“UN Human Rights Council Adopts Groundbreaking Resolution on Reentry Support and Human Rights”
REFORM Alliance, in partnership with Costa Rica and a coalition of 120 organizations from 49 countries, has achieved a significant milestone with the adoption of a groundbreaking UN Human Rights Council resolution. This unanimous decision represents a historic step towards safeguarding the human rights of individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration and those under supervision, such as probation or parole.
The resolution sets forth a framework for governments to establish safer and more inclusive communities by offering reentry support, reducing stigma, and promoting economic inclusion. With over 11.5 million people incarcerated worldwide, this initiative aims to enhance reentry processes and assist individuals in successfully reintegrating into society.
This landmark resolution is the first of its kind within the HRC, focusing on human rights-based guidance for reentry and supervision. It emphasizes the importance of dignity and rejects dehumanizing labels such as “criminal” and “convict,” which perpetuate stigma and impede full societal participation.
Costa Rica collaborated with nations like The Gambia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, and Romania to drive this resolution, with legal expertise from Perseus Strategies. The next steps involve conducting a comprehensive study and developing global recommendations to ensure that governments worldwide uphold human rights during the reentry process.
Prominent advocates, including Kim Kardashian and Jessica Jackson of REFORM Alliance, have expressed their support for this resolution, emphasizing the need for governments to adopt a human rights approach in supporting individuals transitioning out of incarceration. Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández of Costa Rica highlighted the significance of this resolution in recognizing the fundamental human rights of those reentering society.
Overall, this resolution represents a significant victory in the global effort to create more just and inclusive societies, ensuring that individuals are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society regardless of their past.