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Key principles and recommendations for the management of violent extremist prisoners and the prevention of radicalization to violence in prisons

Type Study / research article
Date published 18.10.2019
Author UNODC
Description

Managing violent extremist prisoners: fundamental issues

Prisoner radicalization is not in itself a threat to the prison administration or society if not connected to violence. Not all radicalization is negative or a precursor to violent extremism. Only a very small number of radicals actually become violent extremists.

Prison administrations should ensure the secure and safe custody of violent extremist prisoners; prevent radicalization to violence within prisons; seek to ensure that prisoners disengage from future violence; and prepare those being released for their reintegration into the community.

Good prison management and necessary reforms constitute a fundamental basis for the effective management of all prisoners, including violent extremist prisoners. Stand-alone interventions for violent extremist prisoners which are implemented in isolation of the broader prison context are unlikely to yield positive results.

The challenges posed by violent extremist prisoners must be addressed in full compliance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and other relevant international standards and norms, including from a gender perspective

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