The meeting of the UN Expert Group, expected to end on Thursday, is the fourth session of the UN Expert Group established by the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) to revise the SMRs.

Since its establishment, the UN Expert Group has been negotiating change proposals using international best practices, various national legislations and international laws governing the incarceration of those in conflict with the law.

The Expert Group of officials from various countries of the world held its other meetings in Vienna, Austria, from 31 January to 2 February 2012; in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 11 to 13 December 2012 and in Vienna from 25 to 28 March 2014.

South Africa agreed to host the fourth meeting and over 41 countries will be represented at the Cape Town meeting this week.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-hosts-international-corrections-conference