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REFORM Alliance and Costa Rica Lead International Coalition to Pass Groundbreaking UNHRC Resolution Impacting 11.5+ Million People in Global Justice Systems

REFORM Alliance, in partnership with Costa Rica and a coalition of 120 organizations from 49 countries, has successfully led the unanimous adoption of a groundbreaking UN Human Rights Council resolution. This global effort will ensure that the human rights of people reentering society after incarceration and those on supervision, like probation or parole, are upheld.

The resolution provides concrete steps for governments to create safer, more inclusive communities, focusing on reentry support, reducing stigma, and promoting economic inclusion. It highlights successful practices and kicks off a process to develop stronger global standards, rooted in human rights, that will help move than 11.5 million people currently incarcerated worldwide successfully reintegrate back into their communities.

Globally, millions of people leaving incarceration or under supervision face severe human rights challenges, being subject to stigma, exploitation, and violence and overcoming barriers to access employment, stable housing, and basic services. Without proper support, these individuals remain trapped in cycles of poverty, exclusion, and reoffending.

REFORM Alliance led the international NGO coalition, while Costa Rica worked with a core group of nations—The Gambia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, and Romania—to make this resolution a reality, aided by legal experts at Perseus Strategies.

It marks the first time the HRC has offered clear, human rights-based guidance on reentry and supervision. The resolution also took a people-centered approach by rejecting dehumanizing language like “criminal,” “offender,” “convict,” and “felon,” which reinforce stigma and make full participation in society more difficult. Instead, the resolution focuses on dignity and opportunity, transforming the way societies treat individuals returning from incarceration and on supervision.

This two-year diplomatic effort began with a Joint Statement from 74 countries during last year’s Human Rights Council session. The group then published a global study of effective practices earlier this year and then led negotiations toward the final unanimous adoption of this resolution today.

With guidance from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the next steps include crafting a comprehensive study with recommendations for countries worldwide to implement programs and policies that will support reentry and uphold human rights.

Kim Kardashian, Activist and Advocate: “Too often, people coming out of prison or on supervision are treated as outcasts–their potential overlooked and their humanity ignored. This resolution, sponsored by Costa Rica and a diverse group of countries around the world, is a powerful declaration that no one is disposable and every person deserves human rights and a second chance. I’m proud to support REFORM Alliance and the coalition of advocates as they lead this global effort to ensure governments worldwide enact real change that lifts up those working to rebuild their lives.”

Jessica Jackson, CEO of REFORM Alliance: “This historic resolution is a major victory for millions around the world who face impossible barriers to reentry after incarceration and on supervision. Governments must now take a human rights approach to supporting this population and do everything they can to help those who are turning their lives around become full productive members of society. REFORM has fought state by state, county by county, and at the federal level in the U.S. to close the critical gaps in supervision policies that leave too many people trapped. Now, we are expanding our efforts globally to ensure no one is left behind.”

Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández of Costa Rica: “The unanimous adoption of this resolution represents a recognition that the reintegration of those leaving incarceration and under non-custodial measures is not merely a policy issue, but a fundamental human rights issue. It is a reflection of our shared humanity and our global commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their past, is given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Costa Rica is proud to have led this effort alongside the Core Group, and in partnership with REFORM Alliance, to advance a global framework for more just and inclusive societies worldwide.”

Jared Genser, Managing Director of Perseus Strategies: “This resolution sets a global precedent by addressing the need for reintegration strategies that respect human dignity and uphold human rights and not merely focus on reducing recidivism. Through our coalition’s work, we’ve shown that comprehensive support systems and people-centered policies are the keys to breaking the cycles of poverty and exclusion that keep so many trapped in the criminal legal system. This historic resolution focuses the UN human rights system on both explaining to States their responsibilities and providing specific guidance about how to implement effective social reintegration programs in practice.”