National Human Rights Institution Submits Input To UN Special Rapporteur On Reducing Prison Overcrowding
The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has responded to a call for input from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, submitting practical measures to reduce prison overcrowding.
Dr. Salem Suhail Al Neyadi, Chairperson of the NHRI, stated that this submission is part of the NHRI's "Empowerment Cycle," highlighting their institutional role and mandate. It also reinforces their engagement with regional and international mechanisms, aligning with the Paris Principles.
The NHRI's report emphasizes that addressing prison overcrowding requires addressing the root causes of high detention rates and reducing reliance on custodial sentences. Key practices in the UAE, as highlighted, include:
- Community service
- Alternative penal measures
- Electronic monitoring and conditional release
- Education, training, rehabilitation, and aftercare programs
Recommendations include:
- Expanding non-custodial alternatives and electronic monitoring
- Developing infrastructure in penal institutions
- Enhancing education and rehabilitation programs, healthcare, psychological, social, and family services.
- Specialized measures for juveniles and People of Determination
- Digital transformation of inmate services
- Adopting international indicators to measure rehabilitation and detention conditions
The report also outlines the UAE's comprehensive approach, encompassing legislation, criminal justice policies, judicial practices, correctional processes, and sustainable social reintegration, while upholding human dignity.