Promoting Human Rights for Prisoners and Detainees in Iraq: A Discussion Seminar in Anbar

As part of the “Improving Human Rights Conditions for Prisoners and Detainees in Iraq” program, implemented by the Prisoners Justice Network, the Safa Association for Development and Friendships with Peoples held a discussion seminar to explore ways to enhance human rights for prisoners and detainees in Iraq. The seminar took place in the Ramadi district of Anbar Province, at the Rusul Al-Salam Hall, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with the participation of 20 civil activists from different cities across the province.

Seminar Management: The seminar was moderated by Mr. Taha Abdul Ghani, a member of the Board of Directors of the Prisoners Justice Network and the President of the Safa Association for Development and Friendships with Peoples. The session began by introducing the participants, followed by the presentation of a working paper on the Mandela Rules for the treatment of prisoners and detainees. These rules were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 2015, after a five-year review process.

Introduction to the Mandela Rules: The Mandela Rules, named after former South African President Nelson Mandela, consist of 122 rules. Some of these are core principles, such as institutional equality and the philosophy of imprisonment, rather than strict rules. The rules were first adopted on August 30, 1955, during the UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in Geneva, and later endorsed by the UN Economic and Social Council in 1957 and 1977.

Global Importance of the Rules: The Mandela Rules serve as internationally recognized minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners. Although they are not legally binding, these rules are used as a reference for national laws and as practical guidelines for prison management. They also provide guidelines for both international and local laws concerning prisoners and detainees.

A key principle of these rules is that there should be no discrimination based on race, color, gender, language, religion, political or non-political opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth, or any other status.

Participant Engagement and Discussions: The seminar saw active engagement from participants, who provided several insights into the origins and importance of the minimum standards for prisoners and detainees. Many participants expressed their happiness to be part of such discussions and showed a strong willingness to collaborate with the Prisoners Justice Network in promoting and enhancing human rights principles for prisoners and detainees.

The participants also emphasized the importance of prison staff in Iraq adhering to the rule of law and applying human rights standards within the prison system.

Conclusion: This seminar is part of ongoing efforts to promote human rights within Iraqi prisons and to improve the conditions of prisoners and detainees in accordance with international standards