The Universal Declaration of the Rights of Inmates and Criminals

The Universal Declaration of the Rights of Inmates and Criminals

Preamble

Recognizing the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family, including those who are incarcerated, and acknowledging the need to ensure humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society,

We, the people of the world, hereby proclaim this Universal Declaration of the Rights of Inmates and Criminals as a common standard for the dignity, freedom, and well-being of all individuals within the criminal justice system.

Article 1: Right to Human Dignity

Every inmate and criminal has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, without any form of degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 2: Right to Non-Discrimination

No inmate or criminal shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability, or other status.

Article 3: Right to Safety

Every inmate has the right to personal safety and protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation within the correctional system.

Article 4: Right to Health Care

Inmates have the right to access comprehensive health care, including physical, mental, and dental care, equivalent to that available in the community.

Article 5: Right to Adequate Living Conditions

Every inmate has the right to adequate living conditions, including sufficient food, clean water, clothing, shelter, sanitation, and ventilation.

Article 6: Right to Legal Representation

Inmates have the right to legal representation and access to legal resources, ensuring fair treatment and the ability to challenge unlawful detention or conditions.

Article 7: Right to Rehabilitation and Education

Every inmate has the right to access educational and vocational training programs, as well as rehabilitation services, to facilitate reintegration into society upon release.

Article 8: Right to Communication and Visitation

Inmates have the right to maintain contact with family and friends through regular communication and visitation, subject to reasonable restrictions for security and order.

Article 9: Right to Religion and Belief

Every inmate has the right to practice their religion or beliefs, including access to religious materials and the ability to participate in religious services.

Article 10: Right to Information

Inmates have the right to be informed of their rights, prison rules, and any changes affecting their conditions of detention.

Article 11: Right to Participate in Decision-Making

Inmates have the right to participate, through appropriate mechanisms, in decisions affecting their treatment, conditions, and rehabilitation.

Article 12: Right to Privacy

Inmates have the right to privacy in their personal correspondence, visits, and interactions with legal representatives, subject to necessary security measures.

Article 13: Right to Complaint and Redress

Every inmate has the right to file complaints regarding their treatment and conditions, and to seek redress without fear of retaliation.

Article 14: Right to Humane Treatment of Special Populations

Special consideration must be given to the rights and needs of vulnerable inmate populations, including women, juveniles, elderly inmates, and those with disabilities.

Article 15: Right to Reintegration Support

Inmates have the right to support services upon release, including assistance with housing, employment, and access to social services, to aid in their successful reintegration into society.

Article 16: Right to Protection from Solitary Confinement

Inmates shall not be subjected to prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement. Any use of solitary confinement must be strictly regulated, monitored, and used only as a last resort.

Article 17: Right to Non-Excessive Punishment

Inmates have the right to be free from excessive or arbitrary punishment. All disciplinary measures must be proportionate, transparent, and subject to review.

Article 18: Right to Participate in Cultural and Recreational Activities

Inmates have the right to engage in cultural, recreational, and sports activities, contributing to their mental and physical well-being.

Article 19: Right to Safe Working Conditions

Inmates who participate in prison labor have the right to safe working conditions, fair compensation, and access to vocational training.

Article 20: Right to Family Life

Inmates have the right to maintain family relationships, including access to programs and policies that support family unity and stability.

Article 21: Right to Cease Criminal Activity

Criminals have the right to cease criminal activity and to receive support in transitioning away from such activities. This includes access to rehabilitation programs, education, and employment opportunities that provide alternatives to crime.

Article 22: Right to Challenge Unjust Laws

Individuals have the right to challenge and break laws that are unjust or discriminatory. This right acknowledges the moral imperative to oppose and seek the reform of laws that violate fundamental human rights and principles of justice.

Article 23: Rights of Criminals Living in Freedom

Criminals living in freedom enjoy all human rights, with the sole exception of being subject to lawful incarceration if deemed necessary. They retain the rights to work, education, healthcare, privacy, and all other human rights guaranteed by international standards.

Article 24: Right Not to Snitch or Inform

Every inmate and criminal has the right not to be coerced or pressured into providing information against their will about other individuals or criminal activities. This right includes protection from retaliation or punishment for choosing not to act as an informant.

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This declaration is a starting point and should be further developed and refined through consultation with criminal justice experts, legal scholars, human rights advocates, and representatives from various inmate populations to ensure it comprehensively addresses the needs and rights of inmates and criminals.