REFORM Alliance Pass Historic Global Resolution with UN

UN ADOPTS HISTORIC GUIDANCE TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE LEAVING PRISON AND ON PROBATION/PAROLE

REFORM Alliance and Costa Rica Lead International Coalition to Pass Groundbreaking UNHRC Resolution Impacting 11.5+ Million People in Global Justice Systems

REFORM Alliance, in partnership with Costa Rica and a coalition of 120 organizations from 49 countries, has successfully led the unanimous adoption of a groundbreaking UN Human Rights Council resolution. This global effort will ensure that the human rights of people reentering society after incarceration and those on supervision, like probation or parole, are upheld.

The resolution provides concrete steps for governments to create safer, more inclusive communities, focusing on reentry support, reducing stigma, and promoting economic inclusion. It highlights successful practices and kicks off a process to develop stronger global standards, rooted in human rights, that will help move than 11.5 million people currently incarcerated worldwide successfully reintegrate back into their communities.

Globally, millions of people leaving incarceration or under supervision face severe human rights challenges, being subject to stigma, exploitation, and violence and overcoming barriers to access employment, stable housing, and basic services. Without proper support, these individuals remain trapped in cycles of poverty, exclusion, and reoffending.

REFORM Alliance led the international NGO coalition, while Costa Rica worked with a core group of nations—The Gambia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, and Romania—to make this resolution a reality, aided by legal experts at Perseus Strategies.

It marks the first time the HRC has offered clear, human rights-based guidance on reentry and supervision. The resolution also took a people-centered approach by rejecting dehumanizing language like “criminal,” “offender,” “convict,” and “felon,” which reinforce stigma and make full participation in society more difficult. Instead, the resolution focuses on dignity and opportunity, transforming the way societies treat individuals returning from incarceration and on supervision.

This two-year diplomatic effort began with a Joint Statement from 74 countries during last year’s Human Rights Council session. The group then published a global study of effective practices earlier this year and then led negotiations toward the final unanimous adoption of this resolution today.

With guidance from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the next steps include crafting a comprehensive study with recommendations for countries worldwide to implement programs and policies that will support reentry and uphold human rights.

© 2024, Seth “Digital Crates” Barmash. All rights reserved.