Summary:

A side event organised by Penal Reform International addressed the issue of female offenders.

On 6 March, Penal Reform International organised a side-event: "Female Offenders - What difference can the Bangkok Rules make?". The event's objective was to promote the "UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules)".

Rules provide protection for women

Dr. Rani D. Shakardass, Director of the Indian NGO PRAJA, said the Bangkok Rules are very important because without them, women would have no form of protection. She was sceptical, however, about the 'checklist' of rules, as it neglects the individual needs of women. She also reminded everyone that the Bangkok Rules are also about non-custodial measures.

First to address children of imprisoned women

Tomris Atabay, of Penal Reform International, said the Bangkok Rules are very important and the first instrument that addresses children of women in prison. She said the biggest challenge was to ensure that they are put into practise. By this, she meant the incorporation of rules into national legislation, and also prison legislation. Other challenges included the lack of awareness and knowledge of the Rules, the entrenched attitudes towards women who offend (deriving from gender-based stereotyping), and also available resources to implement the Rules.

New Guidelines

An announcement was made about the impending launch of a new set of guidelines on the Bangkok Rules. The purpose of the guidelines is to raise awareness of the Rules and provide practical and detailed guidance to all parties (including NGOs), to ensure that enough information is available to implement the Bangkok Rules.

Previous Members news items

• 05/03/2012: SYRIE : Sept morts dont quatre enfants
• 05/03/2012: CHILD MALNUTRITION: Rights-based approach key, says UN Expert
• 01/03/2012: HRC: Resolution adopted condemning human rights violations in Syria
• 01/03/2012: HRC: Landmark discussion on freedom of expression and the internet
• 29/02/2012: UN: Council set for key debate on sexual orientation and gender identiity

Organisation Contact Details:

Child Rights International Network
East Studio
2 Pontypool Place
London
SE1 8QF
Tel: +44 (0)207 401 2257
Email: info@crin.org
Website: www.crin.org

Last updated 06/03/2012 16:12:23

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.