The Chief Ombudsman is to investigate how well the Department of Corrections has responded to repeated calls to improve conditions for inmates.
The Ombudsman says in many areas he has not yet seen significant and sustained improvements to prisoners' welfare and rehabilitation.
Corrections confirmed it will no longer use handcuffs on women prisoners who are past 30 weeks pregnant, during labour, or while in hospital after birth on Monday.
Reporter Anan Zaki has more.
