The number of people held in prisons worldwide has risen again, reaching 11.5 million in 2022, after a decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incarceration rates differ across regions, with estimates showing that people in the Americas are four times more likely to be imprisoned than those in Africa. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its first Prison Matters brief, marking Nelson Mandela International Day, to present the latest data on the global prison population and rehabilitation efforts.
PRE-TRIAL DETENTION: A GLOBAL DISPARITY
In 2022, approximately 3.5 million prisoners, or about 30% of the global prison population, were held in pre-trial detention. However, this figure varies widely by region. Africa and Oceania report the highest proportion of unsentenced prisoners at 36%, while Europe has the lowest at 18%. Southern Asia stands out with 63% of detainees held without sentencing.
Pre-trial detention should be limited to cases where there is a risk that the alleged offender might abscond, commit further crimes, or interfere with justice. Excessive use and prolonged duration of pre-trial detention impose significant costs on states, communities, families, and the detainees, often hindering their ability to mount a proper legal defense and access legal counsel.
OVERCROWDED PRISONS: A PRESSING CONCERN
Overcrowding remains a critical issue in many prisons. Sixty percent of countries with available data report that their prisons operate at or over 100% of their official capacity. Alarmingly, one in five countries worldwide operates at over 150% of their intended capacity. Prisons in Africa and the Americas are particularly affected, with more than three-quarters of countries reporting overcrowded facilities.
Overcrowding contributes to severe human rights, health, and security crises, posing the greatest challenge to upholding international minimum prison standards.
PREVENTABLE DEATHS IN PRISONS
In nearly all reporting countries, the rate of intentional homicides is higher among prisoners than in the general population. In the Americas, the intentional homicide rate among prisoners is significantly higher, reflecting the impact of prison-based criminal organizations. In 2022, 34.2 prisoners per 100,000 committed suicide, a rate much higher than the general population’s suicide rate of 9.2 per 100,000 in 2019.
Prisoner deaths are largely preventable and often highlight the challenges states face in upholding their duty of care and protecting prisoners’ health, safety, and integrity.
REHABILITATION: A RECOGNIZED NEED
According to a new UNODC survey, four out of five prison administrations have developed dedicated rehabilitation strategies. Almost half of these administrations engage prisoners as stakeholders during the planning process. However, consistent evidence about the implementation scope of these strategies is lacking.
Effective prison management must focus on fostering rehabilitation and social reintegration prospects for prisoners. Efforts to create more rehabilitative prison environments, including respective programs and services, are essential from the start of incarceration through to preparation for release.
The surge in global prison populations post-pandemic underscores the urgent need for reform. Addressing pre-trial detention, overcrowding, preventable deaths, and enhancing rehabilitation efforts are critical steps towards a more just and effective prison system. The UNODC’s data and recommendations offer a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to drive meaningful change in prison management worldwide.
