On 29 September 2015, a press conference for presentation of the National Strategy on development of the penitentiary system wаs organized at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Skopje, with participation of: H.E. Mr. Aivo Orav, Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr Adnan Jashari, Minister of Justice, and Mr Ivan Koedjikov, Head of Action against Crime Department, Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe.

The National Strategy for Development of the Penitentiary System was drafted by Council of Europe experts in close collaboration and partnership with the Directorate for Execution of the Sanctions. The main aim of the strategy is to provide for an efficient and professional approach in organisation and supervision of the work of the penitentiary institutions and establishment of a probation system in the country by ensuring legal and safe execution of sanctions, protection of the rights of persons deprived of liberty and full respect of their personality and dignity..,. With the implementation of the Strategy’s Action Plan for 2015-2019, the country is striving to provide for improved national penitentiary system operating in compliance with the international standards and best practices, ultimately contributing to the improvement of the overall security in the society.

The National Strategy on development of the penitentiary system was developed within the scope of the Joint Programme "Capacity Building of the Law Enforcement Agencies for Appropriate Treatment of Detained and Sentenced Persons”, funded by the EU and implemented by the Council of Europe.