Roundtable Discussion On Rising Mass Incarceration In Pakistan
Dr. Reynaldo Ortiz-Minaya, a Fulbright Commission Specialist on Mass Incarceration and a Research Director with the Institute of History of the Republic of Cuba, seeking to conduct research ascertaining dynamics leading to rising levels of structural violence and mass incarceration in the world economy and South Asian region, recently met with individuals and organizations seeking to ameliorate such social phenomenon, including Team CTL, along with representatives from Peace and Justice Network (PJN), Kilam Law, Justice Project Pakistan (JPP) and the Chief Minister Punjab’s Special Monitoring Unit (SMU Law & Order Wing) at a roundtable consultation on mass incarceration in Pakistan, especially with regard to women and juveniles.
The attendees gave valuable insights on matters pertaining to prison sentences and juvenile justice and discussed the situation on ground regarding such issues. The prevailing laws, the treatment of juveniles and women in courts, in correctional facilities or prisons, as accused, as convicts and during other legal processes, and the need for structural reforms in these areas were also discussed. Women-centric reforms by the Punjab government were also highlighted and the guests were informed as to how such reforms, including the creation of a Women Protection Authority, would be helpful in decreasing violations against the rights of women and children.
