Publication

This paper presents a 20-year vision for the reform of prisoner rights in South Africa. It supports the need to promote reintegration and human development of prisoners, and to create a prison environment conducive to this aim. It distinguishes between the concept of 'correction' and 'development,' and highlights the need for prisoners to maintain links with the family and community while in prison in order to help reintegration upon release. The paper emphasizes prisoners' need for privacy, the opportunity to educate themselves and to work, the ability to reflect substantively on their crime and the necessary support to attempt to live a law-abiding life.