On Mandela Day, UN Philippines emphasizes need for prison reform

The Mandela Rules, named after the South African president who was imprisoned for 27 years, define the international minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

In December 2023, the Philippines joined 38 other nations that comprise the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which was created to raise awareness and promote humane conditions of imprisonment. 

“In joining the Group of Friends of the Mandela Rules, the Philippines is explicitly expressing its commitment to adopting the necessary changes to improve conditions in the country’s detention facilities and ensure that the human rights and dignity of every prisoner is upheld,” said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.

To help improve prison conditions, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been working with the Department of Justice, including the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, to address prison congestion. The country, which reported a congestion rate of 348 percent from January to October 2023, ranks third in the world for jail and prison overcrowding. 

In honor of Nelson Mandela Day, a total of 784 PDLs were discharged in a ceremony on 19 July—over half of whom were released upon serving their full sentences, while the remaining were acquitted, paroled, granted probation or Executive Clemency. Over 15,000 PDLs have been released under President Ferdinand Marcos’s administration as part of efforts to decongest the prison system.  

Together with the Philippine government, UNODC also convened the first National Decongestion Summit last year to bring together policymakers, justice sector professionals, and members of civil society and the academe to develop long-term solutions to prison congestion, many of which centered on three themes: reducing admissions, shortening detention times, and increasing releases.

Complementing the decongestion efforts, UNODC is also providing technical assistance to the Philippines on revitalizing the country’s approach to drug control. Presently, drug-related offenses account for almost 70 percent of incarcerations. 

The UNODC and Philippine government are collaborating with multi-sector stakeholders to establish a more holistic approach to addressing drug-related issues, which was a key theme during the recently concluded Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit. 

“Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for championing equality and fighting against discrimination in South Africa. In remembering his legacy, we must learn from this powerful, yet humble leader by showing compassion to those in the penal system who are now deprived of their liberty. We celebrate today a type of leadership that is much needed in facing today’s challenges,” said Mr. Gonzalez.