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 High-level prison management from Türkiye on a study visit to Spain

Nino LAPACHI

Modified 1 Year ago.

@ Council of Europe

Between 4 and 6 June 2024, a study visit to Spain was organised for high-level representatives of the Directorate General of Prisons and Detention Houses (DGPDH), prison management and staff in order to familiarise them with good practices on discipline and reward procedures for prisoners in line with the Council of Europe and international standards.

The Turkish delegation, including Deputy Minister of Justice, had the opportunity to visit the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions of Spain, as well as two prisons, namely Soto del Real-Madrid V and CIS Josefina Aldecoa in Navalcarnero, renowned for their innovative and effective respect modules. These modules are designed to foster a culture of respect and dignity among inmates, promoting fair and transparent system of disciplinary measures and rewards procedures.

The insights gained from this experience are expected to play a role in shaping the future of prison discipline and reward procedures in Türkiye, ensuring they are just, transparent, and in accordance with international human rights standards. The aim is to apply some aspects of the Spain's practices in Türkiye, promoting humane treatment of inmates, and ultimately contribute to a safer society.

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

Spain 4-6 June 2024