In collaboration with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), a 2-day informative workshop dedicated to strengthening institutional responses to the treatment of transgender persons deprived of liberty took place from 2-3 March 2026.

The workshop brought together directors of all prisons, as well as representatives of Kosovo Correctional Service, Prison Health Department, Kosovo Police, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Special Institute for Persons with Learning and Mental Disabilities in Shtime/Stimlje, National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), and civil society organisations.

Through practical examples and discussions participants enhanced their knowledge on the treatment of transgender persons deprived of liberty including on placement decisions, safeguards against ill-treatment, securing and protection of their rights, access to healthcare, dignity and proportionality, as well as the importance of individualised risk and needs assessments.

The workshop provided one of the first structured institutional discussions on the topic and helped clarify the standards and institutional responsibilities relevant to the treatment of transgender persons deprived of liberty in line with Council of Europe standards and enabled participating institutions to reflect on areas where clearer internal procedures and guidance may be required.

This workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional safeguards and ensure that the treatment of persons deprived of liberty is aligned with human rights standards.

The activity was organized under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”

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* All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United National Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.