Prison Reforms Under Scrutiny: Calls for Health Policies and Support Systems
The recent tightening of penalties and conditions for parole or exit permissions has sparked significant debate. According to the association i.care, these measures “will strengthen pressure on prisons,” raising concerns about the broader implications for the penal system.
The organization has also criticized what it describes as “stigmatizing and attacks on the rights of people who do not have Belgian nationality.” It highlights the lack of attention given to the most vulnerable individuals in detention, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and humane policies.
One particularly contentious issue is the Arizona government’s approach to addressing drug use in prisons. i.care questions the effectiveness of removing drugs from correctional facilities, stating, “Prison has never been and will never be an answer to the medical and social problem that drug use can represent.” Instead, the association advocates for tailored support systems, arguing, “you have to adapt to the situation and the needs of each person, support them, prepare them for exit, and allow support by professionals trained in the question.”
i.care has called for the “implementation of a real health policy” in prisons, urging authorities to establish “a clear and binding calendar” to ensure accountability and progress.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Tightened Penalties | Increased pressure on prisons due to stricter parole and exit conditions. |
| Rights Concerns | Measures criticized as stigmatizing, particularly for non-Belgian nationals. |
| Drug Policy | Removal of drugs from prisons deemed ineffective; support systems recommended. |
| Health Policy | Call for a structured and binding health policy in prisons.|
the debate underscores the need for a balanced approach to prison reform, one that prioritizes rehabilitation and support over punitive measures. As i.care emphasizes, addressing the root causes of incarceration and providing adequate resources are essential steps toward a more just and effective penal system.
