Natural hazards and prisons Protecting human rights of people in prison in disaster prevention, response and recovery

This publication provides guidance for the management of disasters associated with natural hazards either within or in the proximity of a prison, which may affect the human rights, safety and well-being of people detained or working in the prison. It offers practical solutions on how prison management can improve their efforts in DRR. The suggested measures are management and operational processes which can be introduced by prison administrators within existing budgets or with little additional cost. While the guide recognises different country contexts, taking into account location-specific challenges, including financial and resource challenges and culture and traditions of the prison system, it aims to present recommendations that can be adopted and adapted to suit any jurisdiction. The guide also draws on disaster management models developed by multilateral institutions and adapts their recommendations to the prison context to ensure consistency of practice and approach. Good practices identified found during the research have been shared for the benefit of the user of this guide and the recommendations are intended to provide guidance for the development of new or improved DRR strategies

Introduction

Purpose of this guide

Definitions

Impact of disasters on people in prison

International frameworks and guidance relevant to disaster risk reduction in prisons

International human rights standards

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals

Index for risk management: INFORM 09 A guide to disaster risk reduction for prisons

Planning, prevention and mitigation

Planning

Risk assessment

Prevention and mitigation

Preparedness and response

Contingency planning

Early warning systems

Involving people in prison in disaster risk reduction

Funding and resources

Practical response

COVID-19 implications on DRR

Recovery

Recovery processes

Accountability processes

Post Disaster Needs Assessment

Conclusion 

Penal Reform International (PRI)

PRI (2021). Natural hazards and prisons: Protecting human rights of people in prison in disaster prevention, response and recovery. Penal Reform International.  PRI_Natural_hazards_and_prisons_WEB.pdf (penalreform.org)