New Model Prisons Somaliland and Puntland

In December 2008, two model prisons ― one in Hargeisa, Somaliland and one in Gardo, Puntland ― will begin their operations. The two buildings, which were built by UNDP with funds from the Department for International Development and the European Commission, are the result of an immense effort by UNDP and the Somaliland and Puntland authorities to create new prisons and train staff effectively. In December 2008, two model prisons ― one in Hargeisa, Somaliland and one in Gardo, Puntland ― will begin their operations. The two buildings, which were built by UNDP with funds from the Department for International Development and the European Commission, are the result of an immense effort by UNDP and the Somaliland and Puntland authorities to create new prisons and train staff effectively. UNDP places emphasis on improving the judicial, police and prison systems simultaneously. While working on rule of law in Somaliland and Puntland, UNDP has found that places of detention fall well below international standards and are a human rights concern for detainees and correctional staff alike. UNDP contracted two international prison consultants to support the design of a prison facility that not only meets basic human rights standards, but also puts into practice the latest thinking on prison infrastructure design. This will help ensure that the rehabilitation of the inmates is of the highest quality, preparing them for a return to normal life after their sentence is served.    The next step was to train prison staff and provide equipment and uniforms to enable the prison to function adequately. UNDP engaged the services of the Kenyan prison authorities to provide specialized training to the prison officers ― a number of whom are women ― on prison procedure and practices, human rights, minimum standard rules for the treatment of prisoners, interpersonal relationships, health management, and guidance and counselling. Once the prison is open, an international ‘in-house’ technical advisor/mentor will be working in the prison to ensure that the prison officers and commanders are putting into practice what they were taught.