On 30 September and 1 October 2026, Mexico City hosted two days of dialogue on the reorganization of the Italian penitentiary system. The first session was held with the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City (SSC), and the second with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), through its Decentralized Administrative Body for Prevention and Social Reintegration (PRS).
Entitled “The reorganization of the Italian penitentiary system: an Italy–Mexico dialogue”, the sessions brought together UNICRI experts and Mexican officials to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation in penitentiary management, security and social reintegration. Drawing on Italy’s experience, the discussions examined how institutional reform can help prison systems respond to complex challenges while safeguarding fundamental rights.
The SSC workshop on 30 September gathered representatives from the Office of the Secretary, the Undersecretariat for the Penitentiary System, the Undersecretariat for Police Intelligence and Investigation, and the General Coordination of the Strategic Tactical and Special Operations Unit. Participants included the Undersecretary for the Penitentiary System, Mr. Andrés Ponce Aceituno, the heads of the General Directorates for Penitentiary Security, Criminal and Penitentiary Intelligence, and Prison Labour, as well as the heads of penitentiary centres in Mexico City.
The following day, the session at PRS headquarters brought together senior officials, operational leaders and technical specialists in penitentiary management, security and intelligence.
Mr. Jacobo Olaf Rodríguez García, Head of Prevention and Social Reintegration, emphasized the value of international dialogue in strengthening Mexico’s penitentiary institutions. He explained that the aim of the consultation was to identify good practices and draw lessons from other countries’ experiences, rather than replicate their models. “A country’s security is also built within its prisons,” he stated, highlighting the strong connection between penitentiary institutions and wider public security.
Across the two days, UNICRI experts presented the evolution of Italy’s penitentiary system, exploring organizational structure and degree of centralization, institutional responsibilities, civilian leadership and the security functions performed by the penitentiary police. Discussions also covered non-custodial measures and approaches to juvenile and community justice.
Particular attention was given to the reforms introduced in response to terrorism and organized crime, including the development of specialized operational, intelligence and prison security structures. These exchanges provided an opportunity to reflect on how penitentiary institutions can address serious security threats while upholding human rights and the rule of law.
The initiative forms part of UNICRI’s Programme for Strengthening the Penitentiary System and Social Crime Prevention Policies in Mexico as a Model for Latin America, developed with the support of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Mexico and by Italian Ministry of Justice, and funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
Through technical dialogue and the exchange of practical experience, the programme supports Mexico’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, professionalize penitentiary management and promote safer, more effective prison systems grounded in respect for human rights.
