Treatment of Prisoners

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Madison Montgomery

The Republic of Colombia recognizes that the Treatment Of Prisoners is essential to showing human rights, strengthening the rule of law, as well as peace and stability. Colombia has made progress in demobilization efforts, organized crime, and justice reform, but the country is continuing to face challenges due to prison violence, overcrowding in facilities, limited resources, and protection of inmates. Colombia believes that having humane conditions within facilities is a legal responsibility and it’s important to national reconciliation and international cooperation.
Colombia’s prison system has been struggling with overcrowding, bad infrastructure, and safety concerns among inmates. Reforms from the INPEC and Ministry of Justice have tried to improve conditions, and facilities normally can hold more inmates than originally planned. Colombia is committed to sharing and matching its practices with international standards.
Some important topics Colombia wants to focus on are: prison overcrowding, violence and security, protection for women and youth, and human rights protections. Much of Colombia and other member states are experiencing overcrowding in prisons, which is making lives more difficult and dangerous in jail, as there is typically more safety and sanitation concerns with overcrowding. Additionally, to decrease the amount of violence between inmates, Colombia is an advocate for more security to try and reduce bad influence and fights. Colombia believes that even while in prison, humans should have their rights protected, as well as ensuring safety for women, youth, and other individuals, per the UNDHR.
Colombia has been trying to improve the prison system. Some ways being judicial reforms to help with sentencing, investing in newer facilities and staff, demobilization and reintegration programs for former combatants, which have helped to expand gender policies. Colombia remains committed to its system.
Colombia would like to propose possible solutions to the issues. One is improving prison conditions, strengthening buildings, and helping those with mental health issues. Reintegration program to develop partnerships with employers and expand with programs to help prisoners learn, make a group within the prison where people can share things, spread what they believe, and things to watch out for.
In conclusion, Colombia stands by the fact that the Treatment Of Prisoners is very important for justice, security, and peace within the system. prioritizing human rights protections, cooperations, and rehabilitation. Colombia wants to create a more humane system while still contributing to global efforts to help improve prisoner treatment.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Maddy Langlois

Human Rights Council (HRC)
Treatment of Prisoners
Republic of Peru
Maddy Langlois
Forest Hills Northern

Harsh and unfair treatment of prisoners is an overwhelming issue in Peru. Overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, lack of medical treatment, and drug addiction are all prevalent in Peru’s prison systems. According to the National Library of Medicine fewer than 60% of prisoners diagnosed with depression, anxiety, chronic lung disease, and arterial hypertension were diagnosed with these conditions prior to being in prison.

To try to limit overcrowding there was a pardoning of prisoners as well as sentence commutations. According to Harvard this was a scandalous process which allegedly preferred drug traffickers being released. The lack of a garbage system, which once generated over 25 tons weekly, caused an outbreak in tuberculosis. Peru’s prisons don’t have funds to provide for inmates therefore they rely on resources from outside the prisons such as families. Not to mention Peru’s prison population increased 12% according to the National Library of Medicine. To try to solve some issues within Peru’s prison systems, IDB has approved a $177 Million loan to strengthen Peru’s prison system. This loan helps with many things, one of which is reducing the reincarceration rate from 24% to 21% by 2030. Even with this in place Peru has tightened disciplinary actions through the Supreme Decree No. 019-2025-JUS. This will make their schedules more refined and contained.

Peru stands to work with any countries to find solutions for the treatment of prisoners. We believe that building and expanding infrastructure will help with relieving overcrowding, and help with medical issues. Implementing treatment programs will support those previously incarcerated with not being reincarcerated. Modernizing the prison system will protect vulnerable communities, additionally, educating and training prison guards will ensure a safer environment for all. In conclusion Peru strongly wants to find solutions to the major issues in the current treatment of prisoners and is willing to work for solutions.

Sources:
https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/inside-perus-lurigancho-prison/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7307651/
https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-approves-177-million-loan-strengthen-perus-prison-system
https://andina.pe/ingles/noticia-perus-government-tightens-control-measures-in-prisons-for-highrisk-inmates-1050080.aspx

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Eddie Wuerthele

The matter of prisoners is a matter all countries all over the world must face. Regardless of how they got there, all of them deserve basic rights (Article 5, UDHR) that are often violated. While some of the unfair treatment is intentional, much of it is due to factors out of the facility’s control such as overcrowding and dearth of resources. There is currently no solution put into place to manage the populations of prisons which puts humane treatment at risk. The UN would like to find ways to mitigate these factors that adversely affect the implementation of the Mandela Rules. According to the UNHRC, over 60% of countries suffer from unfair treatment of prisoners, meaning it’s a problem that can be internationally solved.

Bangladesh finds itself within that 60%. On average, prisons in Bangladesh are housing nearly double the inmates they should. With so many prisoners, Bangladesh is unable to supply the prisons with enough hygienic supplies nor can it provide enough medical staff. In order to comply with the Mandela rules, Bangladesh has collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) by holding workshops such as “Transforming Prisons Into Modern Correctional Facilities” and “Humane Prison Management for Senior Prison Officers” to educate the populace and to work towards providing better care for current and former prisoners. Bangladesh has begun implementing training programs for correctional staff but needs more resources to continue such programs.

The Delegation of Bangladesh recommends communal efforts to reduce overcrowding and allocate resources to countries in need, while also respecting national sovereignty and allowing each country to use the resources in the way they believe is most useful. As Bangladesh has a low GDP, these efforts can not be achieved alone. The delegation also recommends a network where countries can share ideas on how to rehabilitate prisoners to prepare them for post-prison life. Bangladesh is interested in partnering with other countries to achieve reforms and build a worldwide community that is not plagued by the inhumane treatment of prisoners.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Jacob Zhang

Human Rights Council
Treatment of prisoners
Ukraine
Jacob Zhang
Forest Hills Northern High School

The treatment of prisoners is one of the most important and prevalent human rights issues in Ukraine, especially under the application of the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law. Examples of this would include torture, inhumane conditions of detention, and denial of medical care. This has been continuously happening to thousands of detained civilians and prisoners of war. Specifically to Ukraine, ongoing armed conflicts in Eastern Europe have brought forth intense concerns regarding systematic abuses and a great need for international monitoring and accountability.

Ukraine remains committed to providing humane treatment to those in detention. Ukraine has always been supportive of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which allows access to facilities based on the European Convention of Human Rights. Prisoners of war should have proper conditions of living, nutrition, and medical care according to the Geneva Convention. With the growing documented torture, disappearances, and intentional denial of medical assistance, Ukraine is concerned with the treatment of prisoners outside its domestic borders. Such actions are in blatant violation of international law, and we demand that action be taken from the international community.

Ukraine urges the Human Rights Council to create enhanced independent monitoring mechanisms with mandatory transparency and access to all places of detention in conflict zones. We support the establishment of a UN-maintained database for registering prisoners of war, if this ensures accountability. The international community should reinforce the universal jurisdiction to try perpetrators of prisoner abuse and give more access to healthcare to prioritize the patients who need to be treated.

Additionally, Ukraine stands to cooperate with international investigators documenting
violations and supporting consequences for non-compliance with humanitarian law. The treatment of prisoners reflects the basic commitments to human dignity and the rule of law. We work to uphold principles toward full accountability for violations.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Bela Haight

Human Rights Council
Treatment of Prisoners
Poland
Bela Haight
City High School

Around the world, prisoners continue to face violations of basic protections, including the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 5, UDHR), the right to adequate healthcare (Article 25), the right to dignity, and the right to fair and timely judicial processes (Article 10). Although the causes of poor prison conditions vary based on where they are in the world, there are consistent violations manifested as physical abuse, denial of medical care, extreme isolation, unsanitary living conditions, and overcrowding. These issues continuously place prisoners at risk, and stunt any growth towards reform that could be made. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 60% of countries struggle with overcrowded prisons, which has only contributed to a global crisis of violence, mental health, and lack of rehabilitation. The Republic of Poland acknowledges that even individuals deprived of liberty retain their fundamental human rights, and that states have a responsibility to uphold said rights, regardless of the offense committed.

Poland recognizes that, unfortunately, despite making progress in aligning its correctional system with EU standards, many challenges in its prisons remain. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) have made many reports about areas in which Poland can improve the treatment of its prisoners, mostly referring to problems such as overcrowding, insufficient access to mental-health services, and cases of excessive use of force by prison staff. In recent years, Poland’s prisons have experienced overcrowding well over the recommended norm in Europe, often with less than 4 square meters of space per prisoner. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the treatment of foreign detainees and the long duration of pre-trial detention, both of which strain resources and can heighten human rights risks. Poland has made reforms such as increasing the training of staff, improving healthcare access, and expanding non-custodial sentencing options and has plans to continue doing so to reduce pressure on facilities.

Looking forward, Poland believes that the international community must strengthen its collective response to poor prison conditions while recognizing that different regions face different constraints. Poland supports increasing UNODC assistance for countries with fewer resources, as lack of reform is often due to lack of resources and motivation to do so. This assistance would include training correctional officers, improving data collection, and sharing best practices for rehabilitation. Poland also encourages the development of clear, UN-backed guidelines for minimum standards in healthcare, mental-health support, and sanitation within detention centers. Addressing the issue of overcrowding requires a balance of expanding alternatives to imprisonment for non-violent offenders while ensuring that facilities are adequately resourced for those who must be detained.

The Republic of Poland affirms that the humane treatment of prisoners is inseparable from justice, security, and the dignity of all people. The mistreatment of incarcerated individuals is to the detriment of all people overall, and only puts reform further back in the long run, leading to a vicious cycle of inhumanity. Poland stands ready to work with member states, NGOs, and the United Nations to promote humane, safe, and effective correctional systems worldwide.

Bibliography:
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. (n.d.). United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/justice-and-prison-reform/crime-prevention-and-criminal-justice.html

Poland: prisons in 2025. (n.d.). Prison Insider. https://www.prison-insider.com/en/countryprofile/pologne-2025?s=vue-d-ensemble

https://www.coe.int/en/web/prison/-/increasing-overcrowding-in-european-prisons

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Anishka Bhargava

Committee: Human Rights Council
Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Algeria
Name: Anishka Bhargava
School: Forest Hills Northern

Many countries deal with issues such as overcrowding, poor health care, unsanitation, and a lack of access to support. The United Nations has made certain recommendations for prisoner rights within the Rights. Over 11 million people around the world remain behind bars, with reports from many different regions showing that different conditions often fall below the requirements. Issues of abuse by guards and poor mental health support remain a global challenge.

The issues faced by the prison system of Algeria are similar to other nations. Recent studies show that the country retains approximately 94,700 prisoners, with about 19 percent in pre trial detention. Many of those facilities have faced overcrowding issues and outdated infrastructure. According to human rights researchers, some prisons run above their capacity, which led to bad ventilation and sanitation. Meanwhile, Algeria has pursued different initiatives for prisoners rehabilitation, including different programs like educational opportunities. In the year 2025, over 10,000 Algerian inmates applied to take academic examinations. This shows how Algeria is against prisoners treatment.

Algeria has signed big agreements related to prisoner treatment, including the ICCPR and the Mandela Rules. Many of those have been taken into national law, including protections against torture and requirements for basic medical care. However, resource limitations make it difficult for developing countries. Algeria supports the international community’s goals but will continue to seek for increased technical and financial assistance for facilities upgrade, reduce overcrowding, and strengthen staff training.

The delegation calls for increased UN funding of prison modernization, international training programs for staff, and support for more community service. Algeria also encourages independent monitoring for greater protection of vulnerable prisoners, such as minors and those with mental health needs. These proposals have aimed to improve prisons, and contribute to long term reuniting.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Natalie Johncock

Committee: Human Rights Council (HRC)
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Greece
School: Mattawan High School

The humane treatment of prisoners is a fundamental human rights issue that reflects the values and justice systems of nations worldwide. This topic focuses on prison conditions, access to healthcare, overcrowding, fair trials, and protection from torture or degrading treatment. Around the world, prisons face challenges such as underfunding, violence, inadequate sanitation, lack of medical care, and poor rehabilitation programs. These issues not only affect prisoners but also impact public safety, as humane treatment and effective rehabilitation reduce recidivism and support reintegration. Key standards such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules) outline expectations for dignity, oversight, and safety, making this issue a top priority for the Human Rights Council.
The United Nations has taken extensive action to set global standards for prisoner treatment. The Mandela Rules, adopted in 2015, define minimum requirements for housing, healthcare, nutrition, discipline, and staff training. The Convention Against Torture (CAT) obligates states to prevent and punish all forms of torture or degrading treatment. The UN has also established the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, which works with countries to monitor detention facilities and support reform. Many HRC resolutions call for reducing overcrowding, preventing discrimination in prisons, and expanding rehabilitation services. However, several proposed reforms have faced difficulty passing due to national security concerns, limited resources, or disagreements over how much oversight the UN should have within domestic justice systems.
Greece has recognized significant challenges within its prison system, including overcrowding, outdated facilities, limited mental-health services, and long periods of pre-trial detention. These issues have drawn attention from international organizations, including the Council of Europe. Greece has responded by increasing the use of alternatives to incarceration, such as community service and electronic monitoring, to reduce overcrowding. The country has also expanded rehabilitation and reintegration programs focused on education, job skills and drug-treatment services. As a signatory to the Convention Against Torture and a participants in European human rights mechanisms, Greece actively works to align national policy with UN standards. Recent reforms have also strengthened monitoring bodies and improved healthcare access for detainees demonstrating Greece’s commitment to long-term progress.
Greece firmly believes that all prisoners must be treated with dignity and that improving prison conditions strengthens human rights and public safety. Greece supports expanding global cooperation on prison management, rehabilitation programs, and independent monitoring. Greece proposed the creation of a UN-supported Prison Reform Support Fund, which would provide financial and technical assistance to countries working to modernize facilities and meet the Mandela Rules. Greece also supports strengthening international training programs for prison staff, especially in mental health care, crisis de-escalation, and human rights practices. Additionally, Greece encourages member states to adopt alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders, which reduces overcrowding and directs resources toward more serious threats to public safety. These solutions reflect Greece’s belief that fair treatment, transparency, and rehabilitation are essential components of a humane and effective justice system.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Raksha Karunanithy

Human Rights Council
Treatment of Prisoners
Republic of Iraq
Raksha Karunanithy
Forest Hills Eastern

The treatment of prisoners remains a major global concern, especially in regions recovering from long periods of conflict. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), many countries face challenges like overcrowding, limited resources, and damaged infrastructure. Iraq’s prison system relates to these challenges, since the nation has experienced multiple waves of instability, from the 2003 conflict to the war against ISIS. Reports from UNAMI and OHCHR (2023) show that while Iraq has made progress in improving monitoring and justice procedures, the country continues to feel the pressure of handling thousands of detainees connected to terrorism.

The Republic of Iraq reaffirms its commitment to improving prison conditions and protecting human rights, even while dealing with one of the most complicated detention situations in the world. As a signatory to the Convention Against Torture (CAT), Iraq has cooperated with UNAMI, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other international partners to allow prison monitoring, increase transparency, and develop professional training for staff. However, Iraq believes it is essential for the international community to understand the scale of the challenge it faces. According to government data, Iraq holds more than 60,000 detainees linked to ISIS, including thousands of foreign fighters whose home countries refuse to repatriate them. Unlike countries where prisons hold mostly criminals, Iraq manages extremely high-risk detainees responsible for severe violence and war crimes. These cases require specialized judges, advanced security, and large amounts of evidence collection, which place additional pressure on the legal system. Iraq also has many detention centers that were damaged during the fight against ISIS, forcing the country to rebuild facilities while still handling a massive flow of detainees. Although reforms are being discussed, increasing the number of trained judges, improving prison management, and cooperating with human rights monitors, Iraq stresses that expectations must be realistic. The country strongly believes that state sovereignty must be respected, especially since most terrorism-related crimes were committed on Iraqi land and should be prosecuted through Iraqi courts. At the same time, Iraq acknowledges that some challenges, such as overcrowding and strained resources, cannot be resolved without international support. Iraq, therefore, urges countries to recognize that improving the treatment of prisoners in a post-conflict nation is both a humanitarian responsibility and a shared global security issue. Ultimately, Iraq believes progress depends on cooperation, not criticism.

Iraq supports practical and balanced solutions that address human rights concerns while recognizing security needs. Iraq believes overcrowding should be reduced mainly by curbing the number of people entering the system through faster trials, more legal support, and repatriation of foreign criminals and not only by expanding facilities. Iraq also wants assistance to improve key infrastructure, strengthen staff training based on the Mandela Rules, a set of rules for the treatment of prisoners that set the standard for prison management everywhere, and support rehabilitation programs for detainees. Iraq urges countries to take responsibility for their citizens who joined ISIS, as their refusal to repatriate them places unfair and unsustainable pressure on Iraq’s legal system.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Alliance Uwajeneza

Human Rights Council
Treatment of Prisoners
Bolivia
Alliance Uwajeneza
City High School

Poor prison conditions, overcrowding, and limited access to legal support remain global issues, and Bolivia is no exception. As the number of incarcerated individuals grows, questions about the capacity of prison systems and the ethical treatment of inmates have become more urgent. The UN continues to collaborate with international partners, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, to investigate conditions, issue recommendations, and help states strengthen protections for detainees. These strategies emphasize that safeguarding prisoners’ rights is essential for justice systems to function fairly and effectively.

Bolivia has been working to confront its own problems with prison conditions, many of which are tied to overcrowding and long pre-trial detention. Regional reports show that a large portion of people in Bolivian prisons are still waiting for their cases to move through the courts, which puts extra pressure on facilities that were never designed to hold so many inmates. This makes it hard to provide basics like healthcare, sanitation, or even safe living spaces. In response, the government has introduced reforms aimed at speeding up judicial processes and improving access to public defenders so people aren’t kept in detention for unnecessary lengths of time. Bolivia has also welcomed support from UN partners and human rights groups, who help review conditions and offer guidance on meeting international standards like the Mandela Rules. These efforts show progress, but day-to-day improvements are still slow because of limited funding and understaffed institutions.

Bolivia’s approach to improving the treatment of prisoners involves both national reform and cooperation with outside organizations. The country has been trying to reduce the number of people entering the prison system for minor offenses by expanding alternatives such as community service and restorative programs, which help ease pressure on overcrowded facilities. Bolica has also worked with international groups to train prison staff and strengthen monitoring so abuses are less likely to go unnoticed. While building more prisons is sometimes suggested, Bolivia recognizes that expanding infrastructure alone won’t solve the issue. Long-term change depends on fixing the causes of overcrowding, especially slow court procedures and the overuse of pre-trial detention. By continuing to work with regional partners and strengthening its own justice system, Bolivia aims to create a more humane and fair environment for people in custody.

Bolivia. (2024, January 11). Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/bolivia#:~:text=a%20timely%20manner.-,Detention%20Conditions,Justice%20for%202019%20Abuses

Bolivia | World Prison Brief. (n.d.). https://www.prisonstudies.org/country/bolivia

Bolivia – United States Department of State. (2025, January 3). United States Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/bolivia#:~:text=The%20judge%20must%20order%20the,percent%20were%20in%20preventive%20detention

Bolivia: ICRC activities for persons deprived of their liberty. (2024, January 17). International Committee of the Red Cross. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/bolivia-icrc-activities-persons-deprived-their-liberty

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Liv Mardiros

Around the world, detention systems face challenges including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, poor infrastructure, violence, and limited or absent rehabilitation programs. The UN’s Nelson Mandela Rules establish a universal minimum for humane treatment of detainees, with a focus on disciplinary limits and independent oversight. Like many countries, the Republic of Ireland is confronting rising pressure within its own system: our incarceration rate has increased 12% between 2022 and 2023, which is among the highest in Western Europe, and the cost of adequate prison space has reached 96,000 USD. National attention to this issue within the Republic of Ireland reflects similar global trends, which highlights the need for coordinated action that smaller nations like Ireland cannot take alone without strong support from the UN. This urgency aligns with the Republic of Ireland’s Global Ireland initiative, launched in 2018 to expand our global engagement and strengthen our influence by the end of 2025. Core values of this initiative include advocating and securing equal rights for women and LGBTQ+ people, eliminating global hunger, and providing for those with disabilities in conflict zones. These rights extend directly to Ireland’s position on international prison reform, which states that people deprived of liberty must not lose access to fundamental humane treatment.
Ireland has already implemented independent inspection systems that align with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) in the form of our Inspector of Prisons. Other UN members have also found solutions in independent monitors: the United Kingdom’s volunteer-based Independent Monitoring Board and Norway’s National Preventative Mechanism both are examples of how external oversight can prevent abuse and build transparency. Norway’s system in particular focuses on rehabilitation through education, normalized living conditions, and skill development. Additionally, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has long stressed crime-reduction methods such as drug-treatment programs and reducing the stigma and barriers to access of mental health services. The Republic of Ireland aims to follow the examples set out by other countries and multilateral institutions to create spaces that provide vulnerable groups safety against assault and violence before, during, and after incarceration.
Many other nations, however, are not following the Mandela Rules provided by the UN. Overcrowding, inadequate medical care, lack of independent oversight, and insufficient access to rehabilitation services, are just a few of the myriad of widespread issues affecting prison systems. These conditions and failures outright violate the established Mandela Rules, contributing to cycles of abuse, instability, and reoffending. Ireland recognizes that this situation demands global attention. By letting this treatment in prisons continue, Ireland compromises our own values written in our founding documents and furthered by the Global Ireland initiative. Reports from UN Special Rapporteurs confirm that progress by UN initiatives is uneven, and that stronger implementation of existing standards is imperative. Ireland believes that supporting independent oversight, such as Ireland’s Inspector of Prisons, is key to fulfilling OPCAT obligations, and the UN must encourage member states to enforce this oversight by providing skills training and resources for their independent monitoring bodies. Mandating transparency and regular publishing of detention data could better direct the UN on which problems need the most urgent solutions.
The Delegation of Ireland remains firmly committed to advancing the humane treatment of all people deprived of liberty and upholding the standards set out by the UN in the Mandela Rules and OPCAT. Stronger, more transparent, and more enforceable international measures are needed to protect detainees’ dignity and rights, improve access to rehabilitation, and expand independent oversight. Member states must work together to strengthen each other’s accountability as the need for coordinated action will only grow more dire as violations pile up. The Human Rights Council has a responsibility to address these ongoing concerns with urgency, as conditions within detention systems worldwide continue to deteriorate and degrade detainees.

1. Irish Legal News. “Irish Prison Population Growth among Highest in Europe.” June 6, 2024. https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/irish-prison-population-growth-among-highest-in-europe.
2. “Facts & Figures.” https://www.iprt.ie/prison-facts-2/.
3. “Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 | Ireland.Ie.” https://www.ireland.ie/en/global-ireland-strategies/global-ireland-irelands-global-footprint-to-2025/.
4. “Making a Difference.” Independent Monitoring Boards, n.d. https://imb.org.uk/about-us/making-difference/.
5. Sivilombudet. “Torture Prevention.” Accessed November 24, 2025. https://www.sivilombudet.no/en/torture-prevention/.
6. United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. “UNODC Crime Prevention.” www.unodc.org/unodc/en/justice-and-prison-reform/cpcj-crimeprevention-home.html.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Ben Cook

All over the world prisoners are subject to inhumane conditions, like overcrowding, poor sanitation and lack of medical care. According to the UNODC, over 60% of countries have overcrowded prisons. The Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners and the Mandela Rules make it clear that people deprived of liberty still have human rights that must be respected. The large number of people in pre-trial detention (about one third of all prisoners) also adds major strain on prison systems and increases human rights concerns.

The Philippines believes all prisoners should be treated with dignity and there should always be humane and sanitary conditions inside prisons. The government recognizes the challenges within its correctional system, including congestion and limited resources, and is working to improve prison management and expand rehabilitation programs.

The Philippines understands that while international human rights standards are universal, local and regional governments play an important role in applying these rules effectively. Community-based programs, local oversight, and cooperation with NGOs are essential for meaningful change.

In the Philippines: Reforms focus on reducing overcrowding through expanded probation, parole, and rehabilitation for low level criminals. While, efforts are being made to modernize facilities and improve access to healthcare and mental health support. Additionally, diversion programs for youth and first-time offenders help reduce pressure on the system.

Internationally, the Philippines is actively working with UNODC and others to strengthen justice systems to have the best practices all over southeast Asia. The Philippines also actively collaborates with NGOs and civil society groups to support rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Possible Solutions include reducing overcrowding through expanding alternatives to imprisonment for non-violent and low-risk criminals. Limiting the use of pre-trial detention and improving access to public defenders. And, speeding up court processes with digital procedures.

Other solutions center on improving prison conditions through ensuring prisoners have access to proper healthcare and hygiene. Additionally, expanding education, skills training, and rehabilitation programs, while strengthening protections against abuse through reporting systems will be essential.

In conclusion, the Philippines believes that justice systems should uphold the correct treatment of all prisoners. The Philippines works with organizations and partners to improve the treatment of prisoners, reduce overcrowding, and ensure that human rights are protected.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Gavin Dakhi

The treatment of prisoners is an important aspect of any justice system around the globe. The delegation of Sierra Leone recognizes this fact and is aware of the cracks in the current working plan. With only 21 prisons and around 4,800 prisoners in total, the living conditions and crowding issues of these prisons require immediate attention. The makeup of our prisons consists of approximately 60% pre-trail detainees. This number plays a huge role in the overcrowding problem we face nationwide. In addition to overcrowding, the prison spaces are not kept clean or well supplied, and this leads to inadequate treatment of inmates. Coming from both a lack of resources and a lack of officers. The delegation of Sierra Leone recognizes the prison system as in need of reform.

Sierra Leone has recently strengthened its infrastructure within correctional centers, including the installation of new water and sanitation systems that directly improve the health and well-being of prisoners. The government has also enacted the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024; this act replaces outdated legal processes and significantly reduces the time individuals spend in pre-trial detention, which is one of the main contributors to overcrowding and poor prison conditions. This law introduces alternative sentencing options such as community service and suspended sentences, helping to reduce the number of people entering prisons for minor offenses. We have already begun training correctional officers and legal personnel to ensure full and consistent implementation of these reforms. In the years ahead, Sierra Leone will expand nationwide monitoring of correctional centers, enhance oversight through human-rights based inspections, and continue investing in staff training, sanitation upgrades, and rehabilitation programs. With these acts currently in place, and more reforms being drawn up soon, Sierra Leone is working to improve prison standards nationally and globally.

Sources:
United Nations Development Programme. “Sierra Leone Ushers in New Era Justice and Equality with Criminal Procedure Act 2024.” UNDP, 16 Sept. 2025, www.undp.org/sierra-leone/news/sierra-leone-ushers-new-era-justice-and-equality criminal-procedure-act-2024.
Ministry of Information and Civic Education. “A New Era for Justice: Sierra Leone’s Criminal Procedure Act 2024 Takes Effect.” Ministry of Information and Civic Education, 25 Sept. 2025, moice.gov.sl/a-new-era-for-justice-sierra-leones-criminal-procedure-act 2024-takes-effect/.
United Nations Development Programme. “UNDP Commissions Water Facility for Kenema Female Correction Centre.” UNDP Sierra Leone, 6 June 2024, www.undp.org/sierra-leone/news/undp-commissions-water-facility-kenema-female correction-center.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: India
Delegate Name: Sarah Miller

Correctional facilities worldwide encounter problems such as overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to legal aid. The Republic of India, with a population exceeding 1.47 billion, including 506,660 detainees, acknowledges the importance of fair treatment for inmates. The Republic of India is a nation committed to justice and rights. It admits the challenges in its prison system and endeavors to implement reforms aimed at improving prisoners’ rights and strengthening rehabilitation initiatives. The Republic of India has worked towards shifting its prison system to one centered on rehabilitation, efficiency, and humane treatment.
The Republic of India is involved in many government initiatives aimed at implementing reforms towards efficiency. For example, the E-prisons project, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, digitizes inmates’ records to improve transparency and prevent incorrect imprisonment. Additionally, the Republic of India has given legal support to prisoners by establishing legal aid clinics. These build on the FASTER system (Fast and Secure Transmission of Electronic Records), which accelerates the delivery of bail orders, ensuring the accused individual does not stay in jail longer than intended.
As a part of the modernization of the centuries-old Prisons Act of 1894, several government and international agencies, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), replaced it with the Model Prisons Act in 2023. The Model Prisons Act focuses on changing prisons from punishment to rehabilitation and also improving physical and mental health, and legal assistance. The Republic of India has begun to make use of public-private partnerships to highlight its strive towards fair treatment. The Shakti program, which addresses the female inmates’ needs like menstrual hygiene, is just one example.
The Republic of India has shown improvement in prison treatment over the past years, with these initiatives, and the rates of recidivism have been declining since 2016. It is developing open and semi-open prisons to encourage trust and facilitate the reintegration process. However, the country has recognized that it has not yet achieved fair treatment of prisoners in all prisons. To this end, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Model Prison Manual, which provides safeguards for prisoners, are to be actively involved.
The Republic of India is prepared to collaborate with other nations to achieve humane treatment of prisoners. The Republic of India’s goal within the Human Rights Council is to achieve better living conditions, establish better rehabilitation initiatives, and ensure that prisoners’ rights are protected throughout their incarceration. Through these efforts, the Republic of India shows its commitment to justice and human dignity.

Works Cited
“Committee Reports.” PRS Legislative Research, 22 Nov. 2025, https://www.unodc.org/southasia/frontpage/2024/November/india_-unodc-and-partners-champion-change-in-prison-healthcare-systems–launch-innovative-toolkit-for-officials-and-inmates.html?utm_source
Samarth, Pathak. “India: UNODC and Partners Champion Change in Prison Healthcare Systems, Launch Innovative Toolkit for Officials and Inmates.” Unodc.org, 2024, www.unodc.org/southasia/frontpage/2024/November/india_-unodc-and-partners-champion-change-in-prison-healthcare-systems–launch-innovative-toolkit-for-officials-and-inmates.html?utm_source

“Ministry of Home Affairs | Government of India.” Mha.gov.in, 18 Aug. 2025, www.mha.gov.in/en/commoncontent/prison-reforms?utm_source.

Nair, Ravi. “UNHRC’s Examination of India’s Periodic Report after 28 Years: Part 6 – South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC).” Hrdc.net, 9 July 2024, hrdc.net/unhrcs-examination-of-indias-periodic-report-after-28-years-part-6/?utm_source.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Amelia Hewitt

The treatment of prisoners remains a pressing global human rights concern. Unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, lack of medical care, and under staffing leads to a widespread mistreatment across many regions. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 60% of countries have struggled with overcrowding; a factor like this increases the risk of limited access to rehabilitation services and abuse. Even with a well established legal system, people will often receive reduced public support. Egypt recognizes that prisoners still have their fundamental human rights and this treatment is essential for security and stability of societies. Egypt believes that any effective system must be balanced to responsibly maintain public safety, but should also be able to uphold human dignity, like the Mandela Rules and the basic principles for the treatment of prisoners. Egypt also acknowledges the challenges that are faced within its own correction system. As a nation, Egypt likes to emphasize the fact that prison reform is a gradual process and requires stable infrastructure, resources, and training rather than a sudden or externally imposed measure. Egypt stresses the importance of reformers in a manner consistent with its cultural context, national security priorities, and legal traditions.
Egypt has made a strong effort to enhance prison conditions by improving healthcare, making alternative sentencing, and reducing overcrowding through a conditional release. The government has also collaborated with the UNODC on a program that expands both the capacity of prisons and criminal justice reforms, while the national committees continue to inspect and monitor facilities to ensure progress.
The nation of Egypt believes that international cooperation should prioritize funding, technical support, and exchange of best practices. Therefore Egypt supports reducing overcrowding though an expansion on bail reforms and improving access to legal aid to reduce lengthy pre-trial detention. As a nation Egypt encourages investments in modern correctional infrastructures and better training for prison staff. Egypt would also like to partner with Non-Government Organizations to help expand psychological rehabilitation and educational programs. Lastly, Egypt advocates for the creation of voluntary UN support assistance that allows states to request guidance, resources, and training that is tailored to their needs. The nation of Egypt is committed to working with the Human Rights Council and fellow member states to help build safer and more reliable correction systems worldwide.

Sources

Amnesty International – “Egypt – Abused and Denied Healthcare, Prisoners’ Lives at Risk,” (2021) https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2021/01/egypt-abused-and-denied-heath-care-prisoners-lives-at-risk/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/08/world/middleeast/egypts-prisons-conditions.html
https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Ella Rose

Treatment of Prisoners
As many nations deal with overcrowding, bad healthcare, and many other problems in regard to its treatment of prisoners in jails and prisons, this committee wants to focus on putting stronger mandates on how countries treat their prisoners. As the delegation of Iran, prisoners’ rights are something we have made progress in, within the past couple of years. We have made many advancements in legal protections and working collaboratively internationally.
As the delegation of Iran, we believe that harsh crimes call for harsh punishments, but
We would like to focus on working more towards helping nations like ourselves improve the treatment of prisoners while also still respecting each country’s religious independence and national sovereignty, with respect to the UNDHR. Some things that Iran would like to recommend that the Human Rights Council can help with are training programs for prison staff to know the prisoners’ rights and how they should be treated. Additionally, we would like to see member states, in addition to the HRC, provide assistance in creating NPMs (National Preventive Mechanisms). Iran also looks favorably upon creating mechanisms, reporting, and lowering the overcrowding issues globally. Lastly, we want to focus on the questions like: what defines a prisoner? Or, where do we draw the line at harsh and cruel punishments?
Ultimately, these are the types of questions that Iran would like to focus on in this committee. We also would like to emphasize how much this issue is real and can be, but we as a committee also need to be conscious of how certain rules can interfere with national sovereignty and cultural independence.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Stella Rogers

The global community is continuing to confront the injustices faced by prisoners, where conditions inside detention facilities are well below the universal human rights standards. Insufficient healthcare, overcrowding, and lack of due process contribute to the inequalities and systemic harm prisoners face. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a federal parliamentary democracy with a population of over 240 million people. Although our legal system guarantees fundamental rights and due process, the country is constantly facing challenges in its detention system due to its limited resources, outdated prison laws, and a large number of under-trial detainees. The treatment of prisoners is central to Pakistan’s commitment to the rule of law and international human rights obligations.
The relevance of prison overcrowding is a global issue, and Pakistan’s prisons face extreme overcrowding with inadequate health services. Pakistan’s jails hold 100,366 prisoners despite a far lower capacity, resulting in an occupancy rate of 152.2%. Notably, 73% of all prisoners are under-trial, meaning they are detained without conviction, with many of them lacking access to timely bail or legal aid. Pakistan’s prison laws remain rooted in the colonial Prisons Act of 1894, giving limited rehabilitative programming.
With our nation’s constitution prohibiting torture and ensuring fair trial rights, the government has taken steps toward reform. Courts have recognized the inhumane conditions that prisoners live under, and provinces have enacted reforms such as the Sindh Prisons and Corrections Service Act (2019) and the KP Probation and Parole Bill (2021) that aim to modernize prison management and expand alternatives to detention. Civil society partners have also worked toward improving the conditions and resource accessibility of the prisoners. Justice Project Pakistan and the Legal Aid Society have pushed for fair bail practices and improved health access. However, Pakistan still recognizes that the structural challenges remain, particularly overcrowding, corruption, poor medical services, and uneven treatment of vulnerable groups such as women, prisoners with disabilities, and inmates with mental health needs. Overcrowding is often a result of the slow-moving judicial system, and our nation is eager at working towards resolutions that ensures the judicial system that is working at a speed that combats overcrowding.
The crisis in Pakistan’s prisons weakens the legitimacy of the justice system and strains public health. Addressing these issues is essential to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring equitable justice. Pakistan believes the international community must collaborate toward realistic, rights-based reforms. Our nation advocates for reducing overcrowding, increasing funding for legal aid, reforming bail practices, and improving prison health systems by ensuring clean water, safe food, sanitation, and mental health services.
Pakistan welcomes cooperation with all nations committed to humane detention, particularly those that support health-focused prison reforms, capacity-building, and improving health systems within prisons. Pakistan seeks partnerships with regional neighbors, OIC members, and UN bodies to work towards a future that ensures the treatment of prisoners meets the standards of dignity and humanity that all nations are obligated to uphold.

Works Cited
““A Nightmare for Everyone.”” Human Rights Watch, 29 Mar. 2023, www.hrw.org/report/2023/03/29/nightmare-everyone/health-crisis-pakistans-prisons.
Mumtaz, Maira. “The Struggle for Prison Reform in Pakistan.” Himal Southasian, Himal Southasian, 22 Jan. 2024, www.himalmag.com/politics/pakistan-prison-reform-human-rights.
“Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.” Oic-Oci.org, 2018, www.oic-oci.org/states/?lan=en.
“Welcome to Zscaler Directory Authentication.” Ojp.gov, 2025, www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/institutional-treatment-adult-offenders-pakistan. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Nikolai Melnikov

The State of Israel vehemently denies allegations of prisoner abuse levied against it. In regards to the issue of prisoners’ rights, Israel continues to do its part in upholding Israeli and international law. The delegation for Israel hopes to reach a resolution that will pressure other nations to uphold its high standard for penal justice. It also hopes to bring to justice the malicious actors accusing Israel of abuse.

Since 1949, all of Israel’s detainees and detention centers have been overseen by the Israel Prison Service. The IPC takes every measure to ensure Israeli prisons meet the international standard. Inmates are allowed visits from lawyers and family members, as well as voting rights if they are citizens; Male and female inmates have the same rights, and the death penalty is not used. Israel’s prisoners are treated very fairly, in fact they are treated more fairly than those of CAR and Greece. According to a UN report, CAR is dealing with, “Thousands… currently held in overcrowded places of detention across the country, with limited access to food, water, sanitation, and basic healthcare” (OFTC). Additionally, a CPT report called the treatment of Greek prisoners an “affront to their human dignity” (CPT). Israel recognizes the issue of prisoner abuse internationally. It will continue to model a functional, law-abiding prison system, and strives for a resolution that incentivizes other nations to follow suit.

While Israeli prisons all uphold the nation’s laws, it has still become the victim of a malicious disinformation campaign. The slander comes from several corrupt news outlets, such as The Guardian, which headlines, “Cruellest form of torture’: freed Palestinians describe horrors of Israeli jail” (Seham Tantesh). Importantly, Israel is aware of a press release from UN experts which accuse it of “widespread and systemic abuse of Palestinians in detention and arbitrary arrest practices over decades” (OFTC). Israel categorically rejects these accusations as utterly unfounded, and considers them a significant part of the problem at hand. Anyone detained as a security prisoner, Palestinian or otherwise, is apprehended because they pose a threat to the national security of Israel, and is never subjected to systemic abuse per the knowledge of the IPC and the IDF. The misinformation regarding Israel’s human rights has significantly damaged its global reputation and led to retaliation from world powers, like the EU’s proposed sanctions and trade suspension. Israel would look favorably upon a resolution which seeks to stop the spread of disinformation, especially from within the UN, related to Israel’s treatment of prisoners, and which incentivizes nations not to persecute Israel based on a witch hunt.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Mackenzee Stanley-Eldred

The humane treatment of prisoners is an issue which affects every nation. Across the globe, over 60% of countries experience overcrowding and understaffing in their prisons, with over 25% operating at 150% of capacity. The Republic of Slovenia believes the true measure of a country’s values is defined by how it treats its most vulnerable, and is deeply committed to the fair treatment of incarcerated persons.

These issues have affected The Republic of Slovenia in recent years. Overcrowding has been a problem in Slovenia since the 1990s. Incarceration rates in Slovenia have increased due to drug offenses and organized crime, however prison capacity has remained stagnant. In reports since 2011, The Republic of Slovenia has also faced understaffing difficulties caused by limited staffing resources and deflated budgets. Still currently, living standards in Slovenia’s Koper and Ljubljana prisons are below the CPT’s minimum standards. Slovenia hopes to address these issues in order to provide fair treatment for all prisoners.

Although the UN adopted the Mandela Rules in 2015, minimum standards of treatment are not binding, and many countries are unable to meet them, resulting in inconsistent protections and gaps in humane conditions. This highlights the need for stronger monitoring programs and national reforms aimed at addressing prison conditions, and aligning them with UN standards.

The Republic of Slovenia proposes a rehabilitation-focused prison system to target the root of overcrowding issues. Rehabilitation programs allow criminals to acclimatize into life after prison, reducing re-incarceration rates and overcrowding in prisons. The Republic of Slovenia also proposes implementing a UN subcommittee aimed at identifying prisons with human rights violations through inspections. In addition, Slovenia emphasizes the importance of free press regarding the treatment of prisoners, ensuring transparency and protecting the rights of prisoners, especially minorities.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Sophia Kolekamp

A new issue that desperately needs to be addressed is the treatment of prisoners in Brazil. This issue is important because prisoners, some of whom have not been convicted of crimes yet, are being held in overcrowded and disease-filled cells. The cells are often violent and unhygienic, and typically prisons hold 3 times their official capacity. To address this issue and make prisons safe and cleaner for their inhabitants, they should be making sure there is no overcrowding and allow access to healthcare.
The United Nations has looked into this topic and created several solutions to this problem. One way they tried to help create better conditions for prisoners was with the Nelson Mandela rules. “Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison”. And also “throughout his life he advocated for fair and humane treatment for all, including prisoners”. The Nelson Mandela rules were a list of rules advocating how prisoners should be treated with humanity, and should have access to basic and healthy essentials. On the other hand, in 2015, Brazil started holding custody hearings for prisoners to allow visitation and the possibility of early release. Brazil has not taken any serious actions regarding the treatment of its prisoners. An article from Brazil explains, “The extreme overcrowding and lack of sufficient staff make it impossible for prison authorities to exercise adequate official control within the prison grounds. In response, they have adopted a practice of delegating authority to a single inmate within each pavilion—fenced-in areas within the prison walls that usually contain multiple cell blocks and more than 100 inmates.”
Brazil has the goal to keep its country safe, and putting any “dangerous” person in prison is the right move, but Brazil does not take into account the health or the basic living necessities for its prisoners. I think that prisoners should share a cell with 2-3 inmates to prevent overcrowding, and they should have access to health care so they can prevent disease and other health issues.

Sources used
https://www.hrw.org/report/2015/10/20/state-let-evil-take-over/prison-crisis-brazilian-state-pernambuco?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://iapp.org/news/a/inside-brazil-s-child-online-safety-bill?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.right-to-education.org/resource/general-comment-no-25-2021-children-s-rights-relation-digital-environment?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://core-evidence.eu/posts/how-the-digital-divide-hinders-children-s-right-to-education-online-learning-in-brazil?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.unicef.org/innovation/stories/protecting-childrens-rights-in-digital-environments?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Charlotte Trost

Human Rights Council (HRC)
Treatment of Prisoners
Thailand
Charlotte Trost

Another important topic that is being focused on is the treatment of prisoners. This has been a concern for quite some time, as prisons and, therefore, prisoners face overcrowding, overincarceration, neglect, and deplorable conditions. Due to this, the United Nations has tried and is continuing to try to find a solution to this problem. In 1955, the UN adopted the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. These were basic rules and regulations on how prisoners should be treated. There have been multiple revisions and other standards added throughout the decades.
Conditions and authority over Thai prisons and therefore prisoners are under the Department of Corrections. In 1932, the Penitentiary Act was passed, outlining the rules and recommendations for prison supervision. However, the vast size of the prison system affects how thoroughly the government can help with other overall conditions of prisons, since as of January of this year, an estimated 325,298 people are incarcerated in Thailand
The United Nations has made numerous proposals for new standards and rules on how to treat prisoners. In 1990, a new proposal was made to promote non-discrimination and more standardized basic rights of prisoners. In all of these proposals, different ways to eliminate overcrowding and overincarceration were discussed, as most prisons face these problems.
Thailand aims to improve the treatment of prisoners by continuing what they’re already doing: building more prisons, adding dormitories, transferring prisoners to more temporary facilities, and allowing for the early release of an inmate if certain activities are performed.
“1 United Nations System Common Position on Incarceration April 2021.” United Nations System Common Position on Incarceration, www.unodc.org/res/justice-and-prison-reform/nelsonmandelarules-GoF/UN_System_Common_Position_on_Incarceration.pdf. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Albuquerque, Raquel. “Managing Overcrowding and Creating Opportunities: Practical Reforms in Thai Prisons – Justice Trends Magazine.” JUSTICE TRENDS Magazine – Exclusive Criminal Justice and Correctional Topics Worldwide, 8 Aug. 2025, justice-trends.press/managing-overcrowding-and-creating-opportunities-practical-reforms-in-thai-prisons.
“Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners – United Nations and the Rule of Law.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/ruleoflaw/blog/document/basic-principles-for-the-treatment-of-prisoners/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“Nelson Mandela Rules History.” United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime, www.unodc.org/unodc/en/justice-and-prison-reform/nelsonmandelaruleshistory.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Yutika, Mishra

Committee: ECOSOC(HRC)
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Russian Federation
School:Forest Hills Central High School
Delegate:Yutika Mishra

Approximately 11.5 million people are incarcerated around the world combined. With such a large number of people, it introduces the issues that come with it, such as overcrowding, unsafe protocols, and the basic necessities and healthcare provided for those incarcerated.with the UN-CTS finding that over 60% of surveyed nations reported operating at full capacity or beyond–and that nearly 25% reported they were at over 150% capacity. This highlights the issues that come with imprisonment, and the obstacles in the way of providing ideal and safe conditions for inmates.Prison rules and procedures are an important discussion and ongoing debate among the Countries of the UN. Conditions in prisons for each country/member of the United Nations varies from country to country. We acknowledge the partnering with certain organizations in order to increase the safety of prisons, such as The Federal Penitentiary Service. Each country has a specific code of conduct that they follow in relation to prisoners, but the UN in general has a set of standards that every member must adhere to. This code of conduct is strictly put in place to keep the dignity, security, and common rights of prisoners, even after they are captured or placed in prison.
The Russian Federation recognizes the idea that maintaining the conditions and treatment of prisoners worldwide is important. It recognizes that a maintaining of international set standards are important, and has taken steps to improve its prison facilities, such as expanding medical services, and introducing and expanding the use of Public Monitoring Commissions. Currently, over 467,000 individuals are incarcerated in Russia’s Prisons alone. However, Russia also believes that country actions should be greatly left to individual governments instead of the UN. We believe that the individual sovereignty of each nation stands as important as collaboration, due to diverging priorities. We highly prioritize national security, and our military spending exceeded $100bn in 2023. We also make matters of youth education and health developments our highest priority. The Russian Criminal Code and the Penal Enforcement Code of the Russian Federation is our list of rules and standards that we hold ourselves to. We have been going by these codes for years now.
Solutions that the Russian federation poses for the United Nations to agree with are as follows; though the Russian federation acknowledges the need and use of national standards, they also request and encourage states to have a right to choose punishments and amount of federal budget that goes into reforming prison care as seen fit that fall into each country’s own cultural societal standards. We request privacy of governmental actions in relation to funding and reformation of prisons and other actions. The Delegation of the Russian Federation thanks you for your time, and hope to make compromises with their allies to resolve this ongoing issue.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: China
Delegate Name: Sabrina Green

Human Rights Committee
Treatment of Prisoners
The People’s Republic of China
Sabrina Green
Forest Hills Eastern

The treatment of prisoners has been a prominent topic within the United Nations for a while. Treatment of prisoners is defined as upholding rights whilst maintaining punishment. With the fast increasing population, more and more people are being incarcerated. With the rising number of prisoners in parallel there is also a concern about the treatment of these inmates. The United Nations has closely worked with organizations like the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. This group investigates complaints and takes action based on their findings. The Human Rights Committee also works along with governments in order to help enforce the human rights standards. Since the Human Rights Committee was established, it has sought to uphold the rights of prisoners while also ensuring that prisoners receive their rightful punishment.

China has a long history of enforcing rightful punishments for prisoners. Currently, it is estimated that there are 1.7 million people incarcerated in China. Since the creation of the People’s Republic of China, the government has maintained regulations on its prisoners. In 1994, China created something called the Prison Law of the People’s Republic of China. This system established laws and regulations about China’s involvement with prisoners. The Prison Law of the People’s Republic of China regulates citizens’ rights involving the process of imprisonment and the actual incarceration of a person. Prior to the incarceration of a person, the Prison Law of the People’s Republic of China states that a person shall hold the right to a trial and many other proceedings before admission into a prison. These other proceedings include screenings of a person’s physical health, denying entrance to any children on the premises, and requiring specific documentation before being allowed to be admitted into a prison. Overall, this law, created by the government, ensures the rights of citizens whilst also ensuring all people receive a just punishment.

Ways China is combating the issue of the mistreatment of prisoners are by implementing laws to protect citizens and by taking action along with other countries to create agreements to help stop the maltreatment of inmates. The United Nations has created many treaties and agreements over the years to help combat this pressing issue. China, along with many other countries, has signed these agreements and agreed to help this situation. China has signed 8 of these agreements. China also uses government-organized non-governmental organizations (GONGOs). Specifically, they use government-organized non-governmental organizations that include programs that go towards women’s equality and rights to many other issues.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Kailani Gardner

Human Rights Committee
Treatment of Prisoners
Republic of Korea
Kailani Gardner
City High Middle

The Republic of Korea recognizes that humane treatment of prisoners is essential to upholding human rights, a representative government, and the preservation of justice. The Republic of Korea recognizes its responsibility to uphold fair and humane treatment of all prisoners within its correctional facilities. Given this, it also acknowledges areas for improvement within its own facilities, such as overcrowding, healthcare, and phsycological assistance. The Republic of Korea continues to work towards fair and just treatment of prisoners, emphaising the impact it has on a humanitarian level. The ROK notes the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners, encouraging emphasis on the precedent they set in terms of equitable conditions and standards for human dignity in punishments of prisoners. With this in mind, Korea emphasizes that prison reform is essential for not only meeting international standards but also for promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and human rights.

The Republic of Korea has executed various measures to improve the treatment of prisoners in its correctional facilities. The ROK has implemented reform for social reintigration and fair treatment of all persons, such as the “Administration and Treatment of Correctional Institution Inmates Act”, prohibiting discrimination based on age, sex, religion, or any other factors. The act also creates a framework for social reintgration and focuses on reduction of recidivism. Acts such as this enforce and uphold equality and provide opportunity for all prisoners to succeed after social reintegration. ROK further commits itself to fair treatment of prisoners and rehabilitation with its “Narcotics Control Act” of 2019, ensuring all prisoners with a drug charge participate in rehabilitation education programs. This program further attempts to reduce recidivism and prioritizes that each prisoner is given the opportunity to succeed after social reintegration. These initiatives reflect the Republic of Korea’s broader commitment to ensuring just and fair treatment for all prisoners.

The Republic of Korea supports fair treatment of prisoners and recommends international cooperation and collaberation to achieve a bettered global standard for treatment of prisoners. First, Korea supports enabling member states to share best practices and improve data transparency. The ROK emphasizes the importance of social reintegration, advocating shares of best practices in programs and shared standards for rehabilitation. Furthermore, the Republic of Korea encourages investment in mental health and standard healthcare services, including training for correctional staff in trauma-informed care and emphasis on adequate medical staffing. Finally, Korea suggests increased global cooperation to combat issues of overcrowding, and humane treatment standards consistent with the precident set by the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. The Republic of Korea suggests increased funding to reduce the pressing issue of overcrowding. By doing this, the UN can ensure fair human standards for all prisoners, working towards a better future for all.

Works Cited:
“2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: South Korea.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/south-korea#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20concerns%20raised,cases%20of%20human%20rights%20violations. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“ACT ON EXECUTION OF SENTENCES AND TREATMENT OF INMATES.” Statutes of the Republic of Korea, elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_mobile/viewer.do?hseq=51390&type=new&key=#:~:text=Inmates%20shall%2C%20without%20reasonable%20grounds,shall%20include%20the%20following%20matters: Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“NARCOTICS CONTROL ACT.” Narcotics Control Act, elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?hseq=68838&lang=ENG#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20this%20Act,(c). Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.” United Nations, www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/Nelson_Mandela_Rules-E-ebook.pdf. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Ava Nguyen

Human Rights Committee
Treatment of Prisoners
Nation of Japan
Ava Nguyen
Forest Hills Eastern High School

The current state of prisoner’s rights in the criminal justice system has been a growing debate in the human rights committee. Prominent issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, violence, and neglect of healthcare violate the United Nations’ Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (The Nelson Mandela Rules). The NGO Human Rights Watch claims that Japan’s treatment of prisoners does not fully meet the degree that The Nelson Mandela Rules require, specifically the country’s use of solitary confinement, conditions for death-row prisoners, and the treatment of imprisoned women. In December 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) adopted the resolution now known as the “Kyoto Model Strategies,” which focused on model strategies to develop the reduction of reoffending, through rehabilitation and reintegration—supporting crime prevention. The country of Japan has welcomed and contributed to this policy, wishing to take further steps in reform in rehabilitation systems to improve the human rights of prisoners.

Japan recognizes the international standards for treatment of prisoners and the need for action in reforming the penal system. In June of 2025, Japan enacted a Penal Code Amendment passed in 2022, which reformed the country’s correctional facilities for the first time in 118 years. This amendment removed the distinction between imprisonment with labor and that without, meaning prison labor is no longer mandatory, allowing more time for educational and rehabilitation programs that aim to reduce reoffending. With the new amendment intact, 24 new correctional services were introduced that focused on specific rehabilitation for categorized groups based on their mental or physical needs—aiming to better the quality of a detainee’s life during and after imprisonment. Additionally, Japan affirms that regulations regarding the use of restraints, solitary confinement protection cells, and disciplinary codes are being reviewed aiming to align more closely with the Nelson Mandela Rules. Japan supports increasing the mandate of its Penal Institution Visiting Committees (PIVCs) in order to conduct inspections that assess the status of penal facilities, to increase transparency and accountability. With a higher frequency of visits, Japan will continue following the goal of improving compliance with the international standards while also preserving public safety. Japan is committed to working with United Nations bodies and human rights NGOs to exchange positive practices and accept criticism that improves the progress of prison reform.

The country of Japan encourages the United Nations to advocate for regulations in prison management and to establish stronger mechanisms that follow all expectations of the Human Rights Committee, to ensure all detained prisoners are treated with dignity and justice.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Jay Jariwala

Human Rights Committee
Treatment of Prisoners
Federal Republic of Malaysia
Jay Jariwala
Forest Hills Eastern

Addressing the issue of the treatment of prisoners is necessary because of the problems at hand. In Malaysia, the treatment of prisoners has always been harsh. We believe that for crimes committed, the best way to prevent individuals from committing them again is to harshly punish them. Malaysia has a problem with providing adequate medical care and overcrowding, as well as borderline torture. This is a problem because without those people, even if they are criminals, they are not being given these birthrights. Lack of oversight, untrained doctors for these situations, and overcrowding are major reasons why the treatment of prisoners is so poor. Overcrowding has caused diseases to spread rapidly, while untrained doctors cannot treat people as they don’t have adequate knowledge of drugs, injuries, or other harmful things that occur in prisons, and the lack of oversight is due to the government’s prohibition of NGOs or individuals from overseeing the prison. This leaves a lack of witnesses for possible abuse that can’t be seen. The UN has taken many actions to improve the treatment of prisoners, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which talk about setting a framework for prisons, and what their minimum treatment of prisoners should be.
Malaysia is impacted, but it is not impacted that heavily. Inside the prisons, overcrowding often occurs, so if a disease is caught, it usually spreads to almost everyone. This could be a major issue for Malaysia, but as long as it’s contained within the prisons, it poses little risk to other civilians. Many people have claimed to be tortured or seen it firsthand, as caning is a common practice in prisons. In most cases, however, this is inflicted only on prisoners who have committed severe crimes. Malaysia’s system on the topic of the treatment of prisoners is very diverse. It serves extreme punishments to those who commit atrocious crimes while delivering appropriate punishment for crimes of less severity. Many of the people in prison are there for drug-related crimes, so as a way to help, Malaysia has started participating in the creation of rehabilitation programs and other programs to help develop life skills that can help once they have been released. In addition to physical rehabilitation, they are also offering spiritual and religious rehabilitation for those who want to reintegrate themself with their religion.
Malaysia’s goal in all of this is to improve the standard of living for prisoners, and they are slowly taking steps to do that. We propose that countries such as Malaysia can request other nearby countries that have existing programs to take in a few prisoners. This would help countries with developing prison systems, still keep prisoners incarcerated, while also providing rehabilitation that was previously not available to them. Of course, accepting the prisoners would need to be approved by the nation of the fostering government, but it would still allow nations in development to develop more easily while keeping the standard of living high. We believe that all people should be treated with basic rights, and that proposing this solution would help us and others like us strive closer to that goal.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Kamryn Khan

The humane treatment of prisoners is a priority within the international human rights agenda. Despite existing standards, issues such as torture, inadequate medical care, and unjust isolation persist. Addressing these concerns is essential to ensure the dignity and rights of incarcerated individuals.
Australia is party to seven core international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which explicitly protects the right to humane treatment in detention (Article 10). Australia has also ratified relevant instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Convention against Torture (CAT), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In addition, Australia signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture on May 19, 2009, reinforcing its dedication to preventing ill-treatment in detention settings.
Australia has undertaken legislative reforms, improved oversight, and engaged with international monitoring mechanisms to fulfill its obligations and improve detention conditions.
Australia firmly believes in the prohibition of torture, cruel, inhumane, or degrading punishment. This includes opposition to:
Refusal of necessary medical attention
Denial of reading and radio facilities without probable cause
Cell confinement for unreasonable periods
Unreasonable restriction of correspondence with family
‘Incommunicado’ detention without sufficient justification
Australia recognizes the ongoing challenges faced by prison systems, notably overcrowding, dehumanization, and instances of cruel treatment. The nation is committed to finding more effective and humane solutions to these persistent problems to ensure the well-being and dignity of all individuals in detention.
Furthermore, Australia acknowledges the risks of corruption and power imbalances between prisoners and guards. The lessons from the Stanford Prison Experiment, a psychological study still taught today, emphasize how authority and environment can foster abusive behavior. Australia remains mindful of these dangers and strives to implement reforms that prevent abuse and promote accountability in detention facilities.
Australia believes that rehabilitation is a cornerstone of any effective criminal justice system. Providing prisoners with access to education, mental health support, and job training is crucial to preparing them for successful reintegration into society. By prioritizing rehabilitation, Australia aims to reduce recidivism and help former prisoners lead productive, law-abiding lives, rather than becoming trapped in a cycle of crime.
Australia urges the Human Rights Council and member states to strengthen international cooperation, share best practices, and support reforms that address both systemic and emerging challenges in the treatment of prisoners. By doing so, the international community can better protect the rights and dignity of all those deprived of liberty.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Fiona Rodrigues

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the largest countries in the world and the second largest in Africa. Our main language is French, and we are for the fair treatment of prisoners. The torture and neglect of prisoners has been an issue for centuries, and while this problem has slowly healed in many countries, nothing is being done to address this severe issue. In our own country, we have outlawed the unfair treatment of prisoners, and we want all other countries to do the same.
We do acknowledge that within our own borders, there have been reports of human rights abuses within prisons. We take these issues very seriously, and we work actively to stop these sorts of incidents from happening again. We want to emphasize the fact that prisoners are people too; despite what they may have done, they deserve to be treated humanely and with dignity and respect. We believe this is one of the best ways to help reform prisoners. In order for it to be possible for these prisoners to be treated well, not only in interactions but through their provided materials and food, these prisons need money. Across the world, nations are discovering that prisons are costing more than expected, meaning they simply do ot have the resources to provide the incarcerated with what they need and deserve.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s plan would be to first get all nations to sign an agreement that would require them to outlaw the use of torture and neglect in their prisons, an agreement to be humane. Next, with this agreement in place, the UN would allocate more funds to the countries whose prison expenses are exceeding what they can afford in order to ensure fair treatment for their prisoners, regardless of the economic state of the country. This money would be allocated with the idea of being used responsibly due to the agreement signed by all the countries receiving funds. These funds could be used to buy higher-quality food, mattresses, or even to pay more for kinder guards that will give the incarcerated the humane treatment they deserve.
Our plan is not only to give money but to give it with the guarantee that it will be used well. We are actively looking to combat this problem with the joint collaboration of other nations. If we do not work to solve this issue, thousands upon thousands of other prisoners will be subjected to inadequate conditions.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Disha Sriram

Topic: Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Disha Sriram
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Committee: ECOSOC- Human Rights Council

The current way that prisoners are treated is extremely varied across the globe. From the laws that sentence someone to prison, the state of the prisons that criminals reside in, and the final charge, even resulting in a death penalty, all vary in pressure and enforcement that each prison implements. It’s known that more than 30 million people pass through prisons worldwide every year, and people who enter these environments were found to have multiple psychological and physical issues when exiting such as cognitive disabilities, harmful use of substances, chronic diseases, suicidal attempts, and more. In the US alone, from 2001 to 2019, suicide rates of prisoners increased by a shocking 85%, and that is due to the conditon that prisoners are left in. In most prisons around the world, it is typically found that prisoners are not left in the greatest conditions for rehabilitation, from cold cells to tight and confined spaces, prisoners develop serious issues that can impact their lives forever. This is not to say that there have not been measures implemented in order to protect prisoners from unbearable treatment, as the Mandela Rules, adopted in 2015, help to give prisoners better ways to sustain themselves by providing them with basic rights, such as focusing on non-discrimination and implementing restrictions on solitary confinement.

In Canada, while the Mandela Rules are adopted there as well, the treatment of prisoners is still in the works. With Canadian treatment of prisoners, the government has taken measures to implement better healthcare facilites and practices for inmates, but there are still many advancements needed to be made, specifically with pre and post treatment of prisoners, which the government has acknowledged are legitimate issues. That is why the Canadian government has adopted the CSC. The CSC works towards changing criminals into law-abiding citizens by contacting the offender right from the point of assesment to work directly with the offender and get their standpoint. The CSC also works on establishing correctional services for those to take responsibility for their actions. The CSC ensures that the correctional services that are provided continue on to the community they join after their release, in order to maintain the positive reinforcement they set up with the correctional services during their time in prison. With the idea of releasing prisoners in mind, Canada would not find it humane in any way, shape, or form to kill our prisoners, nomatter the sentence. Rehabilitation is a legitimate practice that is proven to work with time and perseverance, which is what the CSC strives to achieve through their dedication to helping current and former inmates.

With these ideas of rehabilitation in mind, the Canadian delegation would propose that the creation of rehabilitation centers for, not only current inmates, but former ones as well have rehabilitation centers, to integrate offenders back into a civilized society. Along with these rehabilitation centers, the need to re-educate inmates in their families and communities would be important, so the use of counciling along with these correctional facilities would be beneficial to re-introducing these people back into society, so the creation of institutions like the John Howard Society of Ontario, which has proven to be effective, could help current and former prisoners around the globe. Along with these ideas, the necessity for the creation of a donations fund to send money to countries who will struggle to create these facilities will be beneficial to the implementation of this plan, so it would be recommended that higher GDP countries would make contributions to this fund monitored by the UN. With these ideas of rehabilitation and reintegration of current and former prisoners back into society, the creation of a peaceful tomorrow can be established, and the idea of a second chance and benevolence can be restored.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Madelyn Woller

Human Rights Committee
Treatment of Prisoners
Germany
Madelyn Woller
Forest Hills Eastern High School

The treatment of prisoners has been a widely discussed topic for many centuries, and issues of torture and death are debated constantly. Global Prison Reports 2025 revealed rising rates of suicide and violence among prisoners. The United Nations has previously intervened in the topic and enacted the UN Bangkok Rules, which outline the basic conditions that prisons within UN countries must meet. Around the world, millions of people are dehumanized while spending time incarcerated; these are not only criminals but people as well, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands. The Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research (ICPR) reports that prison populations are growing (women by 55% and Men by 22%). As prisons become more crowded, it becomes a question of how they should be treated after being sentenced.

Germany is slowly becoming somewhat of a role model to other countries, by not only treating each prisoner with respect and dignity but also aiding them in rehabilitation after their sentence is complete. This is beneficial to them because it will make the adjustment to society easier, and it will stimulate the economy with more people entering the workforce. The conditions in German prisons are far different from those in many other countries in the United Nations. Prisoners are given proper clothing, nutrients, living conditions, and plenty of human connection during their stay. This is a great contrast to many prisons, where inmates get little to no privacy or respect from staff. Germany takes the conditions of prison facilities very seriously. Beginning in 1977, Germany passed the Prison Act of 1977, an act that provided the legal framework for improving prisons within the country. This act was an important stepping stone for Germany because it highlighted mental health as well as physical health for inmates. There are several non-profit organizations in Germany, like the German Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (GCADP), which was founded in 2000 and aims to eliminate the death penalty worldwide. Prisoners in Germany get paid an average of $1.50 (USD) to promote a work ethic that will then benefit them upon their release. Countries like Norway and the United States do not pay prisoners for the work they perform. Germany encourages rehabilitation worldwide for every prisoner possible, in order to benefit citizens’ quality of life after their incarceration, and increase independence.

The treatment of prisoners worldwide is an important topic that Germany would like to take part in. The Bangkok Rules were a positive effort that jumpstarted progress among the United Nations, and similar rules, such as a more nutrient-packed diet, better, more comfortable living conditions, and a small albeit small salary for labor being performed, should be discussed as well. Germany believes that countries should look into better facilities for inmates, and in return, they will have an overall more positive experience for prisoners that will then become contributing members of society. Germany is willing to help countries get started on the project of improving facilities by educating staff in prisons on the importance of respect and treating people with dignity, as well as providing curricula for the education of prisoners themselves.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Grace Johnson

Country: Türkiye

Delegate Name: Grace Johnson

A major concern for the United Nations today is the treatment of prisoners. The United Nations has created Minimal Rules of Treatment of Prisoners which solidify prisoners’ rights in prisons. These rules encourage nations’ detainment centers to consider inherent dignity, vulnerable groups, medical and health services, restrictions and discipline services, investigation of death and torture in custody, access to legal representation, complaints and inspections, terminology, and staff training (Latest). Some nations struggle to keep these rules due to their prisons being overcapacity (Latest). Specifically, 60% of prisons are over 100% capacity as of 2023 and 1 in 4 countries’ prisons are over 150% capacity (Latest). Being overcapacity leads to prisons having a lack of staffing and resources to uphold the UN’s Basic Principles of Treatment of Prisoners. One factor that leads to prisons being over capacity is because 3.7 million prisoners are there for pre-trial detainment, making up 30% of prisons (Latest). Due to the harsh living conditions in prisons, the homicidal rate is 33.2% in prisoners globally (Latest). The United Nations in response is working to encourage nations to put an end to solitary confinement, improve health services, and work with prisoners to help them with reintegration outside of detention.

Türkiye struggles in upholding the Basic Principles of Treatment due to their detention centers being over-capacity (Turker). Specifically, Turkish prisons are at 132.9% occupancy level and each year prison populations are showing exponential growth (prisonstudies.org). Türkiye’s incarceration rate has grown by 89.3% from 2011 to 2021 (Türkiye). This overcapacity issue is leading to a lack of resources inside the detention centers as they are fitting everyone by putting beds side by side, leading to conflicts between prisoners and health concerns (Turker). They also have hygiene problems due to rodent infestations, only one toilet per 25 people, one bath per 50 people, no laundry facility, and no structured health system (Turker). There is also an extreme shortage of security, socio-educational staff, and medical staff (prison insider). National laws that were created by the Turkish government to uphold UN’s regulations are also not being followed on state levels for prison treatment (Prisons). To combat the overcapacity and health issues, a part of Türkiye’s 10th Judicial Reform Package is growing the eligibility for house arrest for those with health issues (Prisons). Their pre-trial detainees also take up 14.9 percent of their facilities, adding to the overcrowding (Türkiye). Currently, Türkiye is working to build new detention centers and getting rid of old ones that had hygiene concerns (Prisons).

The Delegation of Türkiye believes that increased funding in prison reforms is necessary to bring prisons more resources to improve their prisons. To do this, the Delegation of Türkiye believes a committee should be created that it is optional for nations to join, where you put a 0.2% of your GDP towards a global fund that nations can use to buy new resources, upgrade living headquarters, and hire more staff for their prisons. This committee would also encourage nations to have inspections of their own prisons monthly to not only decide where funding is necessary, but to make sure that they are following the national laws concerning prisoner treatment and to check the equity of charges. The Delegation of Türkiye would also propose that the UN encourages house-arrest for pre-detainment and for those with poor health conditions. This would go alongside the encouragement for health professionals and social workers (to help lower the homicidal rate in nations) that would have bi-weekly check-ups in detention centers. The Delegation of Türkiye also wants to encourage other nations to give assistance to families and livelihoods of those in jail, and one way of achieving this is by utilizing NGO Penal Reform International.

The Delegation of Türkiye is excited to collaborate with other nations on creating a multilateral solution, while respecting the sovereignty of each nation. Specifically, the Delegation of Türkiye is looking forward to creating a solution that is optional to each country and does not discriminate against nations’ values.

Bibliography:

“Latest Prison Data Released: Five Key Findings.” United Nations: Office on Drugs and Crime, www.unodc.org/unodc/en/news/2025/July/latest-prison-data-released_-five-key-findings.html. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025

 Turker. “NCJRS Virtual Library.” Turkish Prisons and Conditions of Confinement | Office of Justice Programs, www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/turkish-prisons-and-conditions-confinement. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

“Türkiye: The Situation in Prisons Is Reaching Crisis Levels.” OMCT, 1 Jan. 1970, www.omct.org/en/resources/reports/Türkiye-the-situation-in-prisons-is-reaching-crisis-levels. 

“Türkiye.” Türkiye | World Prison Brief, 1 Jan. 1970, www.prisonstudies.org/country/Türkiye.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: AJAX INDISH

Country: South Africa
Delegate: Ajax Indish
School: Williamston High School
Committee: HRC
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners

Treatment of prisoners is a very pressing issue for many countries south Africa most of all. While we may have an issue of overcrowding there are also a lot of good ideas coming out of our prisons. Many countries worldwide struggle with prison overcrowding and bad treatment but South Africa has many plans to fix the pressing issues. While being in prison is bad there is no reason for it to be the end of everything but in south Africa there is a big mistreatment with the prisoners. There is a profound racism with what people are in the prisons and how they are treated with 79% of people in south African prisons being black. Many of the South African prisoners are also mistreated because of the racism in the country. While apartheid may be over, it’s still not great over there. While the ain’t great there are many plans to fix the struggling infrastructure of south Africa.

One thing South Africa does well with their prisons is offer all prisoners the right to vote. This is a good thing because it makes politicians need to think of incarcerated individuals before making choices because their votes count. There are also many rules about how prisoners should be treated. And many people are also going through rehab inside of the prison system leading to many more healthy individuals being sent out of jail. There is also a job training program being given to all inmates so once they are let out of prison they will be able to get jobs.

The number one most important thing that South Africa is working on is trying to reduce overcrowding. While the prisons are doing ok now overcrowding has been a pressing issue. They are also trying to improve security in the prisons and it will be done with overcrowding. The main problems for getting these very important ideas passed is lack of funding making all of the prisoners’ votes become that much more influential.

Sources
https://www.govline.co.za/department-of-correctional-services-south-africa-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-prisoners-vote-election-11797da1e875068dd0944816d56cffa7
https://allafrica.com/stories/202507070724.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://allafrica.com/stories/202507250017.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/803512/south-africa-needs-r36-billion-to-build-more-prisons/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Adam Weston

Country: Republic of Indonesia
Delegate: Adam Weston
School: Williamston High School
Committee: HRC
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners

In the modern world, crime can not go without repercussions. These repercussions must be reasonable and fair in comparison to the crime committed. However many incarcerated individuals are treated unfairly and fundamental human rights can be violated. With this it can lead to deteriorating mental health in prisoners and leaving the prisoner in a worse condition than their initial entrance to the facility. The main goal going forward should be to rehabilitate and help the prisoners recover. Also to improve conditions inside prisons, such as crowding and possible corruption. Focusing on helping the individual’s societal views and connections is a must. The prisoners’ reentrance to society should be gentle and promote their well being and whilst also focusing upon moral values and compassion.

Indonesia views this problem as an extremely high priority to address. Over time Indonesia’s prisons have faced the extreme problem of overcrowding (Harsono). During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia faced the issue of Covid-19 spreading through prisons that were overcrowding leading inmates and officials becoming infected. Indonesian prisons face an issue of poor facilities as well. Improper sleeping arrangements and poor ventilation throughout overall has harmed conditions. This overcrowding has reached a point where the majority of prisons are operating at double the intended capacity (Maulana et al.).This then can lead to increased tensions and violence. Which can hurt the prisoners in a variety of ways. With violence can lead to physical and mental harm, and even result in inmate death. Another problem faced in prisons in Indonesia is inadequate health systems. Most prisons aren’t staffed with medical professionals, prisoners who have chronic illnesses are not treated properly, and can lead to deaths. These conditions violate the Mandela Rules (“Nelson Mandela Rules”). The Mandela Rules were established by the UN and they are a set of internationally agreed upon standards for the humane treatment of prisoners.

Indonesia proposes new laws and regulations to limit pre-detention policies as this correlates to the majority of the overcrowding. Indonesia would also like to see collaboration between ASEAN allies on monitoring sites. To help ensure rights are being upheld and protection of the individual. Indonesia views the protection of these individuals rights as necessary. Future plans include an overhaul of the penal system, by having a high focus on overseeing conditions. Making a system that focuses on following the Mandela Rules. To ensure the rights of prisoners are being upheld. Indonesia calls upon other countries to act with it to help fix this problem and work towards a brighter future.

Works Cited
Harsono, Andreas. “Covid-19 Spreads in Indonesia’s Overcrowded Prisons.” Human Rights Watch, 26 August 2020, https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/26/covid-19-spreads-indonesias-overcrowded-prisons? Accessed 18 November 2025.
Maulana, Iwa, et al. “Integrity Zones in Indonesian prisons: Addressing corruption amid overcrowding.” Anti Corruption Resource Centre, 22 April 2025, https://www.u4.no/publications/integrity-zones-in-indonesian-prisons-addressing-corruption-amid-overcrowding? Accessed 18 November 2025.
“Nelson Mandela Rules.” the United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/mandela_rules.shtml. Accessed 18 November 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: France
Delegate Name: Jackson Harlan

Country: France
Delegate: Jackson Harlan
School: Williamston High School
Committee: Economic and Social Council: Human Rights Council
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners

Every human deserves basic human rights. A decade ago, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Nelson Mandela Rules, outlining minimum standards for prisoners. They covered nine different standards some being medical and health services, investigation of deaths and torture in custody, and access to legal representation. It outlines each of the standards clearly protecting prisoners and staff. By including rules that ensure prisoners can make complaints and protecting them from ill treatment, it guarantees that prisoners can secure their dignity. UN peacekeeping has been deployed in the past to aid the inclusion and growth of these rules. This has involved working with other UN organizations to implement programs to aid prisoners in reintegration into society or prison gardens. Since the adoption of the Nelson Mandela Rules UN policy the treatment of prisoners has remained virtually untouched.
In the past France has struggled with overcrowding of prisons. As of 2017 France set a goal to add 15,000 prison spaces by 2027, a goal that will not be met. Resistance from local officials and residents has prevented the expansion of the prison system, involving mainly issues with understaffing. However, efforts in 2024 have decreased the amount of overcrowding. These efforts include increasing community service sentences and banning sentences less than a month. The overcrowding has caused increased prison violence leading France to explore the possibility of renting prison spaces in foreign nations.
France recognizes the urgency of this issue, noting that not all nations have the resources available to provide adequate prison conditions. To combat this, nations must agree to commit to new reforms in parole, educational programs, and sentencing laws. The combination of creating new routes for inmates to reintegrate into society and reducing harsh sentences would significantly lower overcrowding in prisons. However, this alone will not completely eliminate overcrowding of facilities. Funding is one of the biggest contributors to overcrowding. Some countries allocate over 350 dollars in their budget per person per day in prison, while others only one cent per person per day in prison. The wide range of funding results in major discrepancies between the prison systems and facilities in different countries. Nations should be encouraged to allocate a set amount of money for maintenance and growth of prison systems. Those not able to do so should be required to set budgeting goals, aiming for the accomplishment of reaching them within six years. For compliance in setting and making steps to achieve these goals, nations are eligible to receive resources to integrate into their prison systems. These can include things such as educational and vocational training for prisoners, staff training, and mental health resources. Creating positive reform rather than harsher punishments encourages nations to increase their prison budget while allowing them to gain resources that can mold to their unique situation. France would be interested in working with European Union nations to implement these ideas.

Works Cited
Hirschberger, Jeanne. “’Imprisonment is expensive’ – breaking down the costs and impacts globally.” Penal Reform International, 24 July 2020, https://www.penalreform.org/blog/imprisonment-is-expensive-breaking-down-the-costs-and/. Accessed 24 November 2025.
Kelly, Maya. “Behind bars, not beyond rights: UN Peacekeeping & the Nelson Mandela Rules.” United Nations Peacekeeping, 18 July 2025, https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/behind-bars-not-beyond-rights-un-peacekeeping-nelson-mandela-rules. Accessed 24 November 2025.
Martin, Nik. “The prison economy: Behind bars, everyone’s making money.” DW, 2025, https://www.dw.com/en/the-prison-economy-behind-bars-everyones-making-money/a-73832810. Accessed 17 November 2025.
RFI. “Overcrowding in French prisons puts justice system under scrutiny.” RFI, 2 January 2025, https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20250102-overcrowding-in-french-prisons-puts-justice-system-under-scrutiny. Accessed 24 November 2025.
Verdú, Daniel. “Overcrowding, attacks, and escapes: French prison system nears collapse.” EL PAÍS English, 26 May 2025, https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-26/overcrowding-attacks-and-escapes-french-prison-system-nears-collapse.html. Accessed 24 November 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Samuel Sundeen

Country: Italy
Committee: Human Rights Council
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners
Delegate: Samuel Sundeen
School: Williamston High School

The world has many prisoners. Around 11.5 million people worldwide are in prisons. But the world faces many problems with prisoners. Overcrowding and mistreatment of prisoners are extremely common. Many countries are over their prisoner capacity. This leads to poor conditions like lack of sanitation, torture, corruption, and poor health conditions worldwide. More than one out of ten deaths in prisons are from suicide. These are preventable deaths. Homicide rates are also higher in prisons in nearly every country. Rehabilitation can only happen in prisons that have good, healthy, humane conditions. It’s also important to note how big a problem disease is in most prisons. Also, mental health among prisoners often suffers.

Italy faces many of these problems, too. Overcrowding is a huge problem in Italy, with prisons at over 130% capacity. Italy also doesn’t have enough people working in prisons, with a shortage of at least 18,000 correctional officers. Italy has seen a rise in violent incidents such as riots, self-harm, and suicides. Italian prisons are also underfunded, with a lack of access to healthcare being a big issue. This isn’t helped by recent government initiatives to increase penalties, which leads to more prisoners. Italy is a signatory to the Convention against Torture. The goal of this treaty is to prevent torture in prisons by taking allegations seriously, prosecuting the perpetrators, and providing remedies to victims. Nearly 20% of Italian prisoners suffer from a mental health condition. We must work to help those in need.

There is no single way to solve our prison problems, but there are places to start. First, Italy urges increased funding for prisons, as it has done. With these funds, we can increase prison capacity with a goal of nearly 10,000 new prisons in Italy. Italy also wants to increase rehabilitation programs for prisoners. The goal of prisons should be to make a better person than came in, not just to punish. If we increase prisons, it could solve issues and make prisons cleaner and effective. We also need to increase healthcare systems for prisoners. Lack of healthcare is a big problem and a big reason prisoners aren’t happy, and when prisoners aren’t happy, that can lead to potentially violent problems. Italy looks forward to working with fellow European and NATO countries to help solve these issues.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Gwyneth Wyckoff

Human Rights Council
Treatment of Prisoners
Saudi Arabia
Portage Central High School

As a country with a significantly low crime rate, Saudi Arabia is one of the safest countries within the Middle East. The safety index is 73.1 out of 100, which is highly good for this part of the world. Crime is higher in some provinces, like Jazan and Najran. But for the majority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia crime is relatively low.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a varied amount of crime, petty crime, sometimes violent crime, and serious crimes(crimes against women). These crimes are handled accordingly, with an occasional overreach in disciplinary action. Every legal decision is made through the legal system based on Sharia Law. This law system is broken down into three categories: Tazirat, Qisas, Hudud.

By 2020, the most aggressive approaches to punishment for crimes committed were recalled, such as flogging. Saudi Arabia is limiting their use of the “old ways” with the modern generation. By limiting the overreaching of disciplinary actions and continuing on the mission of becoming a more modern day society.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Jaxton King

Country: Argentina
Committee: HRC
Topic: Treatment of Prisoners
Delegate: Jaxton F. King
School: Williamston High School

“All is fair in love and war” or so they say, throughout the course of war many innocent lives are taken, and many people are tormented but what becomes of the tormentors once they are captured; prisoners of war. However the unfair treatment seen throughout many countries that is inflicted on prisoners is not just limited to those captured during war but is inflicted on citizens who may have merely made a mistake. Cruelty is forever and will never fully die, however there are steps we can take to prevent and isolate those forces who wish to harm others.

Death; the pinnacle of cruel and unusual, the very force people are forbidden from using, yet it is used to execute the people of the world every day. Why do we as a world allow people to be shot, hung, and brutally murdered even if they did this themselves; by that definition we are no better than the killers. This is precisely why Argentina in the early 2000s moved to overturn the death penalty and make it a forbidden method of punishment. Evil is in the world and that is what some people are; however if we turn to murder ourselves then what does that make us? Prisoners are people too and this means that they should be treated with the same basic human decency we expect as average citizens. By abolishing the death penalty one could argue the prisoner is finally held accountable as by killing them you have just ended their sentence early, they have not had to feel regret and remorse for their crimes. It comes down to a debate of regional or federal control as some organizations would argue that this is humane considering the crimes of some individuals, however it is not as it only spreads more harm and hate. It should remain a federal decision and funding should come from the federal government too, to provide adequate funding and healthcare measures for prisoners who have been jailed for long sentences and even those who have been jailed for minor stints. It is in the greatest interest of Argentina to ensure that its prisoners are taken care of appropriately (Using Mandela Standards) and that they are not abused or subjugated to cruel and unusual punishment in any way. Argentina has grown a system of handling this by abolishing the death penalty, removal of court sanctioned killing since 1916, and constitutional protections that apply not only to citizens but also apply to those held within the borders of the country.

Argentina believes that constitutional protections prevent unfair treatment within prison systems, as they permit the government and the people by proxy to have a positive effect and impact within the prison systems of a country. By creating provisions for prisoners to be kept imprisoned at standards that are acceptable to the government, and to the citizens. Whilst the prison should not be lavish it should be a capable enough facility to house prisoners and give them amicable living standards. Argentina believes that the right course of actions is to create those provisions internationally. We ally ourselves with the Red Cross International Committees, and with the United States to create better programs for prisoner treatment globally.

Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Jayden Shepski

Around the world, many prisoners face harsh conditions such as overcrowding, abuse, lack of medical care, and poor sanitation. According to the UNODC, more than 60% of countries struggle with overcrowded prisons. These issues affect all regions, even developed nations.
The main international standards for protecting prisoners are the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners and the Mandela Rules. These documents make it clear that prisoners still have human rights that must be respected, no matter their crimes. The large number of people in pre-trial detention—about one third of the global prison population—also increases strain on prison systems and creates additional human rights concerns.Denmark strongly believes that prisoners must be treated humanely and with dignity.
In Denmark, the punishment is the loss of freedom itself; conditions inside prisons should not be harmful or degrading. Denmark supports rehabilitation over punishment and believes that a fair prison system should prepare inmates to safely return to society.
Denmark also recognizes that while human rights standards must be universal, local and regional governments often play an important role in applying these standards effectively.
Denmark:
Prisons focus on rehabilitation, education, and mental health support.
Independent monitoring helps ensure humane conditions.
Alternatives to prison—such as probation or community service—are used to reduce overcrowding.
Internationally:
Denmark contributes to programs that help improve justice systems in developing countries.
Denmark works with NGOs like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to promote transparency and report abuses.
Proposed Solutions
1. Improve Oversight and Local Capacity
Encourage independent monitoring of prisons.
Provide training, with help from the UN, on how to follow the Mandela Rules.
2. Reduce Overcrowding
Denmark believes it is better to reduce the number of people sent to prison rather than build more prisons.
Use alternatives to incarceration for non-violent crimes.
Limit the use of pre-trial detention by improving legal aid and speeding up court processes.
Create clearer sentencing guidelines to avoid unnecessary long sentences.
3. Raise Standards Inside Prisons
Ensure prisoners have proper hygiene, food, medical care, and mental health support.
Expand education and job training programs.
Protect prisoners from abuse by guards or other inmates.
In conclusion The Kingdom of Denmark believes that protecting the rights of prisoners is essential to a fair justice system. Denmark is committed to working with all member states to improve prison conditions worldwide, reduce overcrowding, and ensure that everyone—regardless of their crimes—is treated with dignity.

Position papers for GLIMUN 2025 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.