The rapid expansion of information technology presents new opportunities to strengthen institutional capacities, support the continuous professional development of prison staff and optimise the use of human resources.

Recognising the need for a modern, sustainable and accessible approach to learning, knowledge exchange and peer support, the Council of Europe developed a virtual collaboration platform for prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2021, as part of its long-term co-operation with penitentiary institutions on the management, rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders (VEOs). The development of the platform responded to the need for a dedicated digital space where prison professionals could access relevant resources, exchange experiences and strengthen their expertise beyond traditional capacity-building activities.

Over the following years, the Council of Europe supported its further development and use as a complementary tool for strengthening capacities, facilitating knowledge sharing and promoting continuous professional development among prison staff across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After several years of co-operation and support the Council of Europe successfully transferred ownership of the platform to the Institute for Execution of Criminal Sanctions, Detention and Other Measures of Bosnia and Herzegovina (State Prison), ensuring its continued sustainability and institutional anchoring.

The platform, first of its kind for prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, provides prison professionals with an online educational and professional development hub, offering access to international standards, domestic legislation, guidebooks, manuals and other practical resources. At the same time, it creates a structured environment for exchanging experiences, sharing lessons learned, discussing challenges and fostering peer support among prison professionals.

The transfer of ownership represents an important milestone in ensuring the long-term sustainability of capacities developed through years of co-operation and in strengthening local ownership of resources created to support prison professionals.

By assuming responsibility for the platform, the State Prison has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining and further developing this important resource as a tool for continuous learning, professional development and cooperation across prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The platform will continue to support the exchange of expertise among prison staff, strengthen collaboration between institutions and contribute to safer and more secure communities.

The online platform was transferred under the Council of Europe project “Providing for Effective Reintegration of Violent Extremist Offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (PER-VEO – Phase II) implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026–2029 and funded through voluntary contributions.