Assahafa.com
Morocco’s General Delegation for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation (DGAPR) has published its yearly activity report for 2024, in which it underlines the efforts spent during this year to face the numerous challenges, implement its strategic guidelines, the measures undertaken to improve the current situation and the ensuing achievements, as well as the prospects aiming to consolidate the gains and meet legislative developments.
At the onset of the report, the delegation highlighted the deep commitment of HM King Mohammed VI to issues related to prison affairs and rehabilitation as well as His dedication to implementing an enlightened Royal policy aimed at strengthening the foundations of justice, promoting human rights values, and achieving integrated and inclusive development for the benefit of all segments of Moroccan society.
Among the expressions of this high concern is the Sovereign’s unwavering support for the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Prisoners, which aims to implement integration projects in complementarity with the DGAPR in the field of inmates’ rehabilitation, the report underscored, adding that HM the King also provides support to all initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening social integration opportunities for inmates after their release, such as the “University in Prisons” program, organized under His High Patronage, and the “Moussalaha” program.
The latter is now carried out under the supervision of the “Moussalaha Center,” created under Royal Instructions to support national efforts to combat violent extremism and promote the rehabilitation and integration of individuals convicted in terrorism-related cases, the document said.
In the report’s preface, Delegate General for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation, Mohamed Salah Tamek, emphasized that 2024 was a year of many positive developments, despite the challenges that the DGAPR and all its components faced with boldness, commitment and dedication.
He added that it is undeniable that the success in achieving the set objectives results from integrated collective work, that constantly pushes it to progress in improving and developing the penitentiary system and ensuring that the path it follows strengthens the principles of humanity, justice, and rehabilitation, while contributing to building an exemplary regional model in penitentiary management and rehabilitation, fully aligned with the wise Royal Directives and in service of Morocco’s interests.
Regarding the improvement of living conditions in prisons, he said that the DGAPR has continued its efforts to develop and modernize penitentiary infrastructure, which has been reflected in the opening of a new penitentiary institution, the completion of expansion, rehabilitation, and reform projects in several institutions, as well as the enhancement of equipment and the significant progress made in areas such as nutrition, hygiene, healthcare, and medical services.
These initiatives are also part of an approach aimed at promoting respect for human rights while ensuring transparency and accountability in all actions by staff members in these institutions, Tamek pointed out.
He added that efforts have also been made to enhance security and discipline within penitentiary institutions by implementing preventive security measures to protect them from internal and external risks. These measures include improving electronic surveillance systems, intensifying inspections, and refining crisis and conflict management methods. These initiatives complement the efforts in rehabilitation and reintegration by expanding access to rehabilitation and reform programs for more inmates and providing an environment conducive to their implementation, in order to foster their positive and productive social reintegration, the Delegate General said.
In the same vein, the DGAPR has also continued its efforts to strengthen the workforce of its civil servants, enhance their skills and set up appropriate training programs, with the aim of guaranteeing a high level of efficiency in the face of current challenges, he said, adding that this has been achieved in parallel with the integration of modern technological methods in the management of prison affairs, the simplification and standardization of procedures, the opening up of the administration, the strengthening of communication and interaction with the outside environment.
The report also delves into the highlights of 2024, such as the Meeting of the Executive Committee of the African Correctional Services Association, organized by the Delegation in Rabat and attended by eleven African countries, as part of the preparations for the Association’s seventh conference, held in Morocco in 2022.
It also highlights other types of events and celebrations, including the National Day of the Inmate, the celebration of the 16th Anniversary of the DGAPR, the 13th edition of the “University in Prisons” program – Spring 2024 edition, the 5th Edition of the Cultural Festival for African Inmates, the 7th Edition of the Summer Meeting for Juvenile Inmates and the 6th Edition of the National Meeting for Female Inmates Program.
In addition, it recalls the programs and partnerships signed, such as the launch of a training program for prison psychologists, the signing of a partnership agreement with the Dominican Republic, the annual meeting of prison directors, the adoption of Law 10.23 on the organization and management of prisons and Law 43.22 on alternative sentencing, and the inauguration of a hemodialysis unit at the local Bouizakarne prison.
The report includes other focuses relating to the efforts undertaken by the DGAPR, namely “Prison Population in Figures,” “A Constant Response to the Challenges of Improving Detention Conditions,” “An Integrated strategy for inclusive health services,” “Individualization of Rehabilitation Programs: a means of reinforcing reintegration,” “Secure Prisons for a Safe Society,” “Enhancing Human Capital for More Effective Prisons,” “An ongoing membership to National Governance and Modernization Policies,” and “Strategic Partnerships Serving the Development of the Prison System.”
Source: map
