By Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim
Driven by the desire to promote institutional reforms in formal and informal sectors for access to justice, rehabilitation and social development within the penal system, the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA, a Non-go-governmental organization, has been pushing the boundary of criminal justice reform in Africa in collaboration with other stakeholders to set the agenda for change.
Established in 1994 primarily to promote Security, Justice and Development in Africa, the organization has built a track record of designing and implementing various training and capacity building projects for prison officers, police officers and other stakeholders in a bid to promote safe societies through the creation of a just, humane and effective criminal justice system.
PRAWA which in 1998 secured an observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights also provides treatment/rehabilitation and support to torture victims, prisoners, youths-at-risk and their families.
The organization has three major programme components namely, Security and Justice Sector Reform Programme Component, Social Development and Rehabilitation Programme Component and Research and Documentation Programme Component. It utilizes different strategies in the implementation of its programmes such as training and capacity development for health professionals, lawyers, criminal justice agents, journalists and other relevant stakeholders. It carries out research and advocacy on issues of torture, justice, prisons and security sector reform; and performs human rights monitoring and encourages other internal and external oversight mechanisms.
Creditably, PRAWA has over the years carried out many landmark projects while others are on the drawing board to achieve the desired objectives. In 2010, PRAWA in partnership with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and the Prisons/Correctional Services with the support of the Dutch Government, commenced the Prison Reforms Intervention in Africa (PRIA) Project in six African countries namely Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The main purpose of this project is to promote effective and sustainable prison reforms in Africa which is in compliance with international and regional human rights standards and good governance and to improve the human rights situation of those in prison custody.
Noticing the glaring evidences that the United Nation Standard minimum rule for the treatment of prisoners including those relating to the prison officers are not followed in practices, PRAWA is working with all human Rights interest groups with the support of British High Commission to improve the awareness and observance of international human rights principle and good prison practices in Nigeria under the Human Rights Training Integration, HRTI, programme.
Under its second priority list which is geared towards increasing exports and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources, and promoting sustainable global growth, the British Government under the auspices of British High Commission in Nigeria is supporting PRAWA to execute a project called ILLEGAL MIGRATION PROJECT I-MAP in Nigeria. The purpose of the project is to increase the awareness of Nigerian youths on the effects of illegal migration and positive life planning skills.
The DFID-funded Nigeria Justice for All Programme (J4A), in partnership with PRAWA, is working with the Government of Enugu State to “Speed up Criminal Justice in Enugu State”. The aim of the intervention is to identify root causes of delays in the criminal justice system, support the development and implementation of cross-sector solutions, involving state actors (police, ministry of justice, prisons, judiciary, legislature, etc.) and non-state actors (civil society organizations, traditional rulers, etc.)
Undoubtedly, the African criminal justice system is gradually witnessing several changes as the traditional concept of security is redefined to include not only state stability and the security of nations but also a clear focus on the safety and well-being of their people. The contention is that a democratically run, accountable and efficient security system helps reduce the risk of conflict, thus creating an enabling environment for development to occur. Conscious of its expected role as a major stakeholder in the security and socio-economic progress of the African people, PRAWA is reviewing its activities to meet these emerging trends especially as some African justice systems contemplate adopting reforms despite the increase in crime and recidivism rates.
The stocktaking kicks-off on 5th November, 2014, in Abuja and to also celebrate the 20th anniversary of PRAWA (though established on December 16, 1994). According to the Founder/Executive Director of the NGO, Dr. Uju Agomoh, the event will provide an opportunity to review past activities and a platform to draw up future plans “because any viable reform must be comprehensive and sustainable.”
Other events lined up to achieve the objectives of the celebration include a public lecture on Transforming Public Safety and Security in Nigeria: – An Integrated Vision for the Criminal Justice Sector to be delivered by Dr Chidi Odinakalu, Chairman National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria. The Executive Director, International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology, USA, Dr John Gannon, will lead discussions on the paper.
PRAWA will also present awards to some deserving Prison Officers, Prisons, Other Justice Sector Agencies, Development Partners, Media Houses, Journalists, unveil a Gallery of Photos, Paintings, Publications and Audio-Visuals, present a history book of its activities and launch an endowment fund for youths-at-risk.
Dr Uju Agomoh, an expert in Justice and Prison Reform and Human Rights Training, Advocacy, Programme Design and Assessment, hopes that PRAWA will sooner or later consolidate its work in meaningful ways by becoming a reference point for social development intervention for crime prevention in Africa, a leading source in reforms in pre-trial justice and adoption of alternative to imprisonment in Africa, a champion in building a critical mass of personnel and institutions in community corrections and a leading resource centre for sustainable social entrepreneurship research and social development models for both rehabilitative and crime prevention purposes targeted at youths at risk, prisoners and ex-prisoners and victims of torture.
Ibrahim, FNGE, a media Consultant and Member of Governing Board of Legal Aid Council, wrote from Kano. [email protected]
