The launching conference of the Joint Programme on “Strengthening the Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards” marked the start of a 45-month initiative to enhance the protection of the human rights of women deprived of liberty and promote gender-sensitive approaches in prison and probation systems in Türkiye. The programme is implemented by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Directorate General of Prisons and Detention Houses (DGPDH) and co-funded by the European Union.
The event brought together high-level national and international stakeholders, including the Deputy Minister of Justice Mr Burak Ceyhan, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs H.E. Mehmet Kemal Bozay, the Head of the Civil Society and Fundamental Rights, Justice, Home Affairs, Social and Human Development Section of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye Mr Jean Barbé, the Head of Department for the Deprivation of Liberty of the Council of Europe and Executive Secretary of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) Mr Hugh Chetwynd, the Director General of Prisons and Detention Houses Mr. Çelebi Yılmaz, senior officials from the Council of Europe and the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, as well as international experts.
Opening speeches highlighted the shared commitment of the Council of Europe, the European Union and Türkiye to strengthening the protection of the human rights of women deprived of liberty and promoting gender-sensitive approaches in prison and probation systems.
The conference featured a keynote address on the Council of Europe’s approach to safeguarding women’s rights in places of detention, underlining the importance of international standards, monitoring mechanisms and co-operation. Participants discussed the current situation of women prisoners and probationers in Türkiye and identified key areas where further support is needed. Building on these discussions two thematic panel discussions provided an opportunity to exchange national and international good practices. Discussions focused on gender-sensitive prison management, including needs-based assessments and tailored rehabilitation programmes, as well as on strengthening pathways to reintegration through economic and social support mechanisms.
The programme will be implemented over 45 months, contributing to a more rights-based and gender-sensitive penitentiary and probation system in Türkiye, aligned with Council of Europe and European Union standards.
The Joint Programme on “Strengthening Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards” is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe. Directorate General of Prisons and Detention Houses is the main beneficiary of the Project.
