UN General Assembly High-level debate ”A second chance: addressing the global prison challenge” to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules)
Statement delivered by Ms. Kristel Lõuk, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Estonia
New York, 13 June 2025
President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to add the following.
Since regaining our independence in 1991, we have transformed our criminal justice and prison systems from inherited punitive legacies into modern, rights-based institutions. Today, Estonia has one of the most consistent downward trends in prison population. This is a result of sustained reform, grounded in dignity, rehabilitation, and international human rights standards.
We first reformed sentencing policy to reduce the overuse of imprisonment and expanded non-custodial sanctions – electronic monitoring, probation, and community service. This supports our broader aim to promote rehabilitation over punishment.
Additionally, we rebuilt our prison infrastructure. All old Soviet-era prisons were closed and replaced with new, purpose-built facilities. Our prisons are designed not just to confine, but to rehabilitate, offering healthcare, education, vocational training, and family visits.
We also changed the culture by implementing an approach where staff–prisoner relationships are built on trust and respect. All officers are trained in human rights, trauma-informed care, and rehabilitation planning. As a major breakthrough, informal and toxic prison hierarchies have been eliminated. This was achieved through transparent procedures and equal rights protection for all prisoners. The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture has recognised this as best practice. We have also implemented gender-responsive programs for women, in line with the Bangkok Rules, focusing on parenting, mental health, and skills training.
Furthermore, we invested in digital tools. Technology helps prisoners maintain real-world connections, which is vital for reintegration. They can, for instance, attend court hearings remotely, have secure internet access to consult legal acts and rights-based websites, make video calls to family, and use e-shopping services to increase autonomy and reduce illicit trade. These tools promote dignity and responsibility, and help prisoners stay connected to the social environment they will return to.
President,
Estonia’s journey shows that real, systemic change is possible, even in modest settings, when policy is rooted in dignity, justice, and rehabilitation.
Thank you.