On Nelson Mandela International Day, UNODC in Iraq Reaffirms its Commitment to Safe, Secure and Rehabilitation-Oriented Prisons

Marking the Nelson Mandela International Day, and as the custodian of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), UNODC continues to work in close partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Justice to strengthen the ongoing modernization efforts of the Iraqi prison system in line with international standards and best practices. Since 2019, UNODC and the Government of Iraq have partnered to strengthen prison management, enhance institutional security, and expand rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities across the country’s prison system.

“The Ministry of Justice, represented by the Iraqi Correctional Service, continues its tireless efforts to develop correctional institutions in accordance with international standards, particularly the Nelson Mandela Rules” said Mr. Majid Al-Manthor, Director General of the Iraqi Correctional Service under the Iraqi Ministry of Justice.

Rule 4 of the Nelson Mandela Rules affirms the purpose of imprisonment is to protect society and reduce reoffending through rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Guided by this rule, UNODC works with the Government of Iraq to strengthen institutional security while expanding opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration. This longstanding partnership has focused on advancing the management of terrorist and violent extremist prisoners, including foreign offenders, through evidence-based correctional practices that promote safety, security and rehabilitation as mutually reinforcing objectives.

“We value our partnership with UNODC, which serves as a model of constructive cooperation in supporting reform efforts in Iraq” said Mr. Majid Al-Manthor, Director General of the Iraqi Correctional Service under the Iraqi Ministry of Justice, emphasizing that “This collaboration has contributed to the implementation of high-quality programs for building the capacity of [prisons] staff, developing reform policies and practices, promoting the application of the Nelson Mandela Rules”. 

During the week marking the Nelson Mandela International Day, UNODC convened a series of technical initiatives aimed at translating the Nelson Mandela Rules into daily prison practice. This included a specialized training on Dynamic Security to strengthen the capacities of prison staff to maintain safety and order through professional relationships, effective communication and proactive prison management, reflecting the Rules' emphasis on safe, secure and humane prison administration. 

UNODC also worked with the Ministry of Justice on the development of a national risk and needs assessment framework to facilitate individualized prisoner assessments and targeted rehabilitation and reintegration interventions, alongside a comprehensive analysis of existing rehabilitation programmes to strengthen their quality, effectiveness and alignment with international standards. 

In parallel, UNODC continues to support vocational training programmes in selected prisons, recognizing their importance in preparing prisoners for reintegration. These initiatives also contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 by strengthening national institutions and capacities for effective and rehabilitation-oriented prison management.

Through continued cooperation, UNODC and the Iraqi Ministry of Justice (through the Correctional Directorate) are advancing the implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules, promoting a prison system that is safer, more secure and increasingly focused on rehabilitation and reintegration, while contributing to safer communities. As underscored by the UNODC Executive Director, Dr. Monica Juma, “Justice is strongest when it is matched with humanity”.

For further information, please contact: 

UNODC Iraq

Ali Yasari | Programme Officer | ali.yasari@un.org 

Nouran AbdelGhaffar | Communications and Visibility Officer | nouran.abdelghaffar@un.org