A multilateral meeting held on 10–11 June 2026 in Strasbourg gathered representatives from 37 Council of Europe member States, including prison administrations, health authorities, healthcare professionals, experts and partner organisations, to discuss the updated standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on healthcare in prisons.

The participants to the meeting used the opportunity for deepen their understanding of the revised standards and to exchange views on their practical implementation in prison systems across Europe. Healthcare in prisons remains one of the most important dimensions of humane and lawful detention and a key safeguard for the protection of the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

Drawing on decades of monitoring experience across Europe, the updated standards reflect lessons learned from CPT visits to places of detention, dialogue with national authorities, and the identification of recurring challenges and good practices. Participants examined how the standards provide practical guidance on key aspects of prison healthcare, including equivalence of care, professional independence of healthcare staff, medical confidentiality, continuity of treatment, access to specialised care, mental healthcare, admission screening, and the prevention and documentation of injuries.

The speakers inter alia highlighted that prison healthcare is increasingly recognised as both a public health issue and a key component of effective prison management. It was also noted that people entering prison often experience significantly higher rates of physical illness, mental health disorders, substance dependence and previous trauma than the general population, underlining the need for healthcare systems that are responsive, accessible and fully aligned with human rights standards.

Discussions focused on the practical application of the updated CPT standards and on current challenges facing prison healthcare systems across Europe. Participants also emphasised the importance of international co-operation and peer exchange in supporting prison healthcare reforms and facilitating the effective implementation of Council of Europe standards at national level.

The meeting organised by the Cooperation in Police and Deprivation of Liberty Division, reaffirmed the commitment of Council of Europe member States to strengthening prison healthcare systems and ensuring that the updated CPT standards are translated into practice.