Advancing Human Rights through International Prison Reform

Announcement

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on the issue of  international prison reform.

Nelson Mandela once stated that “no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” And yet there is mounting evidence that we are currently experiencing a “global prison crisis.” Prisoners throughout the world often face routine abuse such as torture, the threat of violence from other prisoners, lack of food and health services, lack of contact with family, and extended pre-trial detention which can expose even those eventually found not guilty to long-term incarceration. These problems often entail the violation of basic human rights, may contribute to recidivism, and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children.

In this hearing, witnesses will discuss the problems facing prisons around the world, examine the situation for female and juvenile offenders, and offer hope through examples of successful reform initiatives as well as effective alternatives to prison.

This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the interested public, and the media. The hearing will be livestreamed via YouTube on the Commission website and will also be available for viewing on House Digital Channel 52. For any questions, please contact Matthew Singer (for Mr. Hultgren) at 202-226-3989 or Matthew.Singer@mail.house.gov or Kimberly Stanton (for Mr. McGovern) at 202-225-3599 or Kimberly.Stanton@mail.house.gov.

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