As we mark the 15th anniversary of the Bangkok Rules, we recognize both the progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring gender-responsive justice for women in prison.
The pathways that lead women to incarceration are distinct from those of men, often shaped by economic hardship, lack of legal aid, and histories of abuse. Despite growing awareness of these factors, the global female prison population continues to rise, fueled by punitive policies and limited non-custodial alternatives.
To reflect on these issues, the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) convened a breakfast meeting during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) on March 19th, 2025. Bringing together diplomats, policymakers, and experts from over 9 countries/organizations, this discussion highlighted:
- Global trends in female imprisonment
- Background and progress in implementing the Bangkok Rules
- The need for international collaboration and support in advancing gender-responsive prison reform
