Morocco’s prison training institute earns first ACA accreditation in Africa and Arab world

Morocco’s prison training institute earns first ACA accreditation in Africa and Arab world. (DGAPR)

Morocco’s National Institute for Staff Training, operated by the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), has received accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA), becoming the first institution of its kind in Africa and the Arab world to meet the organization’s international standards.

On 03/08/2026 at 16h30

The DGAPR announced that the accreditation certificate was presented to the delegation’s Secretary-General during the ACA International Conference held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from July 29 to August 2, 2026. The ceremony was attended by the institute’s director and several members of its staff.

During the forum, Moroccan officials also showcased the country’s experience in digitizing prison management and integrating modern technologies into correctional services.

According to the DGAPR, participants praised Morocco’s prison system for its level of development, compliance with international standards, commitment to good governance, respect for human rights, professional management, and operational efficiency.

Addressing ACA members and conference participants, the DGAPR Secretary-General described the accreditation as a source of pride for the institution and highlighted its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

He said the DGAPR intends to continue modernizing Morocco’s prison system and expand the accreditation process to correctional facilities themselves, in line with its mission of preparing inmates for reintegration while safeguarding public security. He also stressed that Morocco’s prison policy is based on improving detention conditions and preserving inmates’ dignity.

The DGAPR said the accreditation reflects its ongoing efforts to strengthen staff training, enhance institutional capacity, and position the National Institute for Staff Training as a regional and international hub for correctional education and South-South cooperation in line with international standards.

The delegation added that the recognition acknowledges the institute’s advanced training model for preparing prison personnel through modern methods of designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs.

According to the statement, the accreditation was made possible through the continued support of the INL and builds on a cooperation partnership between the two sides that has been in place since 2011 as part of the broader strategic relationship between Morocco and the United States.

The accreditation will also enable the institute to provide training and issue qualifications equivalent to those offered by accredited U.S. correctional training institutions, building on the regional training programs it has already delivered to delegations from Africa and the Middle East and North Africa.

By Le360 (with MAP)
On 03/08/2026 at 16h30