The Council of Europe continues assisting its member states in responding to the emergency of COVID-19 crisis and to the need of providing support to inmates and prison staff.

On 25 June 2020, Council of Europe donated the necessary protective equipment to the Penitentiary Service and Main Medical Department of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan.

In total, 3000 single-use masks, 100 special clothing sets, 20 hand disinfectants and 15 remote thermometers were handed over while a second delivery of FFP2 respirators, protective glasses, nebulisers, surface disinfectants and gloves are expected in the coming weeks.

This activity was organized within the framework of the EU and Council of Europe Joint Project entitled “Support to the Penitentiary Reform in Azerbaijan” (JP SPERA 2), which is designed to promote effective prison management, health care in prisons and assist the reintegration of ex-offenders.