to build bridges of understanding and respect between ethnic minority prisoners and corrections

The problem of minority prisoners has been high on agenda for several decades already . In this paper I will focus my attention on possible measures and remedies aimed at establishing bridges of understanding between minority prisoners and corrections . I have critically examined a significant number of authoritative sources regarding the issue and I 'm going to evaluate the problems that exist in current situation with minority representatives in prison and advocate for the necessary policy change

I shall note with regret that escalating tension between minority prisoners and the personnel is

jeopardizing the rehabilitation of the convicts . This problem is often but inadequately addressed by prison authorities . Let me bring some examples . In Pakistan , according to Shehar Bano Khan 's article entitled 'Ordeal ' of Minority Prisoners Christian prisoners suffered from the bitter ordeal of discrimination , and the ' prison authorities 'unbridled highhandedness and discriminatory behaviour ' has become a major personal safety concern ( HYPERLINK "http /www .dawn .com /2004 /08 /29 /nat16 .htm www .dawn .com /2004 /08 /29 /nat16 .htm

I want to start enlisting methods of building bridges of understanding between minority prisoners and corrections by quoting the message of the Scottish Prison Service

The Prison Service is absolutely committed to ensuring race equality and delivery of good race relations in all aspects of our work . We will ensure that race issues are addressed in all parts of our business - and promote race equality as a core standard and essential ingredient for running a successful prison (www .sps .gov .uk /home /reqs .pdf

All Party Parliamentary Group for Further Education and Lifelong Learning in the report on prison education came to the following conclusion

Black and ethnic minority prisoners may have different learning needs and some requirement for different sites and modes of learning . For example there is a need for more culturally sensitive programmes for such prisoners - prisoners whose first language is not English will need different learning programmes ( HYPERLINK "http /www .natfhe .org .uk /says /pubsfued .html http /www .natfhe .org .uk /says /pubsfued .html

This should be a very serious concern in the prisons worldwide this principle should be applied to any interaction between the staff and minority prisoners , let alone the educational process . The staff of the prison should always keep in mind that prisoners from different racial and ethnic background may require using different interaction models

All the minority prisoners must have access to quality interpretation services this is the first step to build the bridges of understanding in a literal sense . This may sound unrealistic for the moment but prison personnel should work towards the completion of this important goal .Keeping in mind , that minority prisoners may be vulnerable and sensitive about some issues , it would be of great use organizing a special training session for prison staff concerning cultural and religious practices of minority prisoners serving their sentence in a specific institution

The report entitled Implementing Race Equality in Prisons advices to ensure effective training incorporating race equality issues .is developed and...