An exhibition to commemorate the Bangkok Rules' 15th anniversary
The Bangkok Rules, formally known as the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, were developed with the support of the Thai government and ratified by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. After 15 years, these rules have been implemented to protect the rights of women prisoners and offenders, significantly impacting the lives of women in corrections around the world, including pregnant women, women with children, and the elderly.
As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Bangkok Rules, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), an international advocate for these rules, organised an exhibition entitled "15 Years of the Bangkok Rules: Reimagining Success for Women" during the 34th session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna. This exhibition aims to highlight the experiences of women in corrections through impactful personal objects and stories. The event will take place at the Rotunda of the Vienna International Centre (VIC) in Vienna, Austria, from May 19 to May 23, 2025.
Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of TIJ delivered an opening speech for the exhibition, recalling the significance of Vienna and the CCPCJ as the spiritual birthplace of the Bangkok Rules, particularly given that over 15 years ago Thailand presented a similar exhibition at almost exactly the same location on the Kamlangjai Project that led to the development of the Bangkok Rules.
Dr. Kittipong further recalled that while there has been notable success in implementing the Bangkok Rules, persistent challenges remain that make it difficult to put the rules into practice. The key message of this exhibition, therefore, is that the next step for the international community in implementing the Rules involve working beyond corrections systems using a multi-stakeholder approach across sectors, particularly with the involvement of those with lived experience of incarceration, to live up to the promises made in the Bangkok Rules all those years ago.
On this occasion, H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Vienna. In her speech, Ambassador Pattarat congratulated TIJ on the hosting of this exhibit on the anniversary of the Bangkok Rules and its reflection of Thailand’s own longstanding and continuous commitment to these Rules, and demonstrated Thailand’s gratitude to the assistance and support of partner nations, particularly those of the Vienna-based Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules, of which Thailand is co-chair. Of particular note was the increased attention given to gender-sensitivity by the Group of Friends. The Ambassador concluded with reference to the resolution being proposed by Thailand commemorating this anniversary year and Thailand’s hopes for a consensus to be achieved on this proposal.
Co-host a side-event titled “Renewing our Promise: Strengthening Support for Women in Corrections”
In addition to this exhibition, TIJ and the Thai government, with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (ILANUD), Penal Reform International (PRI), and the Government of South Africa co-hosted a side-event titled “Renewing our Promise: Strengthening Support for Women in Corrections” to highlight the progress made in implementing the Bangkok Rules over the past 15 years, provide an overview of the multilateral effort by TIJ, UNODC, and strategic partners and present key guidance to further enhance gender-responsive criminal justice to implement the Bangkok Rules.
Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, as a panelist, shared that 15 years ago, Vienna was the venue where the Bangkok Rules were negotiated, making this an excellent opportunity to host this side event and emphasize the progress of the Bangkok Rules in the global context. The Bangkok Rules marked a shift away from punitive models toward strategies that focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as the first time gender sensitive needs were addressed directly in criminal justice.
He also stated that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain in addressing the rising number of incarcerated women, prison overcrowding, and emerging issues like health crises and aging prison populations. These problems reflect broader societal inequalities and require a coordinated, cross-sectoral response beyond the justice system. Strengthening partnerships with government agencies, civil society, and communities is essential, and initiatives like the Bangkok Rules Accelerator—supported by UNODC—play a vital role in promoting practical, collaborative solutions.
Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director Designate, Thailand Institute of Justice summed up the event: While many countries have made commendable progress in reforming their justice systems, meaningful and lasting change still requires collaboration across all sectors, particularly by incorporating perspectives from groups that have traditionally been excluded. Future policies and laws should be informed by the lived experiences of women who have interacted with the justice system. Additionally, addressing prison overcrowding—an ongoing global challenge—remains a key priority. The meeting highlighted the importance of promoting greater use of non-custodial measures where appropriate.
Claudia Baroni, Team Leader, Gender in Criminal Justice Team, UNODC, Douglas Durán Chavarría, Executive Director, United Nations Latin American Institute for Crime Prevention and the Treatment of Offenders (ILANUD), and Akosua Akuffo, Founder and CEO of Tithandizane Comfort Home, Zambia, also attend the side-event as panelists.
The exhibition titled "15 Years of the Bangkok Rules: Reimagining Success for Women” and the accompanying side event are part of the 34th Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). This year’s theme is “Addressing new, emerging, and evolving forms of crime, including crimes that affect the environment, smuggling of commercial goods, trafficking in cultural property, and other crimes targeting cultural property.” The event will take place from May 19 to May 23, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.
