CONSENT

Due to the vulnerable nature of the research subjects, additional measures were taken to ensure full and informed verbal consent of the participants. It was thoroughly explained to each participant that their participation in the study would be strictly beneficial for academic purposes, informed of the objectives of the study, and the fact that their participation and will have no direct influence on their resources or opportunities in prison. The researchers made a conscious decision not to record any identifying information of the prisoners, in order to eliminate any negative implications of sharing sensitive information. The researchers utilized a translator for each interview conducted in prisons to ensure their full understanding of the study. Participants were asked twice for their consent; once at the beginning of each interview, and once at the end, in order to provide an opportunity for participants to withdraw their participation. In our interviews with NGO staff, government officials, police officers, guards, and civilians, the researchers gave an opportunity for information provided by participants to remain anonymous. At times, the researchers had to use their own judgement on the benefits and costs of revealing identifying information of some of the other stakeholders involved.