Rehabilitation Centers in 10th of Ramadan: An Integrated Egyptian Model for Human Justice and Modern Rehabilitation
In a step that confirms a qualitative shift in the philosophy of punishment and rehabilitation in Egypt, the Ministry of Interior established the 10th of Ramadan Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center under Ministerial Decision No. 202 of 2023. It has become one of the prominent modern models in the field of human rights and integrated care for inmates. The center, which includes six sub-centers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), is located on the outskirts of Belbeis city in the Sharqia Governorate, just 60 kilometers from Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo.
Before entering the rehabilitation center, one is struck by the meticulous organization of the surrounding areas, starting with the spacious parking lot, followed by the heavily secured security battalion, and finally the exhibits of inmates’ products, which are sold to the public at symbolic prices, supporting the idea of integrating inmates economically into society.
The first thing a visitor encounters upon entry is the “Central Leadership” building, which manages all facilities using the latest digital technologies. Next is the resting area designed to welcome the families of inmates, followed by the large “Training and Celebration Hall,” which was built on a vast area and equipped with display screens, and finally the multi-purpose service area.
The rehabilitation center includes six internal buildings designated for men and women, containing modern wards equipped with comfortable beds and television screens, in addition to sports courts, rooms for drawing, music, and reading, as well as a nursery for the children of female inmates. The spiritual aspect has been given special attention, as the center contains a mosque with unique architecture for prayers and religious lessons, as well as a Christian chapel for conducting Coptic rituals, in clear confirmation of respect for religious diversity.
In a scene that reflects the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to the health of inmates, a fully equipped medical center has been established within the center, including operating rooms and clinics in all specialties to provide free care without the need to transfer patients externally. There has also been an expansion in the capacity of medical beds and an increase in the number of dialysis units, with special wards designated for inmates with disabilities.
The rehabilitation plan extends beyond safe accommodation to building a productive future for the inmates. Inside the center, there are industrial production areas for plastic products, expansive agricultural areas, livestock and poultry fattening farms, and water treatment and purification stations. These projects not only provide self-sufficiency but also open doors for vocational training and self-reliance for inmates. To ensure swift trials without the burden of travel and security concerns, a courthouse complex has been established within the center, guaranteeing disciplined justice and humane comfort for inmates, as part of the state’s strategy to integrate justice with efficiency.
Rehabilitation centers in various governorates are witnessing comprehensive development, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to implementing international human rights standards by providing healthy food, rehabilitating inmates through productive, educational, and medical programs, and offering psychological and social care.
In short, the 10th of Ramadan Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center is not merely a punitive institution; it is a civilizational model that reshapes the concept of prisons in Egypt, placing the inmate at the heart of the development equation as a citizen who deserves a second chance at life.
Sources:
Egyptian Front For Human Rights
Youm7
