Human Dignity

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the nations of the world agreed to establish the United Nations. One of the purposes for doing this was "... to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small...".

Christians assert that each human has intrinsic worth because they are made in the image and likeness of God. This dignity cannot be lost because of their status or even their conduct. Nevertheless, in all parts of the world PF national affiliates encounter injustice and abuses of fundamental rights. PF Affiliates, therefore, work to protect the dignity of men, women and children caught up in the justice systems of the world. They do this in three ways: 1) they urge their governments to do better, 2) they provide training to help them do that, and/or 3) they provide needed services to the prisoners themselves.

This section is divided into four parts. The first deals with the challenges confronting prisoners, governments and PF affiliates in the prisons. The second addresses three groups of vulnerable prisoners: those awaiting trial, children, and women. The third focuses on three important topics: access to justice, the death penalty and torture. The fourth provides information and links concerning effective management of prisons.