United Nations: OHCHR report urges increased efforts to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls in criminal justice detention

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has published a report, presented during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, on the human rights situation of women and girls in criminal justice detention. The document highlights how the specific needs of detained women have been largely overlooked, with many facilities designed primarily for male detainees.

The report also emphasises the prevalence of gender-based violence in prisons, which is compounded by inadequate conditions, ineffective protection measures, and overcrowding. Detained women face various challenges, including insufficient access to healthcare, menstrual hygiene products, and rehabilitation programs. The report sheds light on the fact that women are frequently incarcerated for non-violent offenses, often linked to their financial situation or experience of violence, highlighting that poverty, discriminatory social norms, and gender stereotypes increase the likelihood of female detention.

The report suggests a series of recommendations to States, including: reforming laws that disproportionately criminalise women, developing national action plans on the treatment of women in the criminal justice system, making non-custodial measures available, ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare, and training judicial system personnel on women's human rights.

The High Commissioner's Office also urges the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms and effective, gender-sensitive rehabilitation programs. This document aims to develop an urgent appeal to the international community to address this human rights crisis in women's prisons.