Mental Health, Trauma in Prisoners and Human Rights 

The available evidence highlights a profound and complex interconnection between these elements:

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: Prisoners have a significantly higher incidence of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, and addictions, compared to the general population. Many of these disorders are a direct consequence of or are exacerbated by traumatic experiences prior to incarceration and those that occur within prison.
• Trauma as a Central Factor: A considerable proportion of incarcerated people have experienced severe trauma prior to their detention (domestic violence, child abuse, armed conflict, etc.). The prison environment, in turn, can re-traumatize individuals or generate new traumas (intramural violence, isolation, lack of security, inhumane conditions), consolidating a harmful cycle.
• Human Rights Violations as a Catalyst: Systematic human rights violations, such as torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, excessive use of force, lack of access to mental health services, and prolonged detention in precarious conditions, act as powerful catalysts that deteriorate prisoners' mental health and exacerbate the effects of trauma. These violations not only constitute an affront to human dignity but also undermine any attempt at rehabilitation.

• Impact on Social Reintegration: Deteriorating mental health and unaddressed trauma have devastating consequences for prisoners' ability to successfully reintegrate into society. They hinder the acquisition of new skills, the maintenance of healthy relationships, and the adaptation to life outside prison, increasing the risk of reoffending.

To effectively address this issue and promote more humane and just prison environments, the following recommendations are proposed:

• Improve Access to Mental Health Services: Establish and guarantee universal access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based mental health services within prisons. This includes screening upon admission, regular assessments, individual and group therapy, appropriate medication, and trauma management programs.
• Training of Prison Staff: Implement mandatory and ongoing training programs for prison staff on mental health, trauma-informed management, and respect for human rights. This seeks to foster an environment of empathy and professionalism and reduce the use of coercive practices.
• Eliminate Practices Violating Human Rights: Immediately and effectively eradicate all forms of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Detention conditions must be ensured to comply with international human rights standards, including the provision of adequate food, sanitation, ventilation, and space.
• Reduce Overcrowding and Improve Conditions: Develop and implement policies to reduce prison overcrowding and substantially improve infrastructure, sanitation, and security conditions in detention centers, creating environments that promote dignity and well-being.
• Promote Alternatives to Incarceration: Actively explore and implement alternatives to imprisonment, especially for non-violent offenses and for people with severe mental disorders, encouraging deinstitutionalization and the use of community-based programs.
• Independent Monitoring and Transparency: Strengthen independent prison monitoring mechanisms by human rights organizations and civil society, ensuring transparency and accountability in prison management.

Addressing mental health, trauma, and human rights violations in prisoners is not only a moral and legal obligation, but a fundamental investment in the safety and well-being of all society.

In recent decades, the world has witnessed an unprecedented increase in incarceration rates. This phenomenon, known as mass incarceration, is not limited to a specific region but is a global trend with profound social, economic, and humanitarian implications. While deprivation of liberty seeks to ensure public safety and justice, the reality is that it often becomes a breeding ground for mental health problems, trauma, and human rights violations. Prisons, designed for confinement, are rarely equipped to address the complex psychological and social needs of their populations, who often already have histories of marginalization, violence, and abuse. This context of mass confinement exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, creating a harmful cycle that affects not only the individuals deprived of liberty, but also their families and society at large.

The central purpose of this report is to analyze in-depth the interconnection between mental health, trauma, and human rights violations within the prison context. We seek to shed light on how conditions of detention, experiences of violence, and lack of adequate care negatively impact the mental health of people deprived of their liberty, perpetuating cycles of suffering and hindering their reintegration.

The specific objectives of this report are:

• To identify the prevalence and nature of mental health disorders in prison populations, considering risk and predisposition factors.
• To examine the role of trauma (both pre-existing and prison-generated) in the deterioration of prisoners' mental health.
• To analyze how human rights violations (such as torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, and poor detention conditions) contribute to the exacerbation of mental health problems and trauma.
• To assess the current responses of prison systems regarding the mental health and human rights of prisoners.

Formulate concrete recommendations to improve detention conditions, ensure respect for human rights, and promote a comprehensive approach to mental health in prisons.

This report is based on a mixed-methods research methodology, combining diverse sources to offer a comprehensive and robust perspective:

• Comprehensive Literature Review: A systematic review of academic literature, reports from international organizations (UN, WHO, IACHR), research studies, journal articles, and relevant books on mental health in prisons, trauma in vulnerable populations, and human rights in prison settings was conducted.

• Analysis of Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Key international and regional human rights instruments (such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners – the Mandela Rules, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) and relevant national legislation were examined to identify standards and obligations regarding mental health and prison conditions.

• Case Study and Best Practice Analysis: Analysis of specific case studies and examples of best practices implemented in different jurisdictions to address mental health and human rights in prisons was included.

(Note: If the research included interviews or surveys, the following would be added): Expert and Stakeholder Interviews: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health professionals working in prisons, human rights advocates, former prisoners, and academics specializing in the field to gather qualitative perspectives and firsthand experiences.

The scope of this report is global, seeking to identify common trends and challenges at the intersection of mental health, trauma, and human rights in the prison context. While specific examples will be referenced, the objective is not an exhaustive analysis of each national prison system, but rather a general understanding of the issues and the formulation of applicable principles.

The limitations of this report include:

• Data Availability: Detailed information on mental health in prisons and human rights violations may be limited or unavailable across regions, especially in less transparent contexts.
• Complexity of the Issue: The multifactorial nature of mental health and trauma makes it challenging to attribute causes and effects exclusively. The report will focus on the most evident and evidence-based interconnections.

• Dynamic Nature: Prison policies and conditions are dynamic and can change rapidly, meaning the report presents a snapshot based on the information available at the time of its preparation.

Mental health in the penitentiary context refers to the state of psychological and emotional well-being of individuals who are deprived of their liberty. This includes not only the absence of mental illness but also the ability to cope with the unique stressors of incarceration, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute to their own rehabilitation. It encompasses a range of factors, such as access to mental healthcare services, psychological support, humane living conditions, and opportunities for social reintegration. Given the inherent challenges and potential for isolation, violence, and deprivation within correctional facilities, ensuring mental health in this setting is a significant human rights imperative.

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have significant and lasting negative effects on an individual's mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In the penitentiary context, individuals may have experienced trauma prior to incarceration (e.g., abuse, violence, poverty) or during their detention (e.g., violence, solitary confinement, lack of security).

Complex Trauma refers to the experience of multiple, chronic, and prolonged traumatic events, often interpersonal in nature and typically occurring in childhood or adolescence. These experiences frequently involve betrayal, neglect, and powerlessness, leading to pervasive and severe difficulties in emotional regulation, identity formation, relationships, and the ability to trust. For incarcerated individuals, a history of complex trauma can profoundly impact their behavior, mental health, and response to correctional environments.

Vicarious Trauma, also known as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, occurs when individuals are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, often in a professional capacity. In the penitentiary setting, this can affect correctional officers, mental health professionals, and other staff who regularly witness or hear about the suffering, violence, and distressing histories of incarcerated individuals. It can manifest in symptoms similar to direct trauma, including emotional numbness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and burnout.

The human rights of persons deprived of liberty are fundamental entitlements and protections guaranteed to all individuals, even when they are incarcerated. These rights are not forfeited upon detention but rather remain in effect, although some may be restricted by the legitimate needs of the penitentiary system (e.g., freedom of movement). Key principles include the right to humane treatment, dignity, non-discrimination, access to healthcare (including mental healthcare), protection from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and the right to due process. Upholding these rights is crucial for ensuring the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals and maintaining the legitimacy of the justice system.

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules), adopted in 2015, are the universally recognized benchmark for the management of prisons and the treatment of prisoners. They provide detailed guidance on various aspects of prison administration, including:

• Respect for inherent dignity: Prisoners shall be treated with respect for their inherent dignity and value as human beings.
• Medical and mental healthcare: Prisoners should have access to healthcare services, including mental health care, equivalent to those available in the community. This includes the provision of psychiatric treatment for mental illnesses.
• Protection from torture and ill-treatment: Prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
• Accommodation and hygiene: Standards for living conditions, including adequate space, ventilation, lighting, sanitation, and personal hygiene.
• Discipline and punishment: Clear rules and procedures for discipline, ensuring fairness and proportionality, and prohibiting certain forms of punishment.
• Contact with the outside world: Provisions for maintaining contact with family and the outside community.

• Rehabilitation and reintegration: Emphasis on preparing prisoners for reintegration into society.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. It commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including those deprived of liberty. Key provisions relevant to this context include:

• Article 7: Prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This article is fundamental to protecting the physical and mental integrity of prisoners.
• Article 9: Right to liberty and security of person. This includes the right not to be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, and the right to be informed of the reasons for arrest.
• Article 10: Humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. This article states that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person. It also specifically mentions that the penitentiary system shall comprise treatment of prisoners the essential aim of which shall be their reformation and social rehabilitation.

The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), adopted in 1984, is a core international human rights instrument that aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world. For persons in detention, this convention is critically important because it:

• Defines torture: Provides a comprehensive definition of torture, including acts that cause severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, intentionally inflicted for various purposes.
• Obligates states to prevent torture: Requires States Parties to take effective legislative, administrative, judicial, or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under their jurisdiction.
• Prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment: Extends protection beyond torture to include other forms of ill-treatment.
• Establishes mechanisms for investigation and prosecution: Requires states to investigate allegations of torture and prosecute those responsible.

The United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons Subjected to Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, adopted in 1988, provide a comprehensive set of principles to be applied universally to all persons deprived of their liberty. These principles reinforce and elaborate on existing human rights standards, emphasizing:

• Right to humane treatment and respect for dignity: All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated humanely and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
• Medical attention: Detained or imprisoned persons shall have the right to medical attention and treatment.
• Protection against torture and ill-treatment: Absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
• Access to legal counsel and family: Right to communicate with counsel and family members.
• Conditions of detention: Principles regarding conditions of detention, including adequate food, water, and medical care.

Beyond the global instruments, various regional and national legal frameworks further elaborate on and protect the rights of persons deprived of liberty, often reflecting specific regional contexts or national constitutional guarantees. These may include:

• Regional Human Rights Conventions: For example, the American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San José) in the Americas, or the European Convention on Human Rights in Europe, both of which have robust jurisprudence on conditions of detention and the rights of prisoners.
• National Constitutions and Laws: Many countries have constitutional provisions that enshrine the rights of detainees, as well as national laws and regulations governing the penitentiary system, ensuring humane treatment, access to healthcare, and due process. These instruments often provide more detailed guidelines and mechanisms for oversight and accountability within the national context.

Global and regional statistical data reveal an alarmingly high prevalence of mental disorders in the prison population, far exceeding the rates found in the general population. While figures vary by study and region, it is common to find that:

Between 30% and 50% of prisoners experience some type of diagnosable mental disorder, compared to approximately 15-20% in the general population.

Rates of depression and anxiety can be up to five times higher in prison settings.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is significantly more common, affecting a substantial percentage of inmates, particularly those with a history of violence or who have been victims of it in prison.

The prevalence of severe psychoses, such as schizophrenia, is notably higher than that of the outside population, often two to four times higher.

Substance abuse and drug use disorders are endemic, with rates reaching 60–80% of the incarcerated population.

These figures not only demonstrate a significant disparity in mental health but also underscore the urgent need for specialized interventions and robust support systems within correctional institutions.

The population that enters the penitentiary system is not a homogeneous group; On the contrary, it often drags a series of risk factors and vulnerabilities that make it particularly susceptible to mental health and trauma problems:

• History of violence, abuse and negligence: an overwhelming proportion of imprisoned people has experienced significant traumas in their lives, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse in childhood, domestic violence, and exposure to community violence. These early experiences can alter brain development and increase the predisposition to mental disorders, risk behaviors and difficulties in emotional regulation.

• Substance and addiction consumption: There is a strong correlation between the problematic consumption of substances and crime. Many people commit crimes under the influence of drugs or to hold an addiction. Addictions, in turn, are often a form of self -medication to handle emotional pain or unresolved trauma.

• Poverty, social exclusion and lack of access to education/health: people from disadvantaged socio -economic environments, with limited access to education, employment, stable housing and health services (including mental health), are overrepresented in prisons. Socio -economic deprivation generates chronic stress and deficiencies that directly impact psychological well -being.

Background of mental health problems: a significant percentage of prisoners has already been diagnosed with some mental disorder before its imprisonment, or has shown symptoms without receiving proper treatment. The lack of early medical and psychiatric attention in the community often culminates in the criminalization of behaviors associated with mental illness.

Beyond pre-existing vulnerabilities, the prison environment itself is a powerful catalyst for new trauma and an exacerbator of existing mental health conditions:

• Overcrowding and Unsanitary Conditions: Overcrowding in cells and a lack of basic hygiene create an environment of constant stress, lack of privacy, and an elevated risk of physical and mental illness. This reality is humiliating and degrades human dignity.

• Violence, Intimidation, and Aggression (between inmates and by staff): Constant exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological violence (whether from other inmates or prison staff) is a significant source of trauma and fear. The lack of security inherent in many prison systems generates a constant state of alert and post-traumatic stress.

• Prolonged Isolation and Solitary Confinement: Extreme social isolation, especially solitary confinement, is recognized as a form of psychological torture that can cause irreversible damage to mental health. It causes severe anxiety, depression, psychosis, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation, even in individuals with no psychiatric history.

• Lack of privacy and dignity: Constant surveillance, the absence of personal space, and the dehumanization inherent in many prison regimes erode the sense of privacy and dignity, contributing to feelings of hopelessness and depersonalization.

• Uncertainty, hopelessness, and loss of control: The lack of control over one's life, uncertainty about the future (length of sentence, possibility of parole), and the monotony of prison routine can lead to profound learned helplessness and an increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms.

• Forced separation from family and support networks: Isolation from loved ones and the disruption of social ties are significant stressors that contribute to loneliness, depression, and anxiety, also hindering future social reintegration.

• Lack of meaningful activities and stimulation: The absence of educational, employment, recreational, or therapeutic opportunities deprives prisoners of mental and emotional stimulation, which can lead to cognitive decline, apathy, and an increase in symptoms of mental disorders.

The cumulative impact of pre-existing vulnerabilities and the prison environment manifests in a wide range of disorders and symptoms:

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its complexities: PTSD is a prevalent condition characterized by intrusive flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of trauma-associated stimuli, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle reactions, and irritability. In prison, PTSD is often complex, resulting from multiple and prolonged traumas, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.

• Depression, anxiety, and suicidal risk: These are the most common disorders. Depression manifests with anhedonia (loss of interest), fatigue, insomnia/hypersomnia, and feelings of worthlessness. Anxiety presents as excessive worry, panic attacks, and tension. Suicide risk is significantly higher in prisons than in the general population, with suicide being one of the leading causes of death in prison.

• Psychotic disorders and their management: These include schizophrenia and other disorders that involve a disconnection from reality (delusions, hallucinations). Managing these disorders in prison is challenging due to the lack of specialized staff, the difficulty ensuring medication adherence, and stigmatization. Psychotic episodes can be precipitated or aggravated by the stress of confinement.

• Personality disorders and their challenges: Disorders such as borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder are common and present unique challenges for management in prison due to their characteristic impulsivity, emotional instability, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.

Impact on specific populations (women, children/adolescents, people with disabilities):

Women: They often have more complex histories of sexual and physical abuse and experience greater distress over separation from their children. They have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Children/Adolescents: Their developing brains are particularly vulnerable to the effects of trauma and isolation. Incarceration at this critical stage can have devastating and lasting consequences for their mental health and development.

People with Disabilities: Those with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities face additional barriers to accessing services, experience greater isolation, and are more susceptible to victimization, which severely impacts their mental health.

The right to health, guaranteed by international regulations and national constitutions, is often seriously compromised in prisons, especially with regard to mental health.

• Limited or no access to mental health services: People deprived of their liberty often lack access to basic mental health services, including assessments, therapies, and follow-up care. This is exacerbated in remote areas or in prisons with high overcrowding.

• Lack of qualified personnel and adequate resources: There is a constant shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, specialized nurses, and other mental health professionals. Furthermore, facilities often lack the necessary resources (medications, adequate therapy spaces, diagnostic equipment).

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: The lack of trained personnel and limited access to adequate assessments lead to incorrect diagnoses or significant delays in identifying mental disorders. This prevents inmates from receiving timely and appropriate treatment.

• Discontinuation of treatment upon admission or transfer: It is common for the psychiatric or psychological treatment an individual received before entering prison, or during a transfer between facilities, to be abruptly interrupted. This discontinuation can seriously destabilize the patient's mental condition.

• Inappropriate use of psychotropic medication: In many cases, psychotropic drugs are used excessively, as a tool for control or massive sedation, rather than as part of an individualized and supervised treatment plan. This can lead to overmedication, dependence, or serious side effects.

Conditions of detention and certain prison practices may constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and in some cases, torture, especially for people with mental health conditions.

• Prolonged isolation as a form of torture: Solitary confinement, especially if prolonged, has devastating effects on mental health and can amount to torture, particularly for people with preexisting conditions or psychological vulnerability.
• Excessive use of force and corporal punishment: The disproportionate use of physical force or corporal punishment by prison staff represents a direct violation of this right and can aggravate inmates' mental state.
• Denial of medical care as a form of ill-treatment: Intentionally withholding necessary medical care, including mental health care, can be a form of ill-treatment or torture, causing unnecessary physical and psychological suffering.

• Detention conditions that constitute inhumane treatment: Overcrowding, lack of hygiene, poor ventilation, limited natural light, lack of access to recreational or educational activities, and violence between inmates or by staff create an environment that can be considered inhumane and has a direct and negative impact on mental health.

People with mental health conditions within the prison system often face significant barriers to exercising their right to due process and fair trial guarantees.

• Arbitrary detentions and lack of evidence: People with mental health conditions may sometimes be detained without adequate evidence or for behaviors derived from their condition, which constitutes arbitrary detention.
• Limited access to lawyers and family members: Restrictions on communication with lawyers and family members prevent inmates with mental health conditions from receiving the legal and emotional support necessary for their defense and well-being.
• Mass hearings and lack of individualized case analysis: Holding mass hearings or failing to analyze each case individually prevents the specific circumstances of inmates with mental health conditions from being considered, which can lead to unfair decisions.

• Impact of mental health conditions on the capacity to defend themselves: Mental health conditions can affect an individual's ability to understand the charges against them, cooperate with their attorney, testify, or effectively participate in their own defense, directly violating their right to a fair trial.

Stigmatization and discrimination are significant barriers that prevent people with mental health conditions in prison from receiving dignified and equal treatment.

• Stigmatization and Dehumanization of Prisoners: Inmates, especially those with mental health conditions, are often subjected to stigmatization and dehumanization by prison staff and, at times, other inmates. This deprives them of their inherent dignity as human beings.

• Discrimination against People with Mental Health Conditions: People with mental health conditions may face discrimination in cell assignments, access to services, participation in programs, or even in the consideration of their cases for prison benefits.

• Lack of Accommodation for People with Special Needs: The prison system often lacks reasonable accommodations for people with psychosocial disabilities or special needs, preventing them from fully participating in prison life and accessing services on an equal basis.

One of the major deficiencies in the system is the absence or ineffectiveness of mechanisms that allow inmates to report violations of their rights and demand accountability. This includes:

• The lack of clear and accessible procedures for filing complaints.
• The fear of retaliation from staff or other inmates.
• The absence of independent and effective oversight bodies.

• The prevailing impunity in many cases of violations, which perpetuates the cycle of abuse.

Systemic change begins with the legal and political foundation that governs the criminal justice system.

• Harmonization with international human rights standards: It is crucial that national laws and policies fully align with international instruments such as the Mandela Rules, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention against Torture. This entails reviewing and updating legal frameworks to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of persons deprived of their liberty.

• Reducing incarceration and promoting alternatives to prison: Prioritizing the release of individuals for minor, non-violent offenses and implementing alternative sentencing programs, such as electronic monitoring, community service, or rehabilitation programs, should be prioritized, especially for those with mental health conditions who could benefit more from a therapeutic environment outside of prison.

• Legislation guaranteeing the right to mental health in prison: Specific laws are needed to ensure equitable access to quality mental health services for all prisoners, including the provision of specialized personnel, medications, and therapies, under the same standards as those in the community.

The availability and quality of mental health care within prisons must improve dramatically.

• Increasing investment and resources: Governments must allocate significant budgets for mental health in prisons, including adequate infrastructure, technology, equipment, and medical supplies.

• Recruiting and training specialized personnel: It is critical to increase the number of psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and social workers. In addition, all prison staff, including guards, must receive training in mental health, symptom identification, and humane crisis management.

• Implementing evidence-based screening, diagnosis, and treatment protocols: Standardized procedures must be established to assess inmates upon admission, diagnose mental disorders, and provide individualized treatment based on clinical best practices.

• Developing mental health prevention and promotion programs: This includes recreational, sports, educational, and employment-based activities that promote well-being, reduce stress, and provide a sense of purpose.

• Creating Therapeutic and Safe Environments: Prison living conditions must be improved to be less punitive and more conducive to recovery by reducing overcrowding, ensuring hygiene, natural light, and privacy.

Recognizing and mitigating trauma is critical to prisoners' well-being.

• Trauma-Informed Staff Training: All staff who interact with prisoners should be trained to understand the effects of trauma and how to respond in ways that prevent re-traumatization.

• Reducing the Use of Solitary Confinement and Other Harmful Practices: Prolonged solitary confinement should be abolished, and its use strictly restricted to exceptional cases and for very short periods, given its proven ability to cause or exacerbate mental harm. Humane alternatives should be sought for security and behavioral management.

• Promoting Recreational and Educational Activities: Providing opportunities for learning, creative expression, and social interaction can help prisoners cope with stress and trauma, fostering a sense of normalcy and hope.

Independent oversight is key to ensuring respect for human rights.

• Unrestricted access for human rights organizations to prisons: Organizations such as the Red Cross, Ombudsman's Offices, and specialized NGOs must have full access and freedom to monitor prison conditions and interview inmates confidentially.

• Establishment of effective grievance and redress mechanisms: Prisoners must have clear, safe, and confidential avenues to file complaints about human rights abuses or violations, and mechanisms must be in place to ensure investigation and redress of these complaints.

• Transparency and accountability: Data on mental health in prison, deaths in custody, and incidents of violence must be public. Officials responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable for their actions.

• Protection against retaliation for reporting: Strict measures must be implemented to protect prisoners and staff who report abuses or human rights violations from any form of retaliation.

Preparation for life after prison is crucial to prevent recidivism and promote a dignified life.

• Post-release psychosocial support programs: There must be continuity in mental health care upon release from prison, with follow-up programs and community support to aid adaptation and recovery.

• Facilitation of family and community ties: Maintaining and rebuilding relationships with family members and the community is vital. Regular visits, phone calls, and programs that involve families in the rehabilitation process should be promoted.

• Access to housing, employment, and education upon release from prison: Released individuals, especially those with mental health conditions, need support to access opportunities that allow them to rebuild their lives, such as job training programs, employment assistance, and access to decent housing.