Addressing the impact and response to the COVID -19 pandemic in Latin American prisons

The aim of this chapter is to analyse a variety of policies implemented in these countries to tackle the pandemic effects in prisons. Although it has not been enough argued in recent literature, penitentiary systems are highly diverse and were also differently impacted by COVID -19 policies. In the first part, prison statistics will show prison populations and overcrowding variations during the COVID -19 years in Latin American countries. Through a review of literature and interviews with experts, the effects of COVID -19 pandemic and the responses implemented in the specific cases of countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina will also be analysed. The second part will provide a broad discussion of the lessons to be drawn from these critical years, in terms of common issues to be tackled and aspects to be highlighted for a more effective response to Latin American penitentiary systems challenges.