Our words matter: Advancing inclusive language and a human rights-based approach to criminal justice at the United Nations

When? 9 January 2026 3:30–4:30 pm (CEST)

Where? Online. REGISTER HERE

This seminar will provide Member States, UN stakeholders, and civil society with the opportunity to learn about the findings and recommendations of the new report A Call for Inclusive Language: Advancing a Human Rights-Based Approach to Criminal Justice at the United Nations, prepared by international human rights law firm Perseus Strategies, with the support of NGOs Dream.Org and REFORM Alliance. It will highlight the crucial role of our language in shaping perceptions of individuals impacted by the criminal justice system and call on the UN system to eliminate stigmatizing language from its discourse on incarceration, social reintegration, and criminal justice more broadly. This seminar will examine the ways in which stigmatizing labels like “offender,” “criminal,” or “prisoner” can undermine social reintegration and the enjoyment of human rights, and offer strategies for advancing person-centered, dignity-based language – such as “person deprived of liberty,” “formerly incarcerated individual,” or “child in conflict with the law” – across UN discourse, policies, and programs. Panelists will demonstrate the benefits of such language and provide practical tools and guidance for implementing these approaches within their respective mandates. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how simple linguistic shifts can challenge systemic bias, reduce reoffending, and advance human rights to non-discrimination, equality, and participation for justice-impacted individuals worldwide.

Speakers

Opening Remarks: Permanent Mission of Costa Rica in Geneva (TBC)
Hannah Pierce-Carty, Perseus Strategies
Teresa Njorge, Clean Start Africa
Sean Wilson, Dream.Org (TBC)
Closing Remarks: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rule
of Law and Democracy Section