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Prisoners with mental health conditions face significant challenges and injustices within the criminal justice system. Our mission is to advocate for their rights and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.
People with mental illness are among the most vulnerable group of individuals in society. Their vulnerability is, unfortunately, seldom afforded the appropriate level of protection in the criminal justice system. At JPP, we believe that mental illness should never be a barrier to justice. Our work focuses on addressing the systemic issues that affect individuals with mental health conditions within the criminal justice system. We strive to uphold protections stipulated in the international and domestic law for individuals with mental illness, including the right to regular assessment, treatment, and exemption from the death penalty.
Our approach is rooted in advocacy and education, aiming to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by those with mental illnesses in the justice system. We collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure that policies reflect the needs of vulnerable populations, and we work tirelessly to promote reforms that prioritize mental health care and support.
Through our research and publications, we highlight the urgent need for reform and provide insights into effective strategies for change. Our reports delve into the intersection of mental health and justice, offering data-driven analysis and case studies that illuminate the experiences of affected individuals. We aim to inform and inspire action, fostering a community of advocates who are committed to creating a more just system.
Our findings underscore the importance of training law enforcement and judicial personnel on mental health issues, as well as the need for accessible mental health services within correctional facilities. By addressing these gaps, we can help prevent unnecessary incarceration and promote rehabilitation over punishment.
Our Mental Health Awareness Toolkit equips lawyers and legal professionals with essential resources to better understand and represent clients with mental health issues. It includes legal guidelines, case studies, and practical strategies to ensure that individuals with mental health conditions receive fair treatment and appropriate care within the justice system.
A comprehensive toolkit on mental health awareness equips lawyers with the knowledge to identify signs of mental illness and ensure clients receive fair treatment and competent representation in line with domestic and international legal standards.
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A comprehensive toolkit on mental health and the judicial system helps key stakeholders understand and respond appropriately to the mental health needs of offenders, improving outcomes for both individuals and the justice system
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A comprehensive toolkit for prison staff provides guidance on recognizing and responding to the mental health needs of prisoners, ensuring they are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
Read more >At Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of prisoners who struggle with mental health issues. Our work focuses on legal interventions and systemic reforms to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive humane treatment and access to necessary care within the criminal justice system. Beyond legal advocacy, we actively engage with key stakeholders to create long-term, sustainable change. We conduct specialized workshops and training sessions for judges, prison authorities, and legal professionals to enhance understanding of mental health issues within the justice system. Additionally, we develop comprehensive toolkits for lawyers, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively represent clients with mental health concerns.
Our legal campaigns and public awareness efforts focus on challenging the mistreatment of prisoners with mental health issues and driving systemic reforms. We engage with policymakers, the judiciary, and prison authorities to advocate for legal protections and improved mental health care in detention facilities. Through strategic litigation, media outreach, and public education, we work to shift perceptions, influence policy, and ensure that prisoners with mental health conditions are treated with dignity and fairness under the law.
At Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), we recognize that facts and figures alone aren’t enough to drive meaningful change. That’s why we turned to storytelling through film to shed light on the intersection of mental health and the justice system.
Ghulam Abbas’s case—a man sentenced to death who died in the custody of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health—exposed deep failures in how vulnerable individuals are treated within the system. We knew that a report wouldn’t fully capture the complexity and humanity of his story. A documentary, however, allowed us to explore these gaps through a more intimate and emotional lens.
The process involved months of research and investigation across Punjab. We spoke to his family, legal representatives, and those who encountered him throughout his life. What emerged was a story of systemic neglect—missing records, conflicting accounts, and unanswered questions. Rather than smoothing over these gaps, we leaned into them, letting the ambiguity reflect the larger failures of the justice system.
This documentary became more than a campaign tool—it humanized the struggle of prisoners with mental health issues and created space for empathy alongside legal advocacy. Through arts and advocacy, we were able to tell a story that both informs and moves people to action.
Our publications on mental health serve as critical tools in advocating for justice reform. They provide insights and evidence that highlight the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness in the justice system and promote fair and humane treatment.
Learn MoreJoin us in advocating for mental health awareness and support for those affected by injustice.
