International Centre for Prison Studies Talk

On 29th April, the British Embassy hosted a discussion with Rob Allen and James Haines from the International Centre for Prison Studies, based in Kings College London. Both Chevening alumni and human rights contacts from Embassies based in Mexico City were invited.

Rob and James had been in Mexico for over one week, hosting a number of training events on prison reform and human rights standards. They undertook two days of training with the Federal Ministry of Public Security and representatives from Mexican states. They also hosted training with the National Commission for Human Rights and the Mexico City and Mexico State Human Rights Commission. The project is part of a global FCO SPF programme (Strategic Programme Fund, the fund formerly known as GOF!). Mexico was chosen as a partner country because of its role as regional leader, its size and because it has much in common with other penitentiary systems in the region.

Rob and James gave a brief outline of the project and allowed time for questions from the floor. There was one question about privatising prisons, and another about the future of the project work. One Chevening alumni asked what was the most innovative strategy they had seen in Mexico and Rob told us about the presence of horses in one Mexican prison they had visited. This was not because the horses had done anything wrong, this was a modern "equine" therapy technique, allowing prisoners with mental conditions to look after horses and go horse riding during their recreation time. There was more discussion about the value of equine therapy over drinks afterwards!