The Council of Europe continues supporting the Azerbaijani prison system by aligning its legislative and regulatory framework with European standards.
On 16 March 2021, the Working Group finalised the drafting of a Code of Ethics for prison staff in Azerbaijan. Within the ongoing penitentiary reforms in Azerbaijan, it is a key instrument for the performance and accountability of prison staff to safeguard security and the rights of prisoners.
Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Penitentiary Service, the Main Medical Department, the CPT member from Azerbaijan, international consultant as well as the EU and the CoE participated in this drafting exercise. The consolidated version of the Code will be presented to the Ministry of Justice for adoption.
This activity was organised by the EU and Council of Europe Joint Project “Support to the Penitentiary Reform in Azerbaijan” (SPERA 2), which is designed to promote effective prison management, health care in prisons and assist the reintegration of ex-offenders.

