Prison Services, UniSey to co-host third ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ for humane treatment of prisoners

The Seychelles Prison Service in collaboration with the University of Seychelles is to observe the third ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ for humane treatment of prisoners, which will be held on July 18 and hosted by at the university’s James Mancham Peace & Diplomacy Research Institute at Anse Royale.

This year’s observation will be held under the theme ‘Crime & Punishment: have we got the balance right?’

It should be recalled that the Seychelles Prison Service first observed ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ on July 18, 2018, a date which is recognised internationally to remember and commemorate Nelson Mandela. The prison service at that time announced its intentions to align its operations to the United Nations Minimum Standards for the treatment of prisoners, or the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ following a directive by the Superintendent of Prisons, Raymond St. Ange.  

On December 2015 at the United Nations General Assembly, which was supported by the Republic of Seychelles, and following a recommendation by a panel of experts, the revised rules would be known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’. This to honour the legacy of the late President of South Africa and the 27 years he spent in a South African prison. As the custodian of the Standard Minimum Rules, the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, closely followed the revision process and serves as the secretariat.

The July 18 symposium will be opened by the vice-chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Dr Justin Valentin, and will feature important speakers and will also give opportunities to discuss ongoing prison reforms.

“On February 14, 2017, President Danny Faure in his state-of-the-nation (Sona) announced the need for the Seychelles Prison Service to reform. Since then the prison service has been actively engaging and moving to improve,” Superintendent St Ange said. As well, the prison service will use the occasion to officially launch its new website, using this medium to improve its reach and make more transparent its operations.

Invitations will shortly be extended to civic and political leaders, members of the judiciary, the Seychelles Bar Association, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Human Rights Commission, key non-governmental organisations (NGO), students, and other key partners.

The organising committee aims to ensure a balanced representation at this year’s important observation of the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ on Nelson Mandela Day.