Tag: COVID-19

IPS Encourage Families Not To Smuggle Drugs Into Prisons As Physical Visits Finally Resume.

July 21, 2020

As the Irish Prison Service (IPS) opens its doors once again to visitors, there is a “new” normal that visitors will have to get used to. Since a ban on physical visits was imposed in March, IPS prisons have not only been free of Covid-19 but have shown a severely decreased volume of drugs being … More IPS Encourage Families Not To Smuggle Drugs Into Prisons As Physical Visits Finally Resume.

Joint Letter to Thailands Department of Corrections

April 16, 2020

An open letter has been sent to Director-General Pol Col Naras Savestanan, of Thailands Department of Corrections requesting that he takes immediate steps to release prisoners and ensure the health and safety of all those in detention facilities. The letter, signed by 11 national and international human rights organizations, including; ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights … More Joint Letter to Thailands Department of Corrections

Call for Inmates To Be Released After COVID-19 Outbreak in Eastern Cape Prisons

April 15, 2020

In an open letter sent to the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, and other governmental and correctional bodies, the Detention Justice Forum (DJF) listed their recommendations of precautionary measures to be implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis to protect the health and safety of … More Call for Inmates To Be Released After COVID-19 Outbreak in Eastern Cape Prisons

Protecting Prisoners, Prison Staff and Visitors from COVID-19

April 6, 2020

The world is currently facing an unprecedented challenge in dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The World Health Organization’s prevention advice is simple; wash your hands, cough into your elbow, avoid touching your face, distance yourself at least one and a half metres from another person and if you feel unwell, stay at home. Above … More Protecting Prisoners, Prison Staff and Visitors from COVID-19

UK Government Announce Early Prisoner Releases

April 4, 2020

Risk-assessed prisoners who are within two months of their release date will be temporarily released from jail, as part of the national plan to protect the NHS and save lives. Plan to protect the NHS from further pressure Measures will also benefit brave prison staff Selected low-risk offenders, within weeks of their release dates, will … More UK Government Announce Early Prisoner Releases

In Response to COVID-19 UNODC in Lebanon Acts to Protect the Most Vulnerable in Prisons

April 3, 2020

In response to the growing health concerns posed by COVID-19, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa launched an awareness-raising campaign for the juvenile wing in Roumieh Prison, the Moubadara facility for girls and the Barbar Khazen Prison for women in Beirut. The uncertainty … More In Response to COVID-19 UNODC in Lebanon Acts to Protect the Most Vulnerable in Prisons

New Guidelines Issued for Prisons and Detention Centres in the UK

March 27, 2020

The UK Ministry of Justice together with Public Health England have issued updated guidelines regarding COVID-19: in prisons and other prescribed places of detention guidance. This guidance will assist healthcare staff and custodial and detention staff in addressing coronavirus (COVID-19) in prescribed places of detention (PPDs). The following establishments in England are included within the … More New Guidelines Issued for Prisons and Detention Centres in the UK

Coronavirus: Healthcare and Human Rights of People in Prison

March 19, 2020

Penal Reform International briefing note issued on 16 March 2020 on the situation of the outbreak of a novel form of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prevention measures in prisons and wider impacts of responses to governments on people in criminal justice systems. As the COVID-19 pandemic affects more people in an ever-increasing list of countries, Penal Reform … More Coronavirus: Healthcare and Human Rights of People in Prison