EXAMINING THE NELSON MANDELA RULES IN BALUNGAO DISTRICT JAIL

This study explores the practices employed by jail personnel at Balungao District Jail in upholding the rights enshrined in the Mandela Rules, with a focus on managing inmates' dignity and fulfilling their basic needs. Prison overcrowding is one of the key contributing factors to poor prison conditions around the world. It is also arguably the biggest single problem facing prison systems and its consequences can at worst be life-threatening at best prevent prisons from fulfilling their proper function. The study utilized a qualitative descriptive method, conducting semi-structured interviews with Jail officers at Balungao District Jail. The findings highlight the jail’s commitment to humane treatment, evidenced by the absence of solitary confinement and physical torture, and the consistent provision of food, healthcare, and other essentials. The study underscores the importance of maintaining manageable inmate populations to ensure effective rehabilitation and adherence to international human rights standards. This research offers insights into best practices in correctional management, emphasizing the balance between security and humane treatment, which contributes to a more stable and rehabilitative environment for inmates. KEYWORDS: Mandela Rules, Correctional Management, Human Rights in Jails, Inmate Rehabilitation, Overcrowding in Prisons