The UN Bangkok Rules at 10: Progress and possibilities

December 2020 marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules). As we approach this milestone, we consider progress – and delay – in making the Rules a reality for all women in contact with the criminal justice system.

Progress has been made in some areas, and this is to be celebrated. But ten years on since the adoption of the Bangkok Rules, implementation of the Rules has been piecemeal and insufficient – and most notably, the global female prison population has increased. Join us as we hear from women that have experienced criminal justice systems and advocates working at international and national level, to consider progress and possibilities for the future.

Details and registration

• Thursday 3 December 2020
• 14.00 GMT (90 minutes)
• Spanish interpretation is available.

Register here.

Programme

Opening remarks

Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

Keynote address

Anand Grover, Global Commission on Drug Policy, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India

Ten years of the UN Bangkok Rules: Progress and possibilities

Tríona Lenihan, Policy and International Advocacy Manager, Penal Reform International

Impact of responses to drug-related offences on women

• Rosma Karlina, AKSI Keadilan Indonesia (Action for Justice Indonesia)
• Gabriela Cruz and Corina Giacomello, EQUIS Justicia para las Mujeres, Mexico

Implementing the UN Bangkok Rules in Kenya: achievements and challenges

Jane Kuria, Chief Executive Officer, Faraja Foundation, Kenya

Implementing the UN Bangkok Rules in Thailand: the Model Prison Project

Dr. Nathee Chitsawang, Advisor, Thailand Institute of Justice

Discussion

Moderator: Olivia Rope, Executive Director ad interim, Penal Reform International