I am writing this petition driven by my personal struggle. A dear loved one of mine is incarcerated in Hardeman County Correctional Facility in Whiteville, TN, USA, and his basic rights are not being respected. The prison administration is denying him access to essential personal information – such as the number of 'good days' he has earned – which directly affects his sentence. This practice is not only dehumanizing but also infringes upon basic prisoner rights. 

Our current criminal justice system, despite its punitive measures, is also designed to foster rehabilitation, yet this goal seems to be neglected. In Whiteville,( more specifically Hardeman County Correctional Facility) and across the country, prisoners are often treated with disregard, leaving them uninformed about their own progress during incarceration. These tactics are counterproductive to the rehabilitative efforts, and it is crucial that they are addressed.

Around 2.3 million people in the USA are in correctional facilities (Source: Prison Policy Initiative), each with their unique journey and progress. The lack of transparency about personal information, such as 'good days', inhibits their trajectory towards rehabilitation and can lead to feelings of disempowerment and hopelessness. It's past time this issue is addressed.

In addition, the treatment of prisoners, regarded by many as lacking humanity and respect, does not align with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the 'Nelson Mandela Rules'. These guidelines dictate that all prisoners should be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings.

We need to insist that the Department of Corrections uphold these guidelines. It's time to demand better treatment and greater transparency for the incarcerated population of Hardeman County Correctional Facility and beyond. Let us raise our voices in unison and call for this much-needed change. Please support us by signing this petition.