Exhibition highlights inmate art during Gulf Inmates Week

MUSCAT: Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, opened an exhibition of products made by male and female inmates of the General Administration of Prisons, in the presence of Major General Khalifa bin Ali al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, as well as Royal Oman Police officers and representatives of concerned government agencies, at the Mall of Oman on Sunday. "This exhibition of products by male and female inmates of the General Administration of Prisons highlights the efforts of the General Administration of Prisons within the interest that the Royal Oman Police pays to rehabilitating and reforming inmates and helping them integrate into society," said Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi. The exhibition, which will continue until December 26, is being held on the occasion of the Unified Gulf Inmate Week 2024 under the slogan ‘Towards the Path of Reform’ and includes various works of inmates, such as handicraft products, paintings, handicrafts and silverware. A wide range of events aimed at communicating with prison inmates and involving them in building a better future for themselves and society are part of the Gulf Inmates Week. Members of all GCC countries commemorate the Inmates Day with the understanding that prisons are fundamentally reformatory institutions targeting the training and education of inmates to qualify them for a better life and improved living conditions. All inmates receive training in various subjects, including soft skills development, IT, and personality development, using English as the medium of instruction. They are awarded training certificates, enabling them to secure jobs in public and private establishments. The exhibition highlights the role of government agencies and civil society organisations in reforming and rehabilitating inmates and providing support and assistance to their families. The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth have joined hands to devise better rehabilitation opportunities for the inmates. Additionally, numerous awareness messages aim to promote a conscious culture, acceptance of released inmates, and their reintegration into society through aftercare programmes as part of the Week. The GCC Unified Inmates' Week also seeks to uphold the rights of inmates, highlight the efforts undertaken by the Penal and Correctional Institutions Department, and draw attention to this section of society. It aims to enhance community partnership, explore the latest developments and modern methods in dealing with inmates, provide care for their families, and support efforts to improve penal and correctional institutions, keeping pace with global advancements in this field.