China's top legislature has adopted a significant revision to the nation's Prison Law, guaranteeing better protection of prisoners' rights and more professional measures aimed at rehabilitation.

The revision to the law, comprising 121 articles across eight chapters, was adopted by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress in a session that concluded on Thursday. The updated law will take effect on Nov 1.

The NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission said the amended law places greater emphasis on safeguarding inmates' rights, noting that respect for and protection of human rights were introduced as a general principle in the first chapter.

The revised law emphasizes that inmates' personal dignity, life, health and physical safety must remain inviolable. It also clearly stipulates that their rights to defense and to receive legal assistance while serving sentences should be protected.

Prisons are allowed to reasonably schedule the frequency and duration of inmates' phone calls and family in-person visits, based on rehabilitation needs, security classifications and custody levels. Video calls can also be arranged if necessary.

The amended law focuses on enhancing the quality of inmate education and rehabilitation, requiring innovative measures to help them reintegrate into society.

The law encourages legal, education, psychology and social work professionals to support inmate rehabilitation, while prison management staff are urged to strengthen communication and collaboration with various sectors, including government agencies, social organizations, military authorities and enterprises, to create opportunities and provide support for former inmates returning to normal life.

While maintaining prison security as a fundamental priority, the revised law also mandates stronger oversight by procuratorial agencies over the execution of prison sentences. Specialized attention is also directed toward juvenile offenders, with mandates for tailored facilities and professional personnel to support their physical and mental health.

Justice Minister He Rong said the update — the first comprehensive revision since 1994 — is a necessary response to public demand for fairness, justice and security.

She added that improvements in law enforcement institutions and mechanisms have created new circumstances and higher demands placed on prison work. Therefore, it is necessary to revise the law to incorporate the experiences, practices and mechanisms developed over the past 30 years, ensuring that prison work progresses in an orderly manner under the rule of law.

Originally enacted in 1994, the current Prison Law underwent some updates in 2012. In 2023, a comprehensive revision to the law was added to the legislative agenda of the 14th NPC Standing Committee.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn