Workshop Report Prison Decongestion and Reform of Criminal Justice Law – A Civil Society Perspective – A workshop hosted and organized by Misereor Dialogue and Partnership Services (DPS) Held at Vines Hotel, Durumi, FCT Abuja, Nigeria From 7th to 8 th of March 2018.

The workshop brought together 30 participants and resource personnel from Misereor partners and selected NGOs active in Criminal Justice Reforms.

The workshop identified openings for policy advocacy as a shift from existing charity to systemic policy reforms in the sector. Although partners (the church in particular) began with pure charity program such as provision of relief materials, however, the trend has now changed clearly towards policy advocacy. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJL) provides the enabling robust environment for intensive advocacy action. The reform is passed in some states, but not yet in others.

Considering the current situation, a preparatory committee consisting of four Misereor-partner organisations and NGOs, together with DPS has designed this workshop that gave space for reflection for partners’ current position and also provides a platform for the exchange of experiences to inspire possible ways forward.

The workshop made a three dimensional achievement for the participants: knowledge updating and awareness, exposure to new strategies and innovation and realistic synergy building.