice systems, all have different reasons for getting involved with GenJust. This was the first time the group, representing all regions, met to discuss penal reform in depth.
Several members of the group provided testimonials about their views on prison and penal reform and how they see the role of UNODC in this field.
Wajid Zahid, 23, Pakistan
Researcher in the international development sector
As a young civil society activist, I believe that prison and penal reform is crucial because it directly impacts the well-being and safety of our communities. The current state of prisons, marked by overcrowding, poor conditions and neglect, not only fails to rehabilitate individuals but also perpetuates cycles of crime. Moreover, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities and discrimination. It's time to prioritize reform and ensure that prisons serve their purpose to protect society and support rehabilitation, not perpetuate harm and inequality.
Every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity and respect. Prisoners are often overlooked and marginalized, but it's essential to remember that they are human beings with inherent value and worth. They have stories, hopes and dreams that deserve to be acknowledged. Moreover, they are capable of change, growth and redemption.
I believe it's crucial for young people to be involved in UNODC's work on justice because they bring fresh perspectives, creativity and energy, and are often more receptive to new ideas and innovative solutions. By engaging young people, UNODC can harness their potential, cultivating a new generation of leaders and change-makers dedicated to advancing justice and human rights.
Asima Kapalepale, 28, Malawi
Studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration at Exploits University, HR Officer at Youth Response for Social Change, PRO for Afryan Malawi Chapter
I saw GenJust as an opportunity to push for meaningful reforms that can help reshape the justice system to be more inclusive, fair and accessible. This event opened my eyes to how prison conditions can make or break a person’s rehabilitation – treating prisoners with dignity can lead to positive outcomes for individuals and society at large.
Without any proper reform, prisons will continue to be breeding grounds for more criminal behaviour. Transformation not only ensures that people who are incarcerated have a chance at personal reform but also reduces recidivism, thereby creating a safer and more just society.
Nelson Mandela once said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” I am of the view that UNODC is already playing a role but should redouble their efforts to ensure human rights are respected within penal systems, especially in African countries.
Prisoners matter because just like everyone else, prisoners are human beings with the potential for change.
It is very important for young people to be involved in UNODC’s work on justice because we represent the future of our communities and legal systems. Involving us in discussions on justice reforms ensures that solutions are relevant and sustainable for the next generation.
I got involved with GenJust to ensure that Caribbean voices were represented in international work and decision making. Our justice systems globally focus more on punitive measures over actual justice. In my view, justice must be done on both ends, for the victim of a crime, but also for the perpetrator. That means understanding why they engaged in criminal conduct and investing in ways to rehabilitate and reintegrate to prevent recidivism.
Prisoners are still people and are still entitled to their basic rights. We should not define or limit them only to their crimes. We cannot achieve a better shared or common future if people are excluded.
UNODC’s role should, in my opinion, be twofold – on one hand, they must focus their efforts and attention on working with governments and national agencies tasked with overseeing prisons to ensure that there is adherence to minimum standards and guidelines and compliance with international law. On the other hand, UNODC must take the initiative to engage society directly to make them more willing and open to receiving rehabilitating prisoners and removing the stigma that often pushes one back in the direction of reoffending. UNODC must therefore be a monitor and educator.
When asked why prisoners matter, my answer is simple and does not require much elaboration. Prisoners matter because they are human beings.
Rebecca Kabejja, 28, Uganda
Advocacy Specialist
I got involved [in GenJust] because it enables me to contribute to the global advancement of criminal justice systems that are gender responsive.
Justice systems are supposed to uphold human rights and provide access to justice to all. Yet upon release, prisoners come back in society worse off than they were when they went in. They are impoverished, lack family and community support and have no employable skills. Prison and penal reform that recognizes that social reintegration of prisoners starts while prisoners are still in prison is reform that respects and promotes the human rights and dignity of prisoners.
Because prisoners cannot advocate publicly for themselves, abuses within detention facilities go unseen, hence there is no accountability. But what affects them while in prison affects us all when they are released, because prisoners form part of our communities.
Besides that, prisoners matter because they are human beings. Imprisonment must not equate to dehumanization.
About GenJust
To make sustainable progress against crime and violence around the globe, meaningful youth engagement is not just desirable but necessary. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for the largest generation in history, with close to 90 per cent of the youth living in developing countries. Considering the detrimental impact that crime and violence have on younger generations and our future, and their capacity as agents of positive change, youth should have a seat at the table and contribute to policies affecting all our futures. Find out more about GenJust.
Penal and prison reform
The way we treat prisoners is key in making our communities safer and protecting human rights for all. UNODC works with over 50 Member States worldwide to advance non-custodial measures, improve prison management and conditions, and support social reintegration. Find out more.
#PrisonersMatter
Through the #PrisonersMatter campaign people around the world join UNODC to call for the universal, practical application of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners - known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. These rules provide the blueprint for sound and humane prison management in the 21st Century. Find out more.
