Uruya Krisanachinda Miyazawa

Programme Officer

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Bangkok, Thailand

Young Leaders Program ('16)

Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

After graduating with a degree in Political Science, majoring in sociology and anthropology from Chulalongkorn University, I developed a strong interest in social sciences through my research and interviews with people from diverse backgrounds in Thai society. This early experience sparked a passion for understanding social dynamics and the lives of people, particularly those who are often overlooked or marginalized. I remembered some of my early research of the adaptation strategies of a remote fisherman village facing rising fuel costs and the resilience of a Muslim community navigating cultural integration in a predominantly Buddhist Bangkok. This interest naturally guided me toward the fields of criminal justice later.

I began my career as a junior penologist at the Bureau of Prison Research and Development in the Department of Corrections in Thailand, where I dedicated myself to researching and standardizing prisoner treatment across the national prison system. During my time there, I had the opportunity to contribute academic papers and articles to Corrections in Thailand, the country's only journal dedicated to this field. Through this work, I developed specialization in prison development, focusing on improving conditions and shaping policies to fair and humane treatment for prisoners.

With over a decade of work at the Department of Corrections, I was asked to join the Director General's office, where I became part of a team that engaged at the executive policy level, contributing to the development of national prison policies. In this role, I helped oversee the implementation of research-driven programmes across 143 correctional facilities, allowing me to further specialize in prison reform and policy development. This position enabled me to work towards ensuring that practices within the correctional system were both effective and humane.

My expertise and passion for prison reform led me to represent Thailand at international forums, such as the 26th and 27th sessions of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, Austria. I also served as a keynote moderator at the side event of the 13th UN Crime Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Doha, Qatar. These experiences broadened my perspective on global standards in criminal justice and reinforced my commitment to improving prison systems.

I then chose to broaden my expertise by relocating to the International Affairs Division of the Ministry of Justice. In this role, I focused on international relations and contributed to drafting significant agreements, including memoranda of intent between Thailand's Ministry of Justice and UNODC, as well as memoranda of cooperation with Japan's Ministry of Justice. This position provided me with the opportunity to engage in international collaboration and policy development, organize conferences on various aspects of justice, and facilitate knowledge exchange between countries.

Later, as Project Manager at the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), Ministry of Justice, I led the United Nations' Bangkok Rules Model Prison Project. This initiative was a significant milestone in my career, as it gave me hands-on experience in improving conditions for female prisoners in Thailand and expanding these efforts to our neighbour, Cambodia. I also helped organizing training sessions on the Bangkok Rules for Southeast Asian and African countries, addressing challenges, sharing best practices, and promoting gender-sensitive approaches in prison management.

Throughout my career, my area of specialization has been prison reform, with a focus on improving prisoner treatment and developing policies that reflect both national and international standards. I came to work in this area because of my passion for social justice and my belief in the power of research and policy to drive meaningful change. I am currently the National Programme Officer specializing in prison reform support in Thailand, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, where I continue to work towards more humane and effective prison and criminal justice systems.

You are currently serving as Programme Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Please tell us about your main roles and responsibilities.

As a National Programme Officer at the UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific for the past three years, I have been part of a team that develops and implements prison reform strategies in Thailand and neighboring countries. My role involves aligning our technical assistance with the objectives of our donors and focusing on enhancing prison management, including facility improvements, system development, staff capacity building, and the design of effective rehabilitation and reintegration programmes that address the unique needs of prisoners and ex-prisoners. Additionally, I advocate for policy changes with policy-level executives at the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections.

A significant aspect of my work is raising public awareness about the importance of giving released prisoners a second chance. Over the past two years, we have collaborated with provincial governors, the Ministry of Justice, and civil society to encourage community support for former prisoners in securing employment and reintegrating into society. While it can be challenging for some to forgive those with criminal records, many individuals who have participated in rehabilitation programmes show a genuine desire to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families. Society plays a crucial role in providing them with this opportunity.

One initiative that I'm particularly proud of is the concert series we organized for prisoners to perform for the public. This event had a significant positive impact on Thai society, demonstrating the power of forgiveness and second chances. In 2022, we encouraged prisoners to use their free time creatively by forming bands and playing music they were passionate about. In 2023, we invited hundreds of prisoners to perform at Benchakitti park located in Bangkok, and in 2024, we held a similar event on the Chalathat beach in Songkhla province. Both concerts were incredibly successful, helping to foster hope and belief in the possibility of rehabilitation and reintegration. For more information, you can read about the concert here:

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2024/August/concert-on-the-beach_-prisoners-become-performers-in-thailand.html

Also, I work to support the capacity of prison officers through improving training facilities and arranging high demand training and workshops. This work allows me to promote the Mandela Rules, which set essential standards for prisoner treatment, and the Bangkok Rules, which specifically address the needs of female prisoners. I also emphasize the importance of good healthcare practices and sanitation management, especially in overcrowded prisons. By promoting these standards and practices, prison facilities and the overall environment for prisoners across Southeast Asia and the Pacific were significantly improved.

What are some of the main opportunities and challenges you face in your work? And what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

My main opportunity in working for the UN is the unique vantage point it offers me to observe and work with countries across our region that, despite facing similar social issues, experience them in different forms and degrees. This role allows me to work on challenges that no single country can solve alone, giving me the privilege of seeing regional trends and understanding the bigger picture of what is happening. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, I observed that people were struggling to survive, and prisons were severely overcrowded, leading to widespread contamination in some facilities. It became extremely difficult for the system to manage these issues on its own. We not only lost lives, but it also became clear that in some societies, economic stress and job loss led to a rise in drug-related crimes, as individuals sought quick and easy ways to make ends meet.

Moreover, criminals today are highly organized, internationally connected, and operate at a speed that demands we stay ahead in our efforts to prevent crime and protect citizens, particularly from issues like online gambling, scams, and human trafficking.

One of the challenges in working with some countries in the region is the political instability and frequent changes in leadership, which can disrupt the continuity of policy development. Too often, when a new leader comes into power, they discard the progress made by their predecessor, opting instead for their own ideas, regardless of the effectiveness of existing practices. This can halt positive developments and make it difficult to build on past successes.

The most rewarding part of my career is the direct impact we have on the lives of prisoners. It's deeply gratifying when they express their appreciation for the support we provide, whether it's through something as simple as enjoying the books we've donated or the relief they feel from having new toilet facilities that improve their daily lives. One of my fondest memories is from a concert we organized where a prisoner, who had just finished playing the guitar, was about to return to prison. As he boarded the bus, his son and wife waved goodbye, and he called out to his son, reminding him to be a good boy and not to forget his homework. That moment, seeing the connection between a father and his family despite the circumstances, was heartwarming and rewarding.

What are your professional goals for the next five to ten years?

In the next 5-10 years, I see myself working to foster trust and build concrete, sustainable collaboration among various sectors to truly support the reintegration of rehabilitated individuals. Although some efforts are already in motion, they are still in the early stages, and the level of creativity and engagement from outside sectors remains insufficient. To make a lasting impact, we need wholehearted and committed synergy between the community, private and public sectors, working together to match the needs of trained prisoners with the demands of the broader labour market, ensuring their effective reintegration.

When working with prisoners, I recognize that they are not alone--many have family members who depend on them, a reality we see clearly on visitation days. If these individuals aren't welcomed back into society and given the chance to work and contribute, then justice only partially serves societal security; it doesn't fully heal the wounds caused by crime or help individuals reach their full potential. I truly believe that being employed is a fundamental value, providing individuals with self-confidence and opportunities for personal growth. Achieving this collaboration requires the involvement of neutral and politically independent organizations to facilitate the necessary connections.

In the broader criminal justice system, prison is often seen as the final step, but in an ideal world, it should also be a starting point--a place where individuals are prepared to return to law-abiding communities and contribute to the socio-economic fabric of society.

What led you to GRIPS? What is the most important thing you got out of your studies, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavors?

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I first heard about GRIPS from alumni who worked at the prison infirmary. Intrigued, I began exploring their programmes, and the Young Leaders Program (YLP) caught my attention, prompting me to apply. What I gained from my studies there far exceeded my expectations. When I received the scholarship, I told my colleagues I would immerse myself in studies like a dedicated scholar and return with a degree. However, reality took a different turn when I became Head of Cultural Affairs at the International Student Council. Throughout the year, I took on numerous responsibilities, organizing diverse cultural events for Japanese and international friends. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and I not only made many good friends but also met my husband. GRIPS not only provided me with an educational opportunity to enhance my knowledge of policy but also introduced me to my current family.

Have you had any involvement, professional or otherwise, with Japan since your graduation?

After returning from my studies, I had the privilege of working closely with Japan's Ministry of Justice (MOJJ) and the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) in the field of crime prevention and offender treatment. My collaboration with UNAFEI was particularly significant, as it is part of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network of Institutes (PNI). Through this partnership, we conducted several training sessions and provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste and other Southeast Asian countries annually.

How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life? And what is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

I'm really thankful to my husband, who understands me so deeply that he chose to move to Bangkok to be with me, even though it meant leaving behind his life and connections. His sacrifice means the world to me and allows me to pour my heart into my work with the UN. After a long day, I find comfort in coming home and cooking dinner, experimenting with Japanese dishes that remind him of home. I mix in healthy ingredients like vegetables and tofu, hoping each meal brings him a little closer to the place he left behind. Cooking has become my creative outlet, a way to show my love and care, and it's something I've grown to truly enjoy. On weekends, we cherish our time together by going fishing, kiting, biking, or simply relaxing with a picnic in the park. These moments make our new life in Bangkok feel even more special.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS? And what do you miss about Japan?

It's hard to choose just one best memory because every day at GRIPS added something special to my life. But some of my fondest moments are from the summer festival we organized. We wore yukata, enjoyed ice cream, and listened to the cicadas singing in the background--it was simple but so beautiful.

What I miss most about Japan, though, is the time before my husband and I were married. We were in a long-distance relationship for about three years; he was in Tokyo, and I was back in Bangkok. I visited him and he visited me every three months, and those trips meant everything to me. I miss the excitement of traveling alone to see him, exploring Japan together, and making memories in those precious weeks.

Now, whenever I have a meeting in Tokyo, I always make sure to stop by Roppongi to visit GRIPS. It brings back all those feelings and reminds me of how far we've come.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

I can simply say that my year of study at GRIPS stands out as one of the best years of my life. It gave me the incredible opportunity to study abroad after many years of working with the government. When you stay in the same place for a long time, you eventually need a fresh start to broaden your horizons, meet people from different countries, and bring back new ideas.

I also had the chance to work voluntarily with the student council, which was a wonderful way to connect with other students outside of class. For me, the Young Leaders Program (YLP) was a comprehensive course designed to help young leaders explore a wide range of academic topics and engage in discussions with scholars from various sectors. It really broadened knowledge in a well-rounded and thorough way.

How would you like to maintain involved with the School? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus and do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?

I'm always happy to welcome professors and GRIPS staff when they visit Thailand, and it's become a tradition to gather with alumni over dinner each year. I truly believe that GRIPS alumni have the potential to make a real impact on the world. We could launch a campaign within the alumni group, where each of us explores issues in our own countries and shares our experiences. This would help strengthen our community.

For example, we could organize online brown bag lunches where we share and discuss various topics, such as ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home, how to have a waste-free lunch, or how to support ex-prisoners in finding jobs, etc.

These regular interactions would create a warm, close-knit community, and over time, our alumni network would grow stronger.

This, in turn, would empower us to contribute even more effectively to society, which is something I deeply believe in.