Abstract

VASQUEZ ECHEVARRIA, Merli Sadith et al. HUMAN DIGNITY AND THE LEGAL CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH THE CRISIS OF PRISON OVERCROWDING. Aula Virtual [online]. 2024, vol.5, n.12, e377.  Epub Dec 27, 2024. ISSN 2665-0398.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14080211.

Latin American countries are currently facing challenges related to prison overcrowding, where one of the main issues is the living conditions experienced by inmates, as they are not provided with the minimum conditions to survive in these institutions, thus violating their fundamental right to Human Dignity. The main objective of this study is to analyze whether the crisis of prison overcrowding challenges the effective application of the principle of Human Dignity in the legal system. The methodology used was a structured review. The main findings indicate that prison overcrowding is a widespread problem, mainly caused by the excessive use of pretrial detention, which not only undermines the dignity of inmates but also hinders efforts for rehabilitation and social reintegration. In conclusion, there is a need for the countries in the region to adopt comprehensive measures to address the crisis of prison overcrowding, including reviewing incarceration policies, improving prison conditions, and strengthening rehabilitation and social reintegration programs.

Keywords : Prison overcrowding; human rights; preventive detention; prison reform.

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