The objective of this brief is to bring attention to the
ongoing crisis posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in
prison settings around the world, while prompting
public authorities to provide adequate care for, and to
reduce the numbers of, people in prison, with specific
attention to those incarcerated for minor or non-violent drug offences. The research for this brief has been
guided by examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in three specific areas:
• Policies and procedures in place before a person is
incarcerated, e.g. alternatives to incarceration and
diversion programmes to prevent incarceration.
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prison conditions, including provision of harm reduction and
treatment services.
• Post-release care and community integration
programmes available to formerly incarcerated individuals, with a focus on people imprisoned for
drug offences.
As such, the briefing paper seeks to shed light on the
experiences of people involved with the criminal justice system prior to, during and after incarceration,
with a focus on four case study countries: Colombia,
Ireland, Indonesia and Kenya.
Introduction
Methodology
The impact
of COVID-19 on people in prisons
Case Study 1: Colombia
Case Study 2: Ireland
Case Study 3: Kenya
Case Study 4: Indonesia
Conclusions and Recommendations
Acknowledgements
Penal Reform International (PRI)
Söderholm, A. (2021). Prisons and COVID-19:
Lessons from an ongoing crisis. Briefing Paper. International Drug Policy Consortium. Prisons-and-COVID19-Lessons-from-an-ongoing-crisis-FINAL.pdf (penalreform.org)
