At the ASEAN Regional Corrections Conference 2025 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Rafael Souza, a crime prevention and criminal justice officer from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), emphasized the critical need for transparency within prison systems. Souza highlighted the detrimental effects of incarceration on poverty and public health, noting that imprisonment not only impacts the inmates but also their families, particularly when the incarcerated individual is the primary earner. He stressed that prisons worldwide suffer from inadequate healthcare, with higher incidences of tuberculosis and HIV, and that the mental health of prisoners often declines, increasing suicide risks and contributing to premature aging. Souza advocated for increased transparency to address these issues, combat organized crime, and improve asset recovery. The conference, co-sponsored by the United Kingdom, was praised for promoting collaboration among ASEAN correctional officials. David Thomas, UK Deputy Head of Mission to Bangkok, emphasized the importance of regional learning to enhance correctional services. He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting ASEAN in strengthening the rule of law and governance through its ongoing five-year action plan.
UN Official Urges Prison Transparency to Combat Poverty and Health Issues
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