Windhoek, 4 March 2025 – UNICRI, with the support of the Government of Japan and in collaboration with the Namibian Correctional Service, organised a two-day training workshop on digital rehabilitation, focusing on the integration of technology into rehabilitation programmes. The workshop brought together correctional staff, policymakers, and experts to explore best practices for using digital tools in a responsible and human rights-compliant manner.

The training is part of the Digital Rehabilitation Project, led by UNICRI in partnership with the Government of Japan, an initiative exploring how innovative  technologies can enhance rehabilitation programmes within correctional facilities. The project supports Member States in developing responsible, human rights-compliant strategies for integrating technology into prison rehabilitation activities.

The first phase of the project resulted in a comprehensive report titled Digital Rehabilitation in Prison, published in 2024, which assessed the opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations of introducing new technologies in prisons. The second phase is now focused on supporting the Namibian Correctional Service in developing a digital rehabilitation strategy.

The workshop featured a series of interactive sessions, blending theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. Key topics included:
•    Overview of digital rehabilitation and its potential applications;
•    Ethical and digital rights principles, ensuring technology use aligns with human rights standards;
•    Prison staff training and attitudes towards digital solutions;
•    Case studies on digital rehabilitation technologies, including virtual reality applications;
•    The role of digital tools in prison management, addressing security, equality, and reintegration challenges;
•    Developing a national digital rehabilitation strategy, with facilitated workshops on policy development and implementation.

Speaking at the opening, the Ambassador of Japan to Namibia, H.E. Asazuma Shinichi, highlighted the importance of balancing digital innovation with in-person engagement to ensure effective rehabilitation outcomes. "Technology offers promising solutions to enhance rehabilitation in correctional settings, but its success depends on maintaining a balance between digital innovation and in-person engagement, always with respect for human rights," the Ambassador stated.

Looking Ahead
As part of the initiative’s third phase, set to launch in April 2025, select Namibian prisons will pilot technology-based rehabilitation solutions. The insights gained will inform broader regional and global discussions on digital rehabilitation, contributing to more effective, humane, and inclusive correctional systems worldwide.
This collaboration between UNICRI, Japan, and Namibia underscores a shared commitment to exploring innovative approaches to rehabilitation, with the goal of fostering safer communities and successful reintegration pathways for offenders.

More information about the Project Digital Rehabilitation Project: Harnessing Technology for Effective Prisoner Rehabilitation