IT
09.12.2024 – 10 December is celebrated worldwide as Human Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, approved in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly.
This solemn act was proclaimed by the United Nations to recognise the “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” and to commit Member States to uphold and observe these rights, an undertaking of particular significance when considering the situation of vulnerable individuals and groups. Among these are people in prison, whose condition has attracted the attention of various institutions in our Country as well. Notably, the issue is among the key topics addressed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between INAPP and CNEL last July.
Our Institute, which has recently analysed the state of Italian prisons, has decided to dedicate this year’s Human Rights Day to an in-depth exploration of the right to education for those deprived of their personal liberty (Article 26 of the Declaration). The Working Paper “Books Behind Bars” examines the domestic situation from this unique perspective, starting with an overview of educational provision and the educational levels of detainees. It includes the history of Prison University Centres and highlights examples of best practices from institutions hosting such centres. The aim is to emphasise the crucial role education plays, especially in a confined environment like prison.