Vatican City, Feb 28, 2005 / 22:00 pm
This morning, an international study seminar on the human rights of prisoners began at the Vatican.
The event is being organized by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, along with the International Commission of Catholic Prison Ministries (ICCPPC). An estimated 80 experts, scholars and chaplains from over 20 countries and five continents are reported to be in attendance.
Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council, gave the opening remarks of the meeting this morning. He was followed by a report from Ugo Vetere, director of the Treaty Affairs Division of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, on the theme "Respecting the Human Rights of Prisoners: A Global Challenge."
Today’s session closed with a round table discussion on the question "Are the Human Rights of Prisoners at Risk?"