Evidence, practice and global lessons from UNICRI’s Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons project

Digital technologies are increasingly influencing the future of correctional systems worldwide. When applied responsibly, they can support rehabilitation, promote social reintegration and help prison administrations respond to evolving technological and societal realities.

The report “Shaping the Future of Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons: Evidence, Practice and Global Lessons from UNICRI’s Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons Project” presents the outcomes and lessons learned from a series of evidence-informed workshops implemented by UNICRI in 2025 to explore how digital tools can support rehabilitative approaches in prison settings. The initiative brought together policymakers, correctional leaders and practitioners to examine practical pathways for integrating digital technologies into rehabilitation programmes. Workshops were delivered in collaboration with international experts and in partnership with the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) and the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), building on UNICRI’s research framework on digital rehabilitation in prisons. 

Through participatory and practice-oriented sessions, the workshops explored key issues including digital inclusion, ethical governance of technology in correctional environments, staff engagement and the alignment of digital innovation with rehabilitative objectives. Evidence collected through surveys, group exercises and expert discussions indicates growing institutional readiness to explore digital rehabilitation pathways in different correctional contexts. 

Key Findings and Future Pathways

The report highlights how evidence-based capacity-building can support prison systems in navigating digital transformation while safeguarding human rights and strengthening reintegration outcomes. It also outlines potential next steps, including the development of pilot initiatives to test emerging digital rehabilitation approaches. 

Key highlights

• Presents lessons learned from UNICRI’s Digital Rehabilitation workshops conducted in Thailand and Namibia
• Explores how digital technologies can support rehabilitation and reintegration in prison settings
• Identifies policy and operational considerations for responsible digital transformation in correctional systems
• Outlines pathways for future pilot initiatives and continued evidence generation

This work was made possible through the financial support and strategic partnership of the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and the Ministry of Justice of Japan. 

Download the report: Shaping the Future of Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons