HUMAN RIGHTS OF PRISONERS

Abstract

The prison system, by its very nature, imposes restrictions on freedom; however, it should not extinguish the basic rights of individuals, and must maintain human dignity and the fundamental rights guaranteed, as per the 1988 Federal Constitution. This research aims to evaluate and identify approaches that can value the dignity of the human person, both within and outside the prison environment, with the goal of discouraging crime and facilitating the reintegration of individuals who have chosen a new path to social norms and the job market, beyond the walls of the prison system. The reality of the Brazilian prison system exposes serious discrepancies between what is foreseen in legislation and what is experienced in prisons. The objective is for the State to ensure adequate conditions for serving sentences, guaranteeing rights such as access to health, physical and mental integrity, education, work, and family life, among others. The research adopted a bibliographic and documentary approach, beginning with a broad analysis of the concept of human rights, followed by a discussion of the prison system and culminating in the topic of human security. Treating someone with dignity means recognizing their humanity, regardless of race, sex, color, origin, belief, economic status, or any other circumstance. Human dignity must be preserved even in relation to people deprived of their liberty. However, it is evident that mere incarceration is not sufficient to promote justice, often resulting in degrading treatment, inhumane conditions, and repeated violations of rights. Those who defend the dignity of prisoners are often the target of criticism, being unfairly labeled as defenders of crime. It is essential that human dignity be ensured for all those whose freedom is restricted, whether due to a criminal conviction or pretrial detention.