Justice minister orders acceleration of remote visitation system for inmates

BAGHDAD — Justice Minister Khalid Shwani has directed officials to expedite the rollout of Iraq’s electronic remote visitation system, which enables inmates to communicate with their families through video calls. The move is intended to simplify visitation procedures and ease burdens on prisoners’ relatives, the ministry said Tuesday.

During a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters with administrative staff from the Iraqi Correctional Department, Shwani reviewed progress on security, health, and administrative programs, as well as inmate rehabilitation initiatives.

He emphasized “the need to accelerate implementation of the electronic remote visitation system between inmates and their families, as it represents an important step in simplifying procedures and reducing hardships for families,” according to a ministry statement. He also ordered preparations for all logistical and technical requirements to ensure the project’s success.

The ministry said it is prioritizing efforts to improve conditions inside correctional facilities through the use of technical solutions that enhance services and meet modern rehabilitation standards.

Shwani further instructed that “intensive specialized training courses be held for prison directors and their deputies, in cooperation with relevant authorities, in the fields of human rights, management, and security.” The training aims to “develop their skills and strengthen their ability to deal with inmates professionally and humanely,” the statement said.

In September, the Ministry of Justice opened Iraq’s largest complex of vocational rehabilitation workshops at Najaf Central Prison, part of an effort to support inmate reintegration and improve prison standards in line with international human rights practices.