Correctional services problems addressed
OAKLANDS – South Africa hosts the launch of a new global project aimed at revolutionary prison reform.
Global network, Incarceration Nations Network (INN) in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted an interactive panel discussion unpacking the problems associated with the current correctional services system to various stakeholders.
This discussion held on 7 November was a prelude to next year’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary since the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.
The occasion provided conversation and solutions that highlight not only the country’s unique history of incarceration and revolution but also its justice-driven approach to overcoming the legacies of that history.
Speakers from organisations such as Hlumelisa (South Africa), The Fair Justice Initiative (Ghana), RubiKon centre (Czech Republic), The POS Foundation (Ghana), Just Detention (South Africa) and Humunitas360 (Brazil) tackled topics ranging from pre-trial detention and legal assistance for the poor to problems and solutions related to rehabilitation behind bars, reintegration, juvenile justice and restorative justice.
INN founder and executive director Dr Baz Dreisinger said INN looks to reduce prison populations globally while building safer communities by showcasing innovative work happening all around the world.
“The hope is that countries will learn from each other and build a coalition to innovate around justice. This advances peace and generates a justice system that serves people it claims to serve – those who have been harmed,” said Dr Dreisinger.
Hosted and officiated by Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the event was the first time global justice workers convened to explore how to create safer communities by reforming prison systems and building alternatives to them, featuring a multimedia presentation entitled Showcasing Global Visions of Justice: Past, Present and Future.
Hatang told guests, “The foundation’s interest in incarceration systems and prison reform is obvious, given who our founder is. For years now, we have been disturbed at the role the incarceration system plays in the normalisation of the deep-rooted structural violence in society. This gives us enormous common ground with the Incarceration Nations Network. We are both committed to building safer, more robust and cohesive communities.”
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