A NEW CHANCE
TEACHING PRISONERS PRACTICAL WORK SKILLS FOR A NEW CHANCE IN LIFE
“ All prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings ,” states the first of the Basic Principles of the
Nelson Mandela Rules ( the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners ), of which UNODC is the guardian . But to contribute to a more lawful and peaceful world , the raison d ’ être of the
Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration , the assurance of dignity during imprisonment may not be sufficient to avoid reoffending and another incarceration . This possibility may increase if , upon release , ex-convicts find themselves in the same circumstances that potentially contributed to their illegal activities in the first place , and to their arrest . That is why it is crucial to think ahead and to prepare prisoners for their reintegration into society .
UNODC ’ s espousal of this psychology has taken it to prison facilities around the world , supporting Member States with a tried and tested method : strengthening prisoners ’ resolve by teaching them vocational skills which they can practice in work schemes during their sentence , and which can help them find work upon their release . After they have paid their debt to society , the ability of ex-prisoners to find work is undoubtedly a factor which contributes significantly to their dignity and self-reliance , their sense of belonging , and the diminished likelihood of their recidivism .
Tailoring projects to local needs and working closely with prison administrators to gauge the best avenues for rehabilitation in their respective locations , the Global Programme has launched a number of projects around the world to teach prisoners a variety of useful vocations ; this helps them improve their self-esteem , their decision-making capacities , and their confidence in the future . Importantly , these vocations will increase their employability and offer them better work prospects , or better entrepreneurial skills to support them in the case of self-employment . Enabling their smooth transition from incarceration to freedom , prison administrations provide convicts with external certification for their practical training , with documents which do not indicate that the skills were learned in prison .
In the State of Palestine , an advanced Technical , Vocation and Educational
Training ( TVET ) programme supported by UNODC is teaching and certifying male prisoners on electrical installations in Jericho , following a training-of-trainers for prison officers . In addition to training the prisoners and giving them certificates from the
Ministry of Labour , the training partners have also committed to facilitate work placement for a number of men after their liberation . Given the relatively high level of unemployment in the State of Palestine , currently estimated at around 26 per cent , the promise of job offers is certain to have a positive impact on the overall rehabilitation and social reintegration process .
This training approach to rehabilitation is also being put to good use in Morocco , albeit in a very different sector : the delicate and intricate art of silver jewellery , one of the country ’ s best-known crafts . As part of the
36 INSPIRAS