Morocco’s Prison Chief calls for integrated policy on prisoner rehabilitation, reintegration of released ones

Prison Administration Delegate-General Mohamed Salah Tamek on Wednesday called for an integrated public policy to rehabilitate prisoners and reintegrate former inmates, urging its “clear” inclusion in the new government program.

Presenting the General Delegation’s 2027 budget proposal before the House of Representatives’ Justice, Legislation, Human Rights and Liberties Committee in Rabat, Tamek said the policy should clearly define stakeholders’ responsibilities, mobilize resources and partnerships, and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective cross-sectoral engagement.

The sector was entering a new phase in implementing legislative reforms concerning the organization and management of prison facilities and the enforcement of sentences, including the law on the organization and management of prison facilities, the law on alternative sentences, and the new provisions introduced by the law amending and supplementing the criminal law.

The new plan is designed to strengthen security and safety, promote reintegration, improve the effectiveness of sentence enforcement and monitor the implementation of alternative sentences, improve detention conditions and basic services, enhance healthcare, develop human resources, and strengthen governance and digital transformation.

Tamek said the 2027 Finance Bill allocates MAD 1.128 billion in operating funds to the DGAPR, which is close to the 2026 allocation, while investment budget appropriations remain unchanged at 200 million dirhams. Meanwhile, the number of newly created budgeted positions has fallen from 2,020 in 2026 to 1,500 in 2027.

Additionally, 5,910 prisoners benefited from literacy programs, and 562 participated in a newly launched post-literacy program across 11 prison facilities to further develop their skills and vocational competencies.

Vocational training also benefited 8,730 prisoners, representing a 5% increase and a participation rate of 96.47%, including 2,042 prisoners enrolled in programs implemented in partnership with ANAPEC and the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of Prisoners.