India: On Nelson Mandela Day, an innovative chess game promotes human rights principles for enhanced prison management

Dehradun, India/18 July 2024: Effective prison management is essential for ensuring that correctional facilities function safely and humanely. By promoting fair treatment, addressing systemic issues, and fostering a positive environment, prison management can reduce recidivism and enhance the overall effectiveness of the justice system. In this spirit, every year on July 18, the world celebrates the Nelson Mandela Day—a day dedicated to the legacy of one of history’s most revered figures, whose fight for justice and human rights continues to inspire global change.

This year, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia in partnership with Project Second Chance marked the occasion with a groundbreaking initiative at Sudhowala Prisons in Dehradun. In a first-of-its-kind effort, a unique chess game designed to educate prison staff about the Nelson Mandela Rules was unveiled, merging traditional gameplay with crucial lessons on prison management.

Named Mandela Chess, this innovative game is more than just a strategic board game. It serves as a dynamic educational tool crafted to instill the core principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules (NMR) into the daily operations of prison management. The Mandela Rules, formally known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, represent the gold standard for humane and effective prison governance adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. These guidelines emphasize non-discrimination, humane treatment, normalization, safety and security, and tailored rehabilitation—principles that are essential for modern prison management.

The game was introduced to a group of 15 prison officers, who were immersed in an interactive experience that blended collaborative gameplay with discussions on prison management principles.

The chessboard, ingeniously designed by Project Second Chance, includes special squares that can only be accessed by answering scenario-based questions inspired by UNODC's e-learning course on the Nelson Mandela Rules. This approach transforms the traditional chess game into an educational tool that engages players in real-life dilemmas and encourages them to explore solutions aligned with international standards.

"The Mandela Chess game represents a significant leap forward in prison education," said a senior officer at Sudhowala Prisons. "It provides a platform for us to reflect on our practices and enhance our understanding of the Nelson Mandela Rules through an interactive and collaborative format."

Developed in Hindi by a team of former prisoners working with Project Second Chance, the game draws on their experiences to ensure relevance within the Indian context. This localized approach allows prison staff to connect more meaningfully with the principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules and apply them to their daily responsibilities.

The innovative nature of Mandela Chess lies not only in its educational content but also in its inclusive design. The game encourages participation from all levels of prison staff, regardless of rank, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to improved management practices. This hands-on learning experience allows staff to actively engage with the principles of the Mandela Rules, ultimately leading to better rehabilitation strategies and more humane treatment of prisoners.

"Through Mandela Chess, we aim to create a more empathetic and effective prison management system," said Seema Joshi Arya, UNODC’s Criminal Justice Expert in South Asia. "By integrating the principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules into a game, we make learning accessible and engaging for prison staff, which in turn fosters a more positive environment within the prison system."

The Mandela Chess game not only honors Nelson Mandela's legacy but also advances the global commitment to upholding human rights within the prison system.

The activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/