Workshop on United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules)

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, have a rich history spanning decades. In 1955, UN Member States adopted the original Standard Minimum Rules (SMRs) at the first UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Offender Treatment. These Rules serve as globally recognized standards for prison management and prisoner treatment for over 60 years, significantly influencing prison laws, policies, and practices worldwide. In December 2015, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the revised Rules, naming them the “Nelson Mandela Rules” in honor of Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years during his fight for justice and human rights. And every year, 18 July is observed globally as  “Nelson Mandela International Day” is celebrated to shine light on the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Although the Nelson Mandela Rules are considered “soft law” and not legally binding, they represent universally agreed minimum standards adopted by the international community. Many United Nations Member States have incorporated these Rules into their domestic laws or are in the process of doing so. Additionally, national judiciaries may use the rules as a secondary source when evaluating the constitutionality of prison practices.

To commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, the Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice (NFRJ) is collaborating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with a half-day workshop on Nelson Mandela Rules and their applications in Nepal. 

Objectives of the workshop

1. Raise awareness about the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) among key stakeholders in Nepal’s criminal justice system.
2. Discuss the practical application and implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules within Nepal’s prison system.
3. To foster collaboration between government officials, prison administrators, legal experts and  civil society representatives for prison and justice reforms in Nepal.

Date and time

Date: 18 July 2024, Time: 1pm-4pm

Participation

The event will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, prison administrators, legal experts and civil society representatives. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions on the practical implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules within Nepal’s prison system. 

Modality of the workshop

The workshop will consist of an orientation on Mandela Rules and its linkages with justice reforms by United Nations on Drugs and Crime, this will be followed by a presentation from the Department of Prison Management on the current status of Mandela Rules application, with a specific focus on Nepal’s prison settings and how these rules contribute to the broader agenda of justice reform in the country. The workshop will conclude with the Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice showcasing their research publication on prisons and corrections in Nepal. 

For more information about the workshop, please contact:

Program focal person:  Adv. Snehaja RajyaLaxmi Thapa

Email: snehaja.nfrj@gmail.com, Tel. +977-9813708339

Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice

Hadigaun-5, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: nfrj@nepalrestorativejustice.org 

Tel- +97714540587