There are questions over how many more damning reports are needed before our justice system undergoes radical change

Two reports published by the Chief Ombudsman into the treatment of prisoners at Christchurch Women's and Wellington's Arohata prisons have sparked dismay.

Organisations are calling for Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis to ensure our justice system is living up to human rights standards.

Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand campaigns director Lisa Woods says they've repeatedly heard reports of serious human rights issues in prisons.

But she says over and over they've seen how prisons are failing to treat the people in their care with dignity, and no action has been taken.