PH pledges support for UN minimum standards for treatment of prisoners

The Philippines has joined the group of countries that have pledged their support for the Nelson Mandela Rules, the United Nations' minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners.

According to the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules, the Philippines expressed its support at a meeting on Monday in Vienna during the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 32nd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

During the meeting, Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla presented the country's reform agenda on the criminal justice system. He also addressed challenges in the country such as budget limitations and coordination among government agencies, among others.

Meanwhile, Remulla also presented initiatives such as the regionalization of prison facilities, the establishment of separate facilities for different categories, the release of prisoners, and ensuring effective legal representation.

"We are aware that this reform agenda will only succeed if we, policymakers, have a sincere and objective recognition of its defects; and we have. That is why we have been taking steps to address these deficiencies the best way we can," he said.

According to the group, the meeting was attended by representatives of Germany, South Africa, Thailand, and the UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section.  —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK, GMA Integrated News