Penal Reform International

Penal Reform International (PRI) is an independent non-governmental organisation that develops and promotes fair, effective and proportionate responses to criminal justice problems worldwide. We believe that in criminal justice systems that are fit for purpose: offenders are held to account, sentences are proportionate, and the primary purpose of prison is rehabilitation not retribution.

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Global Prison Trends 2025

PRI highlights record prison populations, overcrowding and rights abuses — urging drug policy reform, non-custodial measures and centring lived experience in decision-making

News16 October 2024

Global coalition supports resolution on the social reintegration of criminalised people at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council

One hundred twenty NGOs from 49 countries voice support for improving social reintegration support systems for former offenders—a group facing disproportionate risk of overdose and drug-related harm.

Publications11 September 2024

Global Prison Trends 2024

PRI offers analysis of global challenges, including overcrowding, mental health issues, corruption, and the growing use of digital technologies, whilst also showcasing innovative solutions toward reform.

Publications13 August 2024

Involving people with lived experience in criminal justice reform: A focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings

PRI offer guidance to support policy makers and practitioners in involving people with lived experience of the criminal justice system in reform efforts.

Publications3 July 2023

Global Prison Trends 2023

PRI and TIJ provide an overview and highlight how the criminalisation of drugs remains a key contributing factor to the rising global prison population and prison overcrowding.

News5 October 2022

Submission to OHCHR for the High Commissioner’s report on human rights implications of and good practices and key challenges of equitable and universal access to and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

HRI and PRI discuss challenges, practices and opportunities related to the inclusion and prioritisation of people who use drugs and people in prison in the design, planning, and rolling-out of COVID-19 vaccination programs.

Publications6 September 2022

Technical brief: Transgender people and HIV in prisons and other closed settings

This technical brief sets out guiding principles and targeted interventions to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and facilitate access to healthcare for transgender people deprived of liberty.

Events

World Drug Day 2022: Presenting UN human rights experts' call to align drug policies with human rights

Online

26 June 2022

Over 10 special mandates will present a joint statement on human rights and drug policies, as well as related recommendations in the most recent report on HIV and human rights by the UNHCHR.

Events

Justice for all - Decisive action to reform laws that criminalise poverty and status

Online

19 May 2022

This side event will provide an opportunity for Member States, UN bodies, and civil society actors to set out clear goals and decisive action needed to decriminalise poverty and status, linked to the work of the UN Crime Commission and other international mechanisms and initiatives.

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