The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, in cooperation with the Government of Guatemala and in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Justice, has launched the project “Strengthening Guatemala’s Penitentiary System to Prevent Organized Crime and Promote a Human Rights-Based Approach”, with the financial support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing effective, transparent, and rights-based criminal justice systems, placing rehabilitation and social reintegration at the centre of penitentiary policy, while ensuring due attention to security and crime prevention efforts
The project will support Guatemala in strengthening institutional capacities to address organized crime and corruption within the penitentiary system, while improving prison management and aligning practices with international standards, including the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules and the Tokyo Rules.
Through a comprehensive approach combining assessment, technical assistance, and capacity-building, the project will contribute to enhancing penitentiary governance, developing intelligence capabilities, promoting alternatives to imprisonment, and strengthening human resources. Particular attention will be given to the management of high-risk detainees, anti-corruption measures, and the prevention of criminal recruitment.
The initiative also highlights the value of international cooperation in addressing complex security and justice challenges. Italy’s experience in penitentiary management and the contribution of the Italian Ministry of Justice will provide key technical insights, supporting the development of effective and context-specific solutions.
In this context, the project is also expected to serve as a relevant reference for penitentiary reform efforts in Latin America, offering lessons learned and good practices that may inform policy development in comparable regional contexts.
UNICRI expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Italy, in particular the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for its continued support, as well as to the Government of Guatemala for its strong commitment to advancing penitentiary reform and strengthening the rule of law.
This joint effort reflects the shared vision of building safer, more just societies, where respect for human rights, security, and rehabilitation go hand in hand.
