CNDH participates in the opening of the Autumn University in prisons on rehabilitation of detainees

Speaking at the opening session of the Autumn University in prisons which was held in the prison of Ras Al Mae in Fez, Morocco on 20 September 2017, Driss El Yazami, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), stressed that the execution of judgments should be carried out in accordance with the principles of human rights enshrined in the international conventions and national legislations. The responsibility of penitentiary institutions is to reduce the gap between the prisoner and the world outside by guaranteeing his rehabilitation and reintegration into society.  

Organized by the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), the two-days meeting were devoted to the spiritual rehabilitation of detainees.

For the President of the CNDH, debating rehabilitation at this meeting is a judicious and successful choice, especially with regard to the recommendations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (SMRs). Those recommendations highlighted the importance of the rehabilitation of detainees which can be spiritual, professional, educational, cultural, or related to sports…

While calling for an evaluation of the Moroccan experience, Driss El Yazami is firmly convinced that rehabilitation programs are not adapted to all times and places. He said that a program can be implemented only after a careful study of the targeted category.

He also stressed the importance of opening prisons to civil society, other institutions, etc... and he declared that it is a challenge for training programs to succeed.

Finally, Driss El Yazami welcomed the initiative of the DGAPR of launching a radio from prison, in cooperation with various partners. He also stated that if rehabilitation concerns the community as whole, it should particularly takes into consideration the will and desire of the detainee to develop his or her capacities and achieve social integration.