A new joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, entitled “Strengthening the Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards”, was officially launched on 31 March 2026 at the Ulucanlar Museum in Ankara.

The event brought together high-level national and international stakeholders, including the Deputy Minister of Justice, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs, the Director General of DGPDH, the Head of Department for the Deprivation of Liberty of the Council of Europe and Executive Secretary of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), senior officials from the Council of Europe and the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, as well as international experts.

Opening speeches highlighted the shared commitment of the Council of Europe, the European Union and Türkiye to strengthening the protection of the human rights of women deprived of liberty and promoting gender-sensitive approaches in prison and probation systems.

The conference featured a keynote address on safeguarding women’s rights in places of detention, highlighting the importance of international standards, monitoring mechanisms and co-operation. Participants discussed the current situation of women prisoners and probationers in Türkiye and identified key areas where further support is needed. Building on these discussions two thematic panels provided an opportunity to exchange national and international good practices. The Director General of the Irish Prison Service and the Penitentiary Inspector at General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions of Spain shared the best practices on treatment of women offenders in Ireland and Spain. Discussions focused on gender-sensitive prison management, including needs-based assessments and tailored rehabilitation programmes, as well as on strengthening pathways to reintegration through economic and social support mechanisms.

The programme will be implemented over a period of 45 months and aims to contribute to a more rights-based and gender-sensitive penitentiary and probation system in Türkiye, in line with the Council of Europe and European Union standards.

The Joint Programme on “Strengthening Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards” is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe. Directorate General of Prisons and Detention Houses is the main beneficiary of the Project.