Posts by lewis
Why does racial disparity still persist in the prison system?
I believe that today’s problems come from yesterday’s lack of solutions. The latest published data shows that BAME prisoners are overrepresented in use-of-force incidents, are more likely to be placed in segregation, adjudications and put on the basic IEP level. While this data reflects many ongoing issues in prisons, it is hardly ever seen through…
Read MoreDiscrimination complaints: supporting humane and rehabilitative culture of prison system
When a state deprives a person of their liberty, it incurs a duty of care to ensure that the dignity of that person is respected. States must also ensure that prisons are safe and secure for detainees, staff, visitors and the outside community. These two obligations are not contradictory, but go hand in hand, as…
Read MoreTackling Discrimination in Prison: still not a fair response
In 2008 NOMS conducted a comprehensive review into race equality in prisons. Since then, sadly, little has improved in the way the prison service handles complaints of racism and discrimination. Constant priority shifts under different Justice Secretaries and the introduction of the Equality Act 2010 have seriously impacted how race equality is viewed and delivered…
Read MoreConference: ‘Assessing the Impact: the Zahid Mubarek Inquiry – Five Years On’
On 30th June 2011, a one-day Conference was organised by the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Law. Have there been significant reforms to the prison system to make it safer, more racially and religiously tolerant and humane? What are the next steps? The conference assessed the impact of the Zahid Mubarek Inquiry on the prison…
Read MoreUpdate from the Ministry of Justice / NOMS
June 2011 saw the first public update from the Ministry of Justice / NOMS which stated that 72 of the 88 recommendations had been implemented. Read NOMS response.
Read MoreLaunching Event: New Programme in Prisons
In February 2010, the Zahid Mubarek Trust hosted a launching event for its new programme in prisons reflecting the recommendations on race equality from the Keith report. This high-profile event was attended by representatives of charitable funders, the Ministry of Justice and NOMS. Actors from the original play, ‘Gladiator Games’, also performed for the audience.
Read More