Education in prison: digitalisation or marginalisation?
Education in prison increases the post-detention employment rates and reduces the likelihood of recidivism. Despite the deprivation of liberty, the right to education in prison remains crucial. However, digital technology has been integrated in the Belgian education system at a quick pace. This digitalisation forms a significant threat to the accessibility of education in prison as the lack of access to internet in Belgian prisons does not allow prisoners to fully participate in external education programs. This conflicts with (inter)national legal principles and ECHR jurisprudence. Digital deprivation and the limited access to education in prison also significantly impede the re-integration of prisoners into society. This article provides an analysis of the Belgian situation regarding the digital access to education, its consequences, (inter)national legal principles and jurisprudence in favour of digitalisation for educational purposes, and how international initiatives can inspire future Belgian policy towards digital education in prison.