Guidance document on the Bangkok Rules

This guidance document on implementing the United Nations Rules on the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, co-published with the Thailand Institute of Justice, is part of PRI’s Toolbox on the UN Bangkok Rules.  

It has been updated in 2021 to reflect new standards, particularly the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Revised European Prison Rules, as well as new practices around the world that seek to create more effective criminal justice systems that respect women’s rights. 

This Guidance Document on the Bangkok Rules can be used as a reference document and as a resource for use in reviewing legislation, developing gender-sensitive policies, and in training criminal justice actors and other relevant stakeholders around the world. 

It offers practical guidance to legislators, policymakers, prison authorities, probation services, social welfare and healthcare services in the community, non-governmental organisations and other relevant actors to help and encourage them to take the actions necessary to respond appropriately to the needs of women in contact with the law and to improve their social reintegration prospects. 

The chapters cover areas such as non-custodial measures for women in contact with the law, healthcare in prison, contact with the outside world, rehabilitation, as well as guidance regarding prison staff. 

To learn about promising practice examples from around the world regarding the implementation of the Bangkok Rules, click here.