Enhancing the Disciplinary and Reward Procedures for Prisoners in Türkiye

The Project on Enhancing the Disciplinary and Reward Procedures for Prisoners in Türkiye aimed to contribute to a safer society that provides full protection of the rights and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty. The main beneficiary was the Directorate General for Prisons and Detention Houses of the Ministry of Justice.

As such, the Project was expected to develop and ensure unified application of a standardised and efficient discipline and reward system that contributes to prisoners’ rehabilitation through numerous activities implemented under the following three components:

revising and strengthening the legislative framework governing the discipline and reward procedures for prisoners,
producing advanced tools to facilitate the unified application of discipline and rewards system in the country and,
enhancing the capacities of prison directors and staff, as well as other stakeholders involved in the execution of criminal sanctions, on the application of discipline and reward procedures.

The key standards in support to the actions undertaken with this Project were set in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) and its case law, European Prison Rules as well as the standards and recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

The project started on 01 November 2022 and ended on 31 October 2025, with an overall budget of 1.500.000 €. It was funded by the Council of Europe Human Rights Trust Fund, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Project documentation

Useful information

PROJECT NEWS

Back Drafting amendments to the legislative framework on disciplinary sanctions and reward procedures for prisoners in Türkiye

Marina ACHA

Modified 2 Years ago.

@ Council of Europe

A significant step towards revision of the legislative framework on disciplinary and reward procedures for prisoners in Türkiye was taken with the working group meeting organised in İzmir on 13-14 July 2023. The meeting brought together high-level representatives from the Directorate General for Prison and Detention Houses (DGPDH), public prosecutors, enforcement judges, prison directors and staff, members of the civil monitoring boards, and social workers.

The meeting provided a platform for exchanges of views and opinions between all relevant stakeholders on the existing national legislation and regulatory framework on the disciplinary and reward system for prisoners. The participants held intensive discussions on further aligning applicable legislative articles with the relevant Council of Europe standards and best practices.

Throughout the discussions, several key topics were addressed, including the fair and proportionate use of disciplinary sanctions and rewards, the role of prison administration and the enforcement judges, and the implementation of effective measures to encourage changes towards positive behaviour in prisons. The working group also emphasized the importance of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities for prisoners, particularly for minors in juvenile institutions, which can contribute to reducing recidivism rates.

The process of legislative review and drafting will continue in the upcoming months, and it is anticipated that the drafted amendments will contribute to the creation of a more just and humane disciplinary system in line with international standards.

This WG meeting was organised within the scope of the Project on "Enhancing the Disciplinary and Reward Procedures for Prisoners in Türkiye” co-funded by the Human Rights Trust Fund of the Council of Europe, Norway, Belgium, Türkiye and the Netherlands.

Türkiye 17 July 2023