PRI: In 2019, the UN reported that mortality rates in prisons were 50% higher compared to the wider community. This is linked to a wide range of causes and contributing factors which raise serious concerns for prison management, public health, and human rights. However, information on the causes and demographics of prison deaths remains limited, making it difficult to prevent them.
This side event will bring together member States, practitioners, and civil society to discuss challenges and best practices in addressing deaths in prisons, in accordance with international standards. It is supported by the University of Nottingham as part of PRI’s ongoing collaboration with the prisonDEATH initiative.
Side event at the 32nd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Organised by Penal Reform International, supported by Brazil and Finland.
Programme
- Opening remarks – César Augusto Vermiglio Bonamigo, Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations in Vienna
- Deaths in prison worldwide: Examining causes, responses, and prevention – Adriana Pou Hernández, Researcher, Penal Reform International
- Deaths in Chilean prisons: Panorama, diagnosis and proposals – Agustín Walker Martínez, Lawyer, Universidad de Chile
- Film screening: Woodhill. A short film. (produced by University of Nottingham and LUNG Theatre)
- Closing remarks – Paulina Tallroth, Ministry of Justice, Finland
Moderated by Olivia Rope, Executive Director, Penal Reform International