Chinese Women’s Prisons: Areas for Improvement
At Dui Hua’s Women in Prison symposium, Renmin University of China Law School Professor Cheng Lei presented independent field research conducted in Chinese women’s prisons and detention centers. Painting a picture of basic quality of life issues, his team focused on physical health and hygiene, marriage and family rights, mental health, and dignity and privacy protection.
Bangkok Rules Gain Traction at Hong Kong’s Largest Women’s Prison
Dui Hua ended its Women in Prison symposium with a visit to Lo Wu Correctional Institution, Hong Kong’s largest women’s prison. Participants entered the medium-security wing to tour the canteen, workshops, cell blocks, mother and child units, and “psychological gymnasium.” Prior to the visit, Hong Kong Correctional Services undertook an internal review of the prison with an eye towards the Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules), a focus of the symposium.
Dui Hua recently received information on prisoners in Sichuan and Guangdong from reliable sources in local Chinese governments. In Sichuan, three individuals received sentence reductions, two were released, and two passed away in custody. In Guangdong, one person is awaiting approval for commutation of a life sentence. (Photo credit: lzsta.gov.cn)
A brief look at Dui Hua activities from November through February highlighting a visit to California’s largest women’s prison, outreach, and advocacy.