On 3-4 August, a 2-day Workshop was held in Pristina, Kosovo*, under the auspices of the Council of Europe project "Improvement of the Treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty." The workshop's primary focus was on the development of the Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) Strategy for the period 2023-2027, aligned with the Council of Europe Standards, which would serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the KCS's work in the coming years, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the effectiveness and humanity of the corrections system.

This collaborative effort brought together subject matter experts from various institutions, including the Council of Europe, KCS, Prison Healthcare Department of the Ministry of Health, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), International Criminal Investigative Training (ICITAP), and civil society. The Acting Director General of the KCS and the head of the Prison Health Department actively participated as equal contributing members.

Over the years, the Council of Europe has proudly collaborated with the KCS, recognizing them as one of their most valuable strategic partners. This partnership has focused on several critical areas, including promoting Council of Europe values and standards and ensuring the highest level of respect for human rights of prisoners.

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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.