Preserving Humanity in Crisis-Leading Correctional Systems Affected by Armed Conflict (PID213)

11.45am – 12.30pm GMT+03:00, 28 October 2025 ‐ 45 mins

Plenary Session

Leading a correctional system - delivering programs and fostering an environment that promotes the wellbeing of detainees and staff - is a significant challenge under any circumstances. This challenge is exponentially greater during armed conflict within a country. With over 130 armed conflicts currently ongoing worldwide, prison services, their staff, and detainees increasingly face the direct and harsh realities of war. Correctional systems affected by conflict often operate under extreme conditions characterized by infrastructure damage, resource scarcity, and heightened security concerns, all of which severely compromise the wellbeing of both detainees and staff.  In such fragile environments, upholding humanity and ensuring the humane treatment and dignity of persons deprived of liberty is not only a moral imperative but also a binding legal obligation under International Law.

This panel will bring together Heads of Service from Ethiopia, Lebanon, Burkina Faso, and Ukraine to share their experiences leading correctional services during armed conflict. They will discuss how they and their teams have adapted professionally and personally to overcome unprecedented challenges to safeguard the wellbeing of detainees and staff. Designed as an interactive discussion, the panel will engage both the speakers and conference participants and will be moderated by the Head of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Unit at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
 
Moderated by Leann Bertsch, Sr. Vice President, Corrections, USA