What we do
| The International Penal and Penitentiary Foundation (IPPF) is an international organization based in Berne, Switzerland. Its roots go back The organization has a history spanning over 150 years, dating back to 1872 withto the establishment of the International Prison Commission (IPC) in 1872, which was assigned tasked to with collect collecting prison statistics and recommending reforms. The IPC, which organized several international congresses, became the International Penal and Penitentiary Commission (IPPC) in 1929. In 1951, after the dissolution of the IPPC dissolution, its functions were transferred to the United Nations, and the IPPF was created established as a Swiss law-governed foundation under Swiss law. |
IPPF’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028 describes our vision, mission and values as follows:
Vision
A safer and more just society through the development of penal and penitentiary standards, policies, and practices which are based on: evidence; respect for fundamental rights and fair procedures; effectiveness; equality and social inclusion.
Mission
To engage in the improvement of penal and penitentiary systems through research and debates, the dissemination of scholarship and expertise, and the facilitation of dialogue between scholars and practitioners.
Activities
The IPPF supports and publishes research papers and reports on the pressing issues in criminal justice and penal reform. The Foundation also holds events such as colloquium to enable experts from all around the world to exchange ideas and address critical topics such as prison conditions, re-offending and many other areas.
Colloquium
Strategic plan
In addition to bringing together members from around the world, the IPPF is a global network that collaborates with international organisations to advance research in crime prevention and the treatment of offenders.
Discover our roles and governance