This executive summary includes extracts from the full report published in English. This year marks the eleventh edition of Global Prison Trends, Penal Reform International's flagship publication, published in partnership with the Thailand Institute of Justice. This year's edition has also received financial support from the Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (ILANUD). The report provides insights and analysis on recent developments and challenges in criminal justice, prison policy and practice.
This seventh issue focuses on the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration, adopted at the 14th United Nations Crime Congress in 2021. As the international community prepares for the forthcoming Crime Congress and declaration in Abu Dhabi in 2026, this issue oers a timely opportunity to reflect on progress made under the Kyoto Declaration. Featured sections include highlights from regional preparatory meetings, an in-depth interview with UNAFEI Director Yamauchi Yoshimitsu, and a spotlight on the 15th anniversary of the Bangkok Rules. Additionally, this issue introduces a new “Knowledge Sharing” section designed to guide readers toward further learning resources and insights on key topics in crime prevention and criminal justice.
The Global Prison Trends 2025 report, co-published by Penal Reform International (PRI) and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), provides a comprehensive analysis of global prison systems and criminal justice trends. It highlights critical issues such as overcrowding, rising prison populations, health challenges, and the disproportionate impact of punitive policies on marginalized groups.
Spotlight of this issue are women's health in prison, suicide in prisons, and the importance of involving individuals with lived experience in prison reform, promoting environmental sustainability in prisons, and addressing challenges in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
We hope that this report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates, urging evidence-based approaches to prioritize human rights and justice system reforms.
This white paper presents insights and a proposed approach towards catalysing an innovation ecosystem for people-centred justice in Southeast Asia. It highlights four issues relevant to this topic, namely, (1) the central concept of people-centred justice itself, (2) what the elements and functionalities of, and challenges and opportunities for, an innovation ecosystem for people-centred justice in Southeast Asia are, (3) how a regional innovation ecosystem can be developed for people-centred justice, and (4) how justice innovation actors can be mobilised in taking collective responsibility to catalyse the innovation ecosystem collaboratively.