On 11-13 July 2023, a working group (WG) meeting on the development of a specific set of occupational therapy guidelines for the Prison Health Department (PHD) of the Ministry of Health of Kosovo, in line with Council of Europe and CPT requirements, was organized in Istog/Istok, Kosovo*. The WG followed the assessment mission carried out by the Council of Europe consultants in June 2023.

The event focused on developing guidelines comprising physical, interpersonal, cognitive, and sensory activities for patients in the psychiatric facilities in the penitentiary system in Kosovo*. The outcome of the 3-day WG was a clear and comprehensive set of draft guidelines and evaluation measures, which will be finalized in the coming weeks. The added value of these guidelines and evaluation measures is that they can also be utilized by other institutions working with psychiatric patients.

The WG was attended by approximately 35 members, including the Director of the PHD, Kosovo Correctional Services (KCS), Institute for Forensic Psychiatry, Kosovo Probation Services (KPS), Special Institute for Persons with Mental and Physical Disabilities, National Prevention Mechanism, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) as well as civil society.

The activity was organized under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”.

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* All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United National Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.