Prisons & incarceration

News8 February 2023

Sri Lankan parliament passes draconian “rehabilitation” law

The bill, which allows people who use drugs to be detained in military-run centres, was passed with 23 votes in favour, of the 225-seat parliament.

News30 November 2022

More women are being imprisoned. It’s not making the world safer

The profiles of incarcerated women are remarkably similar: most are mothers, often single heads of household, who come from situations of vulnerability.

Events

"EQUALIZE": Addressing barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment among women who use drugs and women in prisons

Vienna, Austria

1 December 2022

This event, marking World AIDS Day 2022, will raise awareness about the barriers faced by women who use drugs and women in prison in accessing services related to HIV.

News29 November 2022

How women in Argentina are resisting the damages of incarceration

A legislative proposal in Argentina aims at reducing recidivism within formerly imprisoned women by tackling the debilitating challenges experienced in finding stable employment and housing due to stigma.

News20 October 2022

World female prison population up by 60% since 2000

Socio-structural factors, including poverty, inequality and the criminalisation associated with the 'war on drugs' greatly contribute to the incarceration of women.

News10 October 2022

United States: Biden to pardon simple federal marijuana possession convictions

Activists welcomed the move and urged the government pass legislation to end the federal prohibition of cannabis and expunge past records.

News10 October 2022

Australia: People caught with drugs in NSW may not face court, but government resists decriminalisation

After years of delays, the NSW government responds to Howard enquiry by expanding pre-court diversion for possession offences, but the lack of decriminalisation risks perpetuating the disproportionate sentencing of Indigenous people.

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.

Events

Human rights in the Philippines: The continuing detention of Senator Leila de Lima

Online

2 October 2022 - 3 October 2022

An event on the human rights situation in the Philippines in relation to the 'war on drugs' and its weaponisation against political opponents.

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.

Blog3 August 2022

Toward accountability and redress: Launch of the report on torture and ill-treatment of people who use drugs in Nigeria

The launch of the report brought together over 60 representatives from civil society, community networks and public authorities, prompting a discussion on the need to end rights-violating practices against people who use drugs.

Blog3 August 2022

Public service: An alternative to women's incarceration in Colombia

Claudia Cardona (Mujeres Libres) analyses a bill in Colombia that seeks to reduce the imprisonment of female heads of household.

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