30th anniversary: PRAWA vows to sustain advocacy on criminal justice reforms

The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, (PRAWA), has pledged to sustain its advocacy on implementing criminal justice, human rights reforms and rehabilitation of inmates, by key stakeholders.

The Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Uju Agomoh, made the vow on Tuesday at a press conference to herald the celebration of PRAWA’s 30 years anniversary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisation, which was established on Dec. 16, 1994, promotes human rights for people in prison.

PRAWA has also helped those who have survived prison by successfully integrating them into the community.

Agomoh announced that an array of programmes, which include network meetings among select Nigerian universities, a national and sub-national dialogue on effective correctional management have been planned in Abuja.

This, she said included a week-long exhibition of products and PRAWA’s, photos, videos, and documentaries,

“There will also be a display of apology letters by ex-inmates across the world, capacity-building workshops/trainings.

“There will be the launching of a youth fund to support the reintegration of persons who have finished serving their jail terms,”she said.

She explained that PRAWA, since its creation, had been instrumental in promoting legal and institutional reforms to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners.

She said “PRAWA has worked closely with stakeholders like the Nigerian Correctional Service, judiciary, and the police to improve the administration of justice in the country.

“Furthermore, PRAWA, over the years, collaborated with international organisations, including the United Nations and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, to combat torture and support survivors with rehabilitation programs.

“Likewise, PRAWA has conducted extensive studies on criminal justice and human rights issues, including the well-being of children and young adults in conflict with the law.

“These findings have influenced policy and advocacy for system-wide improvements.

“PRAWA, I must also say, and very proudly too, has expanded its reach by engaging in regional peace and security reforms, working in South Sudan and with ECOWAS to address broader justice and rehabilitation challenges,” she said.