Issue 7 | December 2021
Dear Members,

The former ombudsman for federal prisons in Canada, Howard Sapers, once said "the treatment of prisoners represents a litmus test of any society’s commitment to human rights and legality." The composition of today's prison populations in countries where colonial powers have historically benefitted from racist policies and programs, are a testament to this truth.

Despite significant declines over the past decade, Black and Latinx individuals still account for 56% of U.S. state and federal prisoners despite representing roughly 32% of the general population. In Canada, Indigenous peoples make up more than 30% of federal and provincial prisoners, yet account for only 4.5% of the Canadian population. Australia's incarceration of Aboriginal people mirrors Canada: 29% of prison population, yet only 3% of total population.

If the litmus test is accurate, then these and other similar jurisdictions are failing in their commitments to human rights; specifically, the fair treatment of racialized minorities. Far too often, ethnic and cultural minorities around the world are not benefiting from equal access to the rights and privileges that all should enjoy.

The overrepresentation of racialized minorities has a direct impact on the work of prison oversight and monitoring. From the review of policy and practice to the intake of complaints, prison ombudsman offices and external oversight bodies need to ensure that their services are responsive to the needs and realities of the individuals they serve. We must also remember that if we are to criticize correctional authorities for shortcomings in this area, then we must show leadership to remain credible. This newsletter will explore these themes in greater depth by looking at the experiences of Australia and Canada.

I would like to thank the following authors for their excellent contributions to this issue:

  • Simon Rolston, Vancouver, Canada.
  • Nora Demnati, Montreal, Canada.
  • Andreea Lachsz, Victoria, Australia.
  • Fiona Rafter, Karen Breeze, Brooke Dinning, & Emily Guterres, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Stacie Ogg and Leticia Gutierrez, Ottawa, Canada.

Finally, I would like to especially thank Hazel Miron, Senior Investigator, who shared her personal story and the journey she took before accepting a position with my office. Hazel makes a very compelling case for why external prison oversight agencies should reflect the diversity of the people they ultimately serve.

I hope you find this issue of the newsletter helpful in informing your ongoing efforts to promote the human rights of prisoners.

With Gratitude,
Ivan Zinger (J.D., Ph.D.), Correctional Investigator of Canada.
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