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Programme · Central Africa

Modernization of penitentiary administration

Diagnosing detention realities, designing alternatives to incarceration and strengthening prison governance in line with international human rights standards.

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Country / Region
Africa - Central
Period
2024 - Ongoing
Status
Ongoing
Intervention area
Prison Administration · Rule of Law
Partners
Ministry of Justice · UN agencies · Donor partners
Context

Operational context

Severe prison overcrowding, structural challenges in detention conditions and limited monitoring mechanisms hinder the dignified treatment of detainees and undermine public trust in justice institutions.

Objectives

What this programme aims to achieve

  • Produce an evidence-based diagnostic of detention realities
  • Design and pilot alternatives to incarceration
  • Strengthen prison governance and oversight mechanisms
  • Build the capacity of prison staff and senior administrators
Activities

How we deliver

  • 01Field-based prison diagnostics
  • 02Strategic reform plan validated with national authorities
  • 03Pilot deployment of alternatives to incarceration
  • 04Training program for senior prison administrators
Outcomes

Institutional outcomes

Measurable results delivered alongside national institutions and partners.

  • Strategic reform plan endorsed by national authorities
  • Pilot alternatives to incarceration deployed
  • Senior prison staff trained on standards-based governance
  • Foundations laid for a national monitoring framework
Connected resources

Publications and news linked to this programme

Human rightsFebruary 2025

Strategic advisory on detention conditions and pre-trial reform

Field engagement supports national authorities in addressing prison overcrowding and structural reform.

Read insight
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