Morocco’s National Institute for Staff Training, operating under the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), has been awarded accreditation by the American Correctional Association (ACA), becoming the first institution of its kind in Africa and the Arab world to achieve this internationally recognized distinction.
The accreditation certificate was presented during the ACA International Forum held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from July 29 to August 2, 2026. The Moroccan delegation was represented by the Secretary-General of the DGAPR, accompanied by the institute’s director and several senior officials.
During the forum, Morocco showcased its experience in modernizing prison administration through digital transformation and the integration of advanced technologies. Participants praised the Kingdom’s correctional system for its compliance with international standards, commitment to good governance, respect for human rights, professional management, and operational efficiency.
In his address, the Secretary-General of the DGAPR welcomed the accreditation as a significant achievement and highlighted the long-standing partnership between the institution and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
He reaffirmed the DGAPR’s commitment to further modernizing Morocco’s prison system and expanding the accreditation process to correctional facilities across the country. The initiative aims to strengthen inmate rehabilitation, enhance public safety, and promote a correctional model based on dignity, humane detention conditions, and effective reintegration.
The accreditation also reflects the DGAPR’s continued investment in human capital and institutional capacity building. Through modern training engineering, the National Institute for Staff Training has developed comprehensive programs focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of correctional training.
The institute is expected to strengthen its role as a regional and international hub for professional training and South-South cooperation, facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices with correctional administrations across Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region.
Supported by the INL since 2011, this successful accreditation is the result of a long-term partnership between Morocco and the United States. It will enable the institute to deliver internationally recognized training programs and issue certificates equivalent to those awarded by accredited correctional training institutions in the United States, further enhancing Morocco’s international standing in correctional education.
