Representatives of the Ukrainian penitentiary system management participated in the 31st Council of Europe Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services (CDPPS), held on 3-4 June 2026 in Valletta, Malta.
This year’s Conference focused on the theme “Persons with Specific Needs and Vulnerabilities” and brought together prison and probation leaders, policymakers, researchers and international partners from across Europe to discuss current challenges and share good practices in the management of prison and probation services.
The Conference programme included plenary sessions and thematic workshops dedicated to foreign nationals, older persons, women, and cooperation between prison and probation services of the Council of Europe member states. Discussions highlighted the importance of developing inclusive and responsive approaches that address the specific needs of different groups within criminal justice systems.
Participation in the Conference provided an opportunity for representatives of the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine to exchange experience with European counterparts, strengthen professional networks, and gain insights into innovative approaches and policy developments in the field of prison and probation management.
The participation of the Ukrainian delegation was supported within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Towards more humane detention conditions and reduced reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS).
The Council of Europe project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS) is implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” (2023–2026). DECOPRIS aims to enhance the protection of prisoners’ rights by improving prison management practices and advancing rehabilitation efforts.
