Abu Dhabi:The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has submitted a report to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, outlining practical measures to mitigate prison overcrowding.
According to Emirates News Agency, the NHRI's report emphasizes practices and experiences from the UAE, offering general recommendations at an international level. These focus on expanding non-custodial alternatives, improving detention conditions, and strengthening systems for correction, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Dr. Salem Suhail Al Neyadi, Chairperson of the NHRI, noted that the report is part of the 'Empowerment Cycle,' which is the second term of the NHRI Board of Trustees. This effort aims to consolidate the institution's role and enhance its participation with both regional and international mechanisms in line with the Paris Principles.
The report highlights the necessity of addressing the root causes of high detention rates and reducing reliance on custodial sentences rather than merely expanding prison capacity. It also stresses the importance of developing legal alternatives and ensuring safe, healthy, and humane detention conditions.
UAE practices such as community service, alternative penal measures, electronic monitoring, and conditional release are featured, alongside education, training, rehabilitation, and aftercare programs. These initiatives are intended to support justice objectives and reduce recidivism.
The NHRI recommends expanding non-custodial alternatives and electronic monitoring, improving penal institution infrastructure, and enhancing education and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, it calls for better healthcare, psychological, social, and family services.
Further recommendations include specialized measures for juveniles and People of Determination, speeding up digital transformation of services for inmates, and adopting international indicators to assess rehabilitation effectiveness and detention quality.
The report reviews the UAE's comprehensive approach, covering legislation, criminal justice policies, judicial practices, and correctional processes while ensuring sustainable social reintegration and safeguarding human dignity.