Special Feature: Nelson Mandela International Day 2022

India: UNODC engages prison officials on Mandela Rules, health and human rights 

Chandigarh, India/18 July 2022: The Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every year on 18 July, in honour of the former President of South Africa who spent 27 years in prison in the course of his struggle for peace and freedom. The day serves to promote humane conditions of imprisonment; raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society; and value the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance. This is also reflected in the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which UNODC stands committed to promote.

Marking the occasion this year, UNODC convened a virtual dialogue on “Revisiting the Mandela Rules: Dignity Unlocked” in collaboration with the Institute of Correctional Administration (Chandigarh). Attended by over 70 Indian prison officials and experts, the dialogue focused on prison management, health and human rights. 

Discussing the Mandela Rules, the participants emphasised the need to protect human rights and dignity of prisoners, leaving no one behind. Reform of the prison system should employ an integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy to achieve sustainable impact. It is also important that activities focusing on vulnerable groups, including children, women, and prisoners with special needs, are included in prison reform programmes.

Reflecting on the theme ‘Dignity Unlocked, Dr. Suruchi Pant, Deputy Representative, UNODC South Asia, said, “It is of utmost importance that prison reform is not regarded in isolation from broader criminal justice reform.”

Discussing the Mandela Rules, the participants emphasised the need to protect human rights and dignity of prisoners, leaving no one behind. “Nelson Mandela was a champion of human rights and fought for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. The theme fits in with vulnerable groups, especially prisoners, because we must ensure dignity for all,” said, Dr. K.P. Singh, Former DGP (Prisons), Haryana.

“The realization of the Nelson Mandela Rules depends on five basic principles: Humane Treatment, non-discrimination, normalization, safety and security, and tailored rehabilitation," said Ms. Seema Joshi, Criminal Justice Expert, UNODC South Asia.

“We must work towards ensuring that dignity of inmates and prison staff is protected. Mainstreaming and reintegrating prisoners in society is key,” said Dr. Upneet Lalli, Head (Training and Research), Institute of Correctional Administration, Chandigarh.

Prisons in several countries face serious challenges, pertaining to infrastructure, overcrowding, health, prisoner classification, management and capacities of prison staff, among others. UNODC believes that effective prison reform is dependent on the improvement and rationalisation of criminal justice policies, including crime prevention and sentencing policies, and on the care and treatment made available to vulnerable groups in the community.

Highlighting the need to strengthen healthcare in prisons, Mr. Praveen Sinha, Former ADGP, Punjab State Human Rights Commission said, “We should consider providing one physician for every 300 prisoners, specialist doctors and nurses for inmates, and psychological treatment of prisoners."

This activity contributes to SDG 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/ 

(In partnership with the Institute of Correctional Administration, Chandigarh)