A two-day seminar held on 24-25 September in Iași, Romania focused on advancing human rights-based mental healthcare for individuals in closed institutions. The event brought together healthcare professionals from both penitentiary facilities and civilian hospitals across Romania to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and promote best practices aligned with European human rights standards and the Council of Europe’s principles.

The seminar aimed to inspire positive changes in institutional practices by emphasizing the rights of detainees. Participants explored the unique mental health needs of vulnerable groups, including individuals with learning disabilities, and discussed crucial topics such as the prohibition of ill-treatment, suicide and self-harm prevention, and other challenges commonly faced in closed institutions.

Through interactive sessions led by Council of Europe consultants, attendees addressed complex issues like consent and involuntary treatment, managing aggression, and the use of seclusion and restraints. These discussions not only highlighted the difficulties encountered in demanding prison and hospital environments but also encouraged collaborative problem-solving.

This seminar is expected to strengthen cooperation between penitentiary and civilian healthcare sectors, fostering more effective, humane, and respectful mental health treatment for those in need.

The event was organised within the framework of the project Further strengthening the provision of health care and mental health in prisons and other closed institutions in Romania (phase 2) financed by the Human Rights Trust Fund of the Council of Europe.