Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT: Prison privatisation has grown globally over the past four decades, caused by various reasons like overcrowding, fiscal constraints, and neoliberal policies. While advocates cite efficiency and innovation, critics raise concerns over transparency, accountability, and compliance with human rights standards such as the UDHR, Nelson Mandela Rules, ICCPR, etc. This study conducts a comparative analysis of models in the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and some African nations, examining operational performance, regulatory oversight, and rights implications. Drawing on qualitative policy review and secondary data, the research identifies both efficiencies and significant risks, particularly regarding contractual enforcement and human rights safeguards. Findings highlight that no single model is universally applicable; effectiveness depends on local political, legal, and social contexts. The study offers a framework that integrates policy evaluation with human rights assessment, guiding policymakers, especially in nations including India, that are considering privatising their penal institutions, and a basis for further cross-jurisdictional research.