21st March 2025
On 21 March 2025, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) made a submission to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in contribution to its preparation of a comprehensive study on human rights and the social reintegration of persons released from detention and persons subjected to non-custodial measures, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 57/9.
This submission highlights several examples of research, ongoing legislative reform, and programmes and initiatives related to the social reintegration of persons with convictions in Ireland. While this submission is not exhaustive, a list of organisations providing support and programmes for persons with convictions can be found on IPRT’s website.
Overall, IPRT strongly supports the development of Guiding Principles by OHCHR for the social reintegration of people with convictions. IPRT recognises that imprisonment for any length of time is harmful in and of itself, causing social dislocation which can have significant effects long after an individual is released. IPRT therefore agrees that the social reintegration of PWCs must be treated as a human rights issue. As such, there is a clear need for further guidance for states and state agencies to set common expectations and promote best practices.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.