The Council of Europe has an unique experience in promoting more humane and socially effective prisons. To this end a number of legal instruments have been adopted including the European Prison Rules and recommendations on education in prison, prison staff, health care in prison and prison overcrowding. These legal instruments have been brought together in one publication, the Compendium of conventions, recommendations and resolutions relating to penitentiary questions.

These instruments have been prepared by either the Council for Penological Cooperation, which is a standing advisory body to the European Committee on Crime Problems, or by ad hoc expert committees.

The Council of Europe also organises regular conferences of directors of prison administration. It publishes annual penal statistics on the prison population and community sanctions and measures (SPACE). (more)

 

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