By Ibironke Ariyo
The Vincentian International Network for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation(VIN-JPIC) has stressed the need for collective action to address stigma, promote rehabilitation, and ensure successful reintegration of ex-offenders.
Jim Claffey, International Coordinator, VIN-JPIC, UN Desk NGO, New York, made the call at an international conference to commemorate Prisoners’ Justice Day on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference organized by VIN-JPIC in collaboration with Earthspring International was themed “Restorative Justice and Community Reintegration.”
Claffey said the conference focused on partnerships and the welfare of inmates, adding that comprehensive reforms were needed to address the inhumane conditions in correctional facilities.
He stressed the importance of justice in maintaining social dignity, adding that justice is an essential part of humanity and its absence would turn society into a jungle where the weak and voiceless would be oppressed.
He recounted the tragic death of Eddie Nalon in 1974 at the maximum security prison in Millhaven, Canada, which inspired the annual commemoration, adding that August 10 was his death anniversary.
He added that it was a tradition at VIN-JPIC to observe International Justice Day and raise awareness on prisoners’ rights during site visits.
This aimed to identify areas of partnership to reduce incidents of dehumanization of those who have spent time in prison and those who are struggling to find their place in a society they left long ago.
“Justice is inseparably inherent in man, without it society will not unite and human dignity and civility are reduced to a jungle of brute force and power where the weak and voiceless become pawns on the chessboard of the powerful.”
“As a result, victimization and oppression, corruption and impunity become inevitable in a Hobbesian state of nature.
“International Justice Day for Prisoners, August 10, marks the anniversary of the 1974 death of Eddie Nalon, an inmate who bled to death in a segregation unit at the Maximum Security Prison in Millhaven, Canada, when the emergency button on his cell phone went off. it didn’t work. .
“An investigation later found that the call button for that unit had been disabled by security officials. The following year, prisoners at Millhaven marked the anniversary of Eddie’s death by fasting and refusing to work.
“In May 1976, the call buttons had not yet been repaired. Bobby Landers was the next to die in one of these cells. With no way to call for help, all he could do was write a note describing the symptoms of a heart attack.
“What began as a one-time event behind the walls of Millhaven Prison has become an international day of solidarity with the silent and innocent people in our correctional facilities, some of whom are awaiting justice.”
“We also recognize the work and sacrifices of the officers and men who accompany them throughout the process of reform, rehabilitation and reintegration and eventual reconciliation with their Creator God,” he said.
Claffey urged the forum to draw attention to issues that do not affect those within the walls, but those who suffer stigma and exclusion from society outside the walls.
However, he envisioned policy initiatives that would drive meaningful reforms, promote inclusion, and support the successful reintegration of returning citizens into the community.
In his congratulatory message, Senator Shehu Sani commended the NCoS for its efforts in fulfilling its mandate despite the unique challenges facing the country.
Sani, who was represented by Mr. Daniel Amos, shared valuable lessons learned from his experiences as an ex-convict at the Kirikiri Correctional Center in Lagos.
He said these experiences helped shape his perspectives and encouraged everyone to learn from them.
“The NCoS is doing everything it can to fulfill its mandate.
“Their commitment to rehabilitation is evident in facilities such as the Kuje Detention Center, which offers postgraduate and doctoral courses, allowing inmates to pursue their educational goals.
“I congratulate the NCoS for their exceptional work. “Your commitment to improvement and rehabilitation is truly commendable,” he said.
Other stakeholders present at the event spoke about the nature of criminal justice and reparations and called on the Home Office to ensure the welfare of prisoners as much as possible.
They also advocated the death penalty for those who kill innocent souls and harvest organs, as they should be subjected to the same punishment as the victims.
Panel discussions on prison repairs and reform were held, awards were presented to deserving dignitaries, and group photos were taken.
NAN reports that according to World Prison Brief (WPB), NIGERIA is currently the 27th most imprisoned country in the world with 74,059 inmates.
The WPB is an institution that collects data on prisons around the world.
