The Policy of Rehabilitation and Reform and Its Impact on Prisoners After Their Release from Prison A Field Study at the Erbil Grand Reform Institution

January 2026 , Pages 258-273

Authors

Asst.L.Sharmin Wali Ali Ali 1

1 Department of Sociology – College of Arts – Salahaddin University, Department of Social Work – College of Arts – Salahaddin University

DOI logo 10.17656/jzsb.12056

Keywords

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine the reality of prisoners’ rehabilitation within the reform process, to determine the extent of its impact on prisoners after their release, and to highlight the mechanisms for managing the rehabilitation process and its role in reducing recidivism. The research population consists of the Erbil Grand Reform Institution, while the study sample includes specialists and social researchers in Erbil, numbering (8) individuals. The interview was used as the primary data collection tool. The study reached several findings, most notably that a rehabilitation system has existed within reform institutions in the Kurdistan Region since 2008 in accordance with the law. The Kurdistan Region’s reform system partially aligns with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. However, there is a shortage of adequate facilities for prisoners within the Erbil Grand Reform Institution. In addition, prisoners sentenced to death or life imprisonment are housed in the institution, although the rehabilitation process does not include them. The study also found that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government plays a secondary role in monitoring and providing the needs of the reform institution. Social researchers face significant pressure due to the large number of prisoners. Moreover, drug users are present in the reform institution, despite not being legally classified as criminals. Based on these findings, several proposals and recommendations were presented to improve the rehabilitation process.

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  • First online31 January 2026
  • Published at31 January 2026

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