Global coalition supports resolution on the social reintegration of criminalised people at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council

REFORM Alliance, in collaboration with Costa Rica and a coalition of 120 organizations from 49 countries, successfully led the adoption of a groundbreaking UN Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution. The unanimous decision marks a historic step toward protecting the human rights of individuals reentering society after incarceration and those under supervision, such as probation or parole.

The resolution provides a framework for governments to create safer, more inclusive communities by offering reentry support, reducing stigma, and promoting economic inclusion. With over 11.5 million people incarcerated globally, this initiative aims to improve reentry processes and help individuals reintegrate successfully.

This landmark resolution is the first HRC initiative to focus on human rights-based guidance for reentry and supervision. It emphasizes dignity and rejects dehumanizing terms like “criminal” and “convict,” which reinforce stigma and hinder full societal participation.

Costa Rica worked with nations such as The Gambia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, and Romania to drive this resolution, with legal expertise from Perseus Strategies. The next steps involve creating a comprehensive study and global recommendations to ensure governments worldwide uphold human rights during the reentry process.