The Role of Education in the Rehabilitation of Prisoners: A Study on the Educational Situation in Prisons in the Kurdistan Region

Abstract

This study focuses on the relationship between education and the rehabilitation process with context of prisons. The rehabilitation process is a complex and comprehensive endeavor, in the modern world the role of prisons has evolved from punishment to rehabilitation and psychological, mental and social reconstruction of individuals. Consequently, the role of education in correctional institutions and prisons should be enhanced and prioritized. The question addressed is, whether education has played a role in rehabilitating prisoners in the Kurdistan Region (KR). It is evident that the KR has made efforts to ensure that inmates in correctional facilities have access to education, attend school, and are not isolated from educational opportunities. Therefore, basic and high schools are established within all correctional facilities. This study seeks to answer the aforementioned question through using a mixed method. The study aims to assess the educational reality within correctional institutions to determine if education has contributed to the reform and rehabilitation processes in the KR. Additionally; the paper aims to develop a comprehensive plan to increase the role of education in correctional institutions in the KR. This study concluded that there are deep problems in correctional schools, teachers have not received any courses on how to teach Adults and prisoners, in addition, the education programs are not specific to prisoners and do not take into account the criteria of the rehabilitation process, in general, the role of education It is weak in prisons and correctional institutions in the KR.