External Prison Oversight and Human Rights

MISSION:

To share information, best practices and lessons learned on effective external prison oversight and to enhance openness, transparency and accountability among prison authorities.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Build an international community and network of organizations responsible for prison oversight;
2. Share information on best practices and lessons learned on effective external prison oversight;
3. Generate constructive dialogue on the values and benefits of external oversight with prison authorities;
4. Promote compliance with the Rule of Law and domestic/international human rights obligations with respect to prisoners and prison staff;
5. Provide technical advice and assistance to organizations responsible for prison oversight as requested and appropriate;
6. Provide capacity building on oversight operations, including investigations, inspections, visits and alternative dispute resolution.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

1. Provide a platform to share information, best practices and lessons learned on external prison oversight and human rights among the Network and ICPA members;
2. Promote constructive and professional dialogue between external prison oversight organizations with prison authorities subject to their oversight;
3. Share news, reports and publications via a semi-annual (to become quarterly) newsletter covering these topics:
   • Message from the Network Chair;
   • Recent reports/initiatives from Network members;
   • Best practices and case studies;
   • Legal updates on domestic and international human rights;
   • Academic articles and graduate theses on external prison oversight;
   • Future conferences/events of interest;
   • On the move and vacancies.
4. Provide technical advice and assistance to jurisdictions as requested and appropriate;
5. Identify trends and issues in challenging areas of prison operations, including solitary confinement, use of force, mental health care, and addressing the needs of vulnerable segments of the prisoner population;
6. Raise awareness on values and benefits of external prison oversight, including its contribution to public safety.

MEMBERS OF THE NETWORK:

DOCUMENTS AND LINKS:

ICPA_Networks_EPOAHR_Code_of_Conduct

E-BULLETINS:

INTERIM ANNOUNCEMENT: Expert Network on External Prison Oversight & Human Rights

INTERIM UPDATE: Expert Network on External Prison Oversight & Human Rights

Expert Network on External Prison Oversight & Human Rights Newsletter (Issue 1)

Expert Network on External Prison Oversight & Human Rights Newsletter (Issue 2)