Newsroom
Building stronger safeguards for the rights of persons deprived of liberty through enhanced monitoring dimensions
Professionals responsible for monitoring places of deprivation of liberty to strengthen their knowledge, practical skills, and inter-institutional cooperation in safeguarding the rights of persons deprived of liberty during a two-day capacity-building activity held in Tsaghkadzor on 20–21 July....
Armenia’s Probation Service Finalises Evidence-Based Substance Use Rehabilitation Programme
The Probation Service of Armenia with the support of the Council of Europe, finalised a comprehensive review and launched a new Programme on Substance Use Rehabilitation. The final session brought together trained probation officers, penitentiary psychologists, and representatives from the...
Initial Screening for prisoners with mental health disorders successfully piloted in Albanian prisons and remand facilities.
With support from the European Union and the Council of Europe, the Albanian Prison Service has rolled out an Initial Screening for prisoners with mental health disorders as a health care priority from day one of their admission. The new approach, launched in March 2026, with a capacity-building...
Senior prison police officers strengthen capacity to prevent ill-treatment in North Macedonia
Twenty-two senior prison police officers from all 12 penitentiary facilities have strengthened their capacity to prevent ill-treatment, and ensure proper reporting of incidents, contributing to greater accountability and protection of human rights in prisons. The two-day capacity building...
Small steps shaping change behind prison walls
In the District Prison in Subotica, change does not come overnight. It begins quietly, often in moments that might seem small to an outsider- a pause before reacting, a different choice made in a difficult situation, a willingness to speak up. For Dajana Perčić, those moments are at the heart of...
From listening to change inside prison treatment work
In Novi Pazar District Prison, rehabilitation work is grounded in understanding the people behind behaviour. For treatment officer Ilda Imamović, this means looking beyond actions to the stories behind them. “My job is not only to implement treatment programmes, but also to try to understand...
Authorities in North Macedonia extend their skills in supporting violent extremist prisoners during the preparation for and after release
A key cornerstone of the effective reintegration of violent extremist prisoners (VEPs) and other prisoners prone to radicalisation is the efficient inter-institutional co-operation. In the efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism in line with European standards, the EU and Council of...
2026 Council of Europe Police Network Conference: Strengthening Police Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings through a Human Rights-Based Approach
The 2026 Police Network Conference, entitled "Strengthening Police Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings: Applying Council of Europe Standards in Practice", brought together some 60 senior law enforcement officials, government experts and representatives of civil society and international...
North Macedonia’s Prison Police Intervention Teams learn from Polish experience
Warsaw, Poland, 29-30 June 2026 — Officers from North Macedonia’s Prison Police Intervention Teams made their first official study visit to Warsaw, exchanging experiences and best practices with Poland’s Prison Service Intervention Group (PSIG). The delegation was led by the Acting Head of the...
Building a durable knowledge and expertise sharing system for prison staff by strengthening sustainability of virtual collaboration platform for prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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...
Cognitive Behavior Therapy successfully piloted in four Albanian prisons
The EU and Council of Europe are assisting the Albanian Prison Service in the process of delivering the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), aimed at better prepare prisoners for release. In this framework on 23 June 2026, an evaluation visit was conducted at Fier Prison by a team composed of a...
Police Officers Strengthen Capacity on Personal Data Protection
Tsaghkadzor, Armenia | 14-15 May, 23-24 June More than 50 police officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia enhanced their knowledge and practical skills on personal data protection and privacy rights through a specialised capacity-building programme supported by...
Collaboration of the whole society, key for the rehabilitation and reintegration of Violent Extremist Prisoners and Offenders in the Western Balkans
Beneficiaries and public actors across the Western Balkans gathered in Durres / Albania to reshape the results of enhanced cross-border co-operation in managing violent extremist prisoners and offenders, in a 2-day conference organised with the support of the EU and Council of Europe. Experts and...
CALL FOR TENDER
The Council of Europe (CoE) is currently implementing a Project on “Strengthening Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards” until 30 September 2029. In that context, it is looking for up to 60 Provider(s) for the provision of international...
Bosnia and Herzegovina police acquire modern investigative interviewing methods
Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 16-17 June 2026: A new generation of police inspectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina is strengthening its investigative interviewing skills through specialised training designed to promote more professional, reliable and human rights-compliant criminal investigations....
Strengthening co-operation with authorities in Montenegro to prevent violent extremism
Measures to strengthen inter-agency co-operation in the prevention and management of violent extremism in prison and ensure effective continuity during the pre-release and post-release phases, was the focus of the co-ordination meeting held with authorities in Montenegro within the framework of...
Strengthening capacities of prison staff in Bosnia and Herzegovina on prison operational work
Effective prison operational work plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security within penitentiary institutions and contributes to the successful management and rehabilitation of violent extremist offenders and other offenders prone to radicalisation. Therefore, following the...
Representatives from 37 Member States Discuss Updated CPT Standard on Healthcare in Prisons
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...
Assessment Missions Review Rehabilitation, Social Reintegration, Prison Management and Staff Training Practices for Women in Prisons in Türkiye
A series of three assessment missions were carried out across Türkiye in 2026 with the overall aim to assess the needs of women prisoners and support the development of a gender-sensitive and human rights-based prison management model. The missions examined a range of issues, including...
Special Prison Hospital Hosts Workshop on Modern Models of Care
On 26 and 27 May, the Special Prison Hospital in Belgrade hosted the first part of the workshops dedicated to developing a new, comprehensive model of care for inmates with mental health issues. This initiative enhances the quality of psychiatric care and human rights in places of detention and...
Albanian prison service pilots Council of Europe methodologies to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration
Since 2014 the Council of Europe (CoE) has been helping the Albanian prison service to introduce more effective prison management practices while creating stronger incentives for prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration. To achieve this, Albanian authorities are adapting an Integrated Sentence...
Peer Education on Drug Prevention, a new approach for Building Safer Prison Environments
Peer education in drugs prevention is a new concept introduced for the first time in Armenian penitentiary institutions through a bespoke Training of Trainers (ToT) programme focused on harm reduction, and rehabilitation. The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote a health-oriented and...
Positive results of rehabilitation programme for detainees with alcohol dependency in Moldova
The pilot rehabilitation programme for detainees with alcohol dependency supported by the Council of Europe and implemented by the National Administration of Penitentiaries of the Republic of Moldova over 15 months in 12 penitentiaries, has shown promising results. At the evaluation workshop held...
Moldova’s probation system advances evidence-based rehabilitation approaches for violent and aggressive offenders under probation
Guided implementation of the new Offender Behaviour Programme (OBP) for violent and aggressive offenders under probation over the last 15 months concluded with an evaluation workshop on 21 May 2026. The representatives of the National Probation Inspectorate, regional and territorial probation...
Fostering resocialisation and rehabilitation of prisoners in North Macedonia: EU and Council of Europe assist prison authorities
Resocialisation officers are professionals engaged in the criminal justice systems, prisons, or rehabilitation centers to help offenders reintegrate into society. Their primary role is to assist individuals in adapting to social norms, building new skills, and overcoming habits or behaviors that...
Advancing the development of the rehabilitation programme for alcohol-dependent offenders under probation in Moldova
The second Working Group meeting on the development of the rehabilitation programme for alcohol-dependent offenders under probation took place on 19–20 May 2026, bringing together representatives of the National Probation Inspectorate and practitioners from territorial probation offices. Building...
Council of Europe supports institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening rehabilitation support for women and vulnerable violent extremist offenders
When working with violent extremist offenders, specifics of different categories of offenders, including women and vulnerable groups of offenders, need to be considered. And these specifics should also be reflected in the tools and programmes that support the management, rehabilitation and...
Important steps towards specialisation in forensic psychiatry in Romania
A new certified training course in forensic psychiatry kicked off on 12 May at Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu. This programme supported by the Council of Europe, brought together psychiatrists from penitentiary, civilian and secure hospitals and forensic institute to improve the quality of the...
Council of Europe supports the dialogue on the reorganisation of prison healthcare governance in the Republic of Moldova
A two-day Working Group meeting on the reorganisation of healthcare governance within the prison system was held on 4–5 May 2026 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, bringing together representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice and the National administration of Penitentiaries....
Prison practitioners in Serbia equipped with standard operating procedures for working with violent extremist prisoners
The rehabilitation of radicalised and violent extremist prisoners represents a specific challenge for prison practitioners in the Western Balkans and broader. Recognising that trust-building, ethics and professionalism are core principles of effective rehabilitation, the management of these...
First Assessment Mission Conducted on Women in Prisons in Türkiye
An assessment mission focusing on the needs of women prisoners in Türkiye was carried out between 4 and 8 May 2026. Drawing on the expertise of two international consultants, the mission examined key aspects of women’s detention conditions, including access to healthcare, safety and dignity, ...
Strengthening digital infrastructure: Council of Europe supports Ukraine's Penitentiary system with IT equipment and software
Lasting change in the penitentiary system depends on both well-trained staff and the means to put new knowledge and skills into practice. Following successful capacity-building of penitentiary staff, the Council of Europe also reinforced their means by donating necessary IT equipment and software...
From Syria to Reintegration : Supporting Violent Extremist Offenders in the Probation System in Albania
In her dark clothing, Fatime* sits quietly, seemingly uninterested in any conversation, waits impatiently to meet her Probation Officer in Tirana. Every three months, she is required to report and discuss her progress with the probation authorities. She is one of the nine women who returned in...
New rehabilitation initiative for juvenile offenders with drug dependency launched in the Republic of Moldova
The Council of Europe, in partnership with the National Administration of Penitentiaries (NAP) of the Republic of Moldova, has initiated the development of a rehabilitation programme for juvenile offenders with drug dependency. The first working group meeting took place on 27–28 April 2026 in...
Council of Europe supports further strengthening of post-penal support to violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Following the capacity building activities and recommendations steaming from the piloting of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on post-penal support to released violent extremist offenders (VEOs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025, the Council of Europe continues to support the local...
Council of Europe strengthens collaboration with Armenia in promoting the autonomy of persons with mental health issues
As part of healthcare reforms and Armenia–Council of Europe cooperation, an Armenian delegation led by Deputy Minister Armen Gasparyan visited leading mental health services in northern France, with a particular focus on prison healthcare. The visit provided practical insights into French...
Mental health nursing: the way to enhance quality of care for patients with mental disorders
Nurses from various prisons, forensic and civilian hospitals across Romania participated in an intensive 5-day course on mental health nursing, held at Obregia University Hospital, Bucharest on 20-25 April 2026. The first phase of the training brought together nurses with extensive experience, ...
Love behind locked doors: Supporting children and families in North Macedonia’s prisons
The bustling atmosphere in the large visitors’ area at Idrizovo Prison is suddenly broken by the clattering of locks, followed by the mournful sound of the heavy iron door leading to the space where families come together. It is a weekend day and visiting hours have just begun. Prison security...
Kosovo* correctional staff enhance skills and knowledge on prison health care procedures
Following the finalisation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Prison Health Department (PHD) and establishment of the pool of local PHD trainers, a 2-day peer to peer training was organised for 30 staff of the Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) on 21-22 April 2026. The training...
From Legislation to Practice: Ambulance Doctors and Police Staff Strengthen Capacities to Ensure Proper Documentation of Ill-treatment in Detention
In March and April 2026, more than 50 ambulance doctors, alongside nearly 50 police staff, participated in four intensive training sessions in focused on the documentation of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in detention facilities. The training was particularly timely following the...
Strengthening protection of mental health for prison staff and violent extremist prisoners in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Early detection of potential mental health issues among violent extremist prisoners (VEPs) by non-medical prison staff is essential to ensure that prisoners receive timely and appropriate treatment by medical professionals. At the same time, protecting the well-being and mental health of prison...
Strengthening the capacities of probation staff in Albania for managing violent extremist offenders
Effective management, rehabilitation, and reintegration of violent extremist offenders (VEOs) under a probation regime requires probation staff to possess specific specialised skills and knowledge. As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacities of probation practitioners in Albania and...
Council of Europe supports vocational opportunities for rehabilitation of inmates in Armenia
A meaningful step towards strengthening the rehabilitation of inmates was marked today with the opening of a door and window production workshop at the Artik Penitentiary Institution. The opening event of this first workshop is a showcase of the Council of Europe’s continued support for Armenia’s...
Coaching and Mentoring Programme Pilot Successfully Completed
The Coaching and Mentoring Programme pilot of the Armenian Probation Service concluded with the certification of 15 trainers, marking the successful completion of the initiative and an important step towards its full implementation. A two-day Refresher Training of Trainers held on 3–4 April 2026...
Probation Service Advances Efforts to Improve Early release System in Armenia
A two-day Training of Trainers held on 27–28 March 2026 in Tsaghkadzor brought together 18 staff members of the Armenian Probation Service to prepare for the piloting and rollout of a new pre-release report template aiming to improve decision-making on early conditional release. The new template...
Launch of a New European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programme to Strengthen the Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye
A new joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, entitled “Strengthening the Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards”, was officially launched on 31 March 2026 at the Ulucanlar Museum in Ankara. The event brought...
Medical staff in prisons and medical confidentiality and data protection
The medical staff of the Prison Medicine Centre has refreshed their knowledge on medical confidentiality and inter-agency cooperation in penitentiary healthcare, equipping prison doctors with practical tools and updated knowledge aligned with international standards. The training was based on a...
Empowering change: strengthening rehabilitation for long-term prisoners in Moldova
Fifty-two representatives from all prisons and the National Administration of Penitentiaries of the Republic of Moldova enhanced their abilities to deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Programmes for long-term prisoners during a six-day round of sessions held from March 25 to April 1,...
CALL FOR TENDERS for International consultancy services - Medical coercive treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation of patients in psychiatric institutions, and mental health care in prisons and probation in the Republic of Moldova
The Council of Europe is launching a competitive bidding procedure for contracting international short-term consultancy services in the areas of management and treatment of patients placed in psychiatric institutions under medical coercive treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation of patients in...
Strengthening rehabilitation approaches through international cooperation
From 24 to 26 March 2026, a study visit to Madrid brought together a delegation from the Department of Execution of Criminal Sanctions of Ukraine (DECSU), to explore the application of rehabilitation approaches within the Spanish penitentiary system. In the context of the on-going penitentiary...
Launch of alcohol-dependency rehabilitation programme for probationers in Moldova
The National Probation Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova with the support of the Council of Europe, has initiated the development of a rehabilitation programme for alcohol-dependent offenders under probation. The first working group meeting took place on 19-20 March 2026 in Chisinau, with...
Strengthening institutional resilience of the Ukrainian penitentiary system
On 17 March 2026, a strategic session on “Strengthening institutional resilience of the Ukrainian penitentiary system” brought together decision-makers of Department of Execution of Criminal Sanctions of Ukraine , interregional penitentiary administrations and penitentiary institutions to...
Council of Europe presents findings on treatment of forensic patients and prisoners with mental health issues, enforcement of alternative sanctions and post-penal care in Serbia
On 17 March 2026 in Belgrade, the Council of Europe organised a conference to present the findings of the needs assessments conducted in the areas covered by the Joint Programme on improving the treatment of prisoners with mental health problems and on strengthening alternative sanctions. As a...
Council of Europe supports Kosovo* Authorities in strengthening the protection of the rights of transgender persons deprived of liberty
In collaboration with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), a 2-day informative workshop dedicated to strengthening institutional responses to the treatment of transgender persons deprived of liberty took place from 2-3 March 2026. The workshop brought together directors of all prisons,...
Advancing health care including mental health services in closed institutions of Romania
The Council of Europe initiated a follow-up project on “Enhancing health care and human rights protection in closed institutions in Romania”, further deepening the partnership with the Romanian authorities. This new phase officially commenced with the launching Steering Committee meeting on 24...
Story of Helena, a Court Police officer from Doboj
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, as in many parts of Europe, women remain significantly underrepresented in police forces — especially in leadership roles and higher ranks. Experts say that to truly influence institutional culture, women need to reach a “critical mass” of at least 15%, while the gender...
North Macedonia initiates pioneering telemedicine in penitentiary healthcare
At the request of North Macedonia’s Ministry of Health, the Council of Europe completed for the first time an assessment mission on introducing telemedicine in penitentiary healthcare. The findings of the assessment report supported by EU and Council of Europe, were discussed with the public...
Key partners agree on further sustainable actions to improve management of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The first Steering Committee (SC) meeting of the project Providing for effective reintegration of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) – Phase II was held on 16 February 2026 in Bijeljina, bringing together key stakeholders from the three Ministries of Justice and...
Improving the treatment of prisoners with mental health disorders in Albania, in line with European standards
The EU and Council of Europe are assisting the Albanian prison service to set up a structured and standardised practice to support prisoners with mental health disorders upon admission, in line with the recommendations of the European Committee for Prevention of Torture . To introduce this...
Enhanced capacity of the probation system in Moldova to manage the offenders’ risk and needs
Following two rounds of training sessions held on 4–11 February 2025, 56 counsellors from all probation offices across the Republic of Moldova strengthened their capacities to conduct structured and evidence-based assessment of offenders’ risks and needs. During the three-day interactive...
New Welding Centre Opens at Sevan Prison, Strengthening Armenia’s Shift Toward Rehabilitation
The opening of a new workshop for the inmates in Sevan Prions, renovated with the support of the Council of Europe, marked an important step forward in Armenia’s ongoing penitentiary reforms. The modern facility, equipped with up-to-date machinery and training tools, is a showcase of the shift...
Ukrainian Authorities Boost Implementation of Human Rights Safeguards on the Path to EU Membership
As Ukraine continues its EU integration process, the Rule of Law Roadmap serves as a key strategic guide for aligning national legislation, policies, and practices with European standards. Through an intensive workshop, representatives of the national authorities, civil society organisations, and...
Awareness of Article 3 of the Convention and the External Oversight Mechanism raised among judges, prosecutors, and other stakeholders in North Macedonia
Awareness of Article 3 of the Convention and the External Oversight Mechanism raised among judges, prosecutors, and other stakeholders in North Macedonia
Sixteen judges, senior prosecutors, investigators, advisors, and trainers of the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors attended the workshop aimed at raising awareness of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the External Oversight Mechanism. The two-day session, held on...
Empowering Change: Capacity Building for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Preventive Mechanism
Independent experts and members of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Preventive Mechanism, working under the Institution of Ombudsman for Human Rights in BiH, came together for an intensive capacity-building session aimed at strengthening their role in preventing ill-treatment. Bringing together various...
Montenegro boosts institutional expertise in tackling ill-treatment
Podgorica/Montenegro, 27–28 January 2026 – Prosecutors, judges, police officers and medical staff further improved their skills in combating and preventing ill-treatment during two consecutive capacity building sessions held in Podgorica on 27 and 28 January. The sessions address findings of the...
Supporting staff training and wellbeing: Council of Europe equips BiH State Prison
In December, the Council of Europe took another step to support prison staff in Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivering new equipment to the Centre for Excellence at the Institute for Execution of Criminal Sanctions, Detention and other Measures (BiH State Prison). The equipment responds to needs...
Draft Regulation for the operation of units providing medical coercive treatment in psychiatric hospitals of the Republic of Moldova presented at the final Working Group meeting
The final meeting of the Working Group established jointly with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova took place on 16–17 December 2025 in Chisinau, marking an important milestone in the finalisation of the draft framework regulation for the operation of sections ensuring medical...
Strengthening the capacities of probation counsellors from Republic of Moldova in carrying out effective risk and needs assessment
Following two rounds of training sessions delivered in November and December 2025, 60 probation counsellors from all probation offices in Moldova enhanced their competencies in motivational interviewing as a preparatory step for the system-wide implementation of the new risk and needs assessment...
Armenia Launches New Dialogue Platform to Strengthen Coordination in the Probation and Penitentiary Sector
The launch of the inter-agency Commission for the Discussion of Issues Related to the Probation and Penitentiary Sector, marks a major milestone in institutionalising dialogue across its criminal justice system, ensuring structured cooperation, and creating a unified platform for addressing...
Council of Europe supports Kosovo* authorities in strengthening application of Occupational Therapy in prisons
The Council of Europe supported the Prison Health Department (PHD) of the Ministry of Health of Kosovo in piloting a structured Occupational Therapy (OT) programme marking an important step forward in advancing rehabilitation, mental health support, and evidence-based practice in the correctional...
Armenia Takes Major Step Toward Evidence-Based Conditional Release with New Pre-Release Reporting Framework
Armenia’s probation system is set for significant improvement following the development of a new, evidence-based framework for pre-release reports. This is an essential tool used to inform conditional-release decisions. The reform marks a significant milestone in reinforcing...
Strengthening prison and probation systems in the Western Balkans
Sarajevo, 4 December 2025- The Western Balkans will continue to enhance prison and probation structures to manage violent extremist offenders (VEOs) and prevent radicalisation after release. This conclusion was reached at the 6th Steering Committee meeting of the regional action “Enhancing...
Kosovo Correctional Service to integrate Council of Europe methodology for managing violent extremist offenders
Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) has taken further steps toward integrating the Council of Europe’s methodology for working with violent extremist offenders (VEOs), bringing together prison practitioners, management representatives and experts to prepare for full scale implementation across the...
Continuing information exchange with medical professionals in Romania
Information exchange meetings on medical work and mental health care in the penitentiary system were held at two Universities in Romania: the “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara and at the University of Lucius Blaga of Sibiu on 25 November and 4 December. Information...
Aligning practices and advancing co-operation to strengthen post-release support for violent extremist offenders in Western Balkans
Around 40 representatives of relevant institutions and civil society organisations from the Western Balkans gathered in Sarajevo on 3 – 4 December 2025, together with Council of Europe experts, to share knowledge, strengthen co-operation, and harmonise approaches when it comes to providing...
The Council of Europe reviews progress made in 2025 and sets priorities for strengthening the prison and probation system, and improving health care in closed institutions in Moldova for the next phase
On 27 November 2025, the Council of Europe Project “Further strengthening the prison and probation systems, the provision of health care and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova” held its 2nd Steering Committee meeting, with 30 participants, including...
Council of Europe raises awareness of Kosovo Police on health care and mental wellbeing of detainees in police custody
A 2-day awareness raising training focusing on the practical application of the Prison Health Department (PHD) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in police custody and during transfer and admission to correctional facilities took place from 24-25 November 2025. This activity gathered police...
The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia is advancing efforts to strengthen the well-being of prison staff.
The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia (the SPS) took an important step toward strengthening staff well-being by engaging in a two-day Workshop on “Staff Well-Being in the Penitentiary System of Georgia”, which was held on 18–19 November 2025 in Tbilisi. The activity, aimed at supporting the...
Pilot of Armenia’s New Substance Use Treatment Programme Successfully Completed
Armenia has taken a major step forward in strengthening rehabilitation of vulnerable offenders through the implementation of a new Substance Use Treatment Programme, successfully piloted from June to October 2025. Designed as a cognitive-behavioural, motivational, and rehabilitation-oriented...
The Albanian Prison Service aligns the Internal Regulation of Prisons with Council of Europe standards
The Council of Europe is assisting the Albanian prison service to improve its Internal Regulation by integrating Council of Europe standards, introducing for the first time the role of personal officers and case managers. To support this process, a working group meeting was held on 18-19 November...
Children’s corner supported by the EU and the Council of Europe inaugurated in Idrizovo Prison
Idrizovo Prison, the largest penitentiary facility in North Macedonia, now has a dedicated children’s corner for young visitors and the families of inmates. Located in the visitors’ area, the children’s corner provides a safe and welcoming environment during family visits. The children’s corner...
Council of Europe fosters regional dialogue on human rights in police custody at a conference in Tirana
Senior police officials and policymakers from across South-East Europe met for a two-day Regional Conference on “Human Rights in Police Custody: Implementing Council of Europe Standards”, held on 19–20 November in Tirana, Albania. The conference organised by the Cooperation in Police and...
Council of Europe Supports Telemedicine expansion in Armenian Prisons
Armenia has made significant progress in expanding the use of telemedicine across its penitentiary healthcare system, ensuring more equitable and efficient access to medical services for persons deprived of liberty. Through the dedicated efforts of national health and justice authorities and with...
Harmonisation of procedures on rehabilitation, resocialisation, and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters and their families in North Macedonia
The “Handbook on rehabilitation, resocialisation, and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and their families in North Macedonia” published with the support of EU and Council of Europe was presented to relevant institutions during the Workshop on "Necessary steps and...
Improving the culture of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Police Academies
Sarajevo, 13-14 November 2025 — Classrooms in the Police Academies for police cadets and junior inspectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to welcome back 24 of their lecturers and instructors, after a professional development programme on human rights safeguards. As part of the joint...
Multilateral Meeting on Women in Prison: Advancing Gender-Sensitive Policies and Practices
The Cooperation in Police and Deprivation of Liberty Division held a multilateral meeting on 12–13 November 2025 in Strasbourg, bringing together representatives from 40 member states, penitentiary administrations and distinguished international experts. The meeting focused on women in prisons...
Prison healthcare professionals trained on documenting cases of ill-treatment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol.
One hundred thirty-three medical professionals working at the Health Centre of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine improved their knowledge and skills in documenting cases of ill-treatment in line with the Istanbul Protocol. The respective two three-day training sessions took place in...
Council of Europe assists BiH authorities in strengthening well-being and mental health of prison staff working with violent extremist offenders
Following the development of the Training plan and programme for improving the well-being and mental health of prison staff working with violent extremist offenders (VEOs) and others susceptible to radicalisation, a 3-day Training of Trainers (ToT) took place on 29-31 October 2025 in Sarajevo. A...
Council of Europe supports Kosovo* authorities in strengthening safeguards against ill-treatment in police detention
A 3-day workshop dedicated to strengthening safeguards against ill-treatment in police detention, focusing on documenting and reporting ill-treatment and early detection of self-harm and suicide risks in police custody, took place from 28-30 October 2025. The activity brought together 50...
Fourth Steering Committee Meeting of the Council of Europe Project DECOPRIS
On 23 October 2025, the fourth Steering Committee meeting of the Council of Europe Project “Towards More Humane Detention Conditions and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS) took place in Kyiv, Ukraine The meeting gathered representatives of the Council of Europe, the Ministry of Justice of...
Reinforced capacity of Probation Services from Moldova and Armenia for managing violent offenders
The first progress meeting on the pilot-implementation of the new Offender Behaviour Programme (OBP) for reducing violent behaviour of offenders brought together Moldovan and Armenian probation counsellors on 22 October 2025, for sharing their experiences and good practices, and using the lessons...
Healthcare professionals from Kosovo* explore Austrian best practices in treatment and rehabilitation of forensic patients
On 15–16 October 2025, seven healthcare professionals from the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of Kosovo (IFPK) took part in a two-day study visit to Austria, organised by the Council of Europe, to exchange experiences and learn from Austrian best practices in the treatment, rehabilitation, and...
Enhancing Group Therapy Practices in Armenian Penitentiary Institutions
A six-day training in Tsaghkadzor strengthened the capacity of psychologists and social workers from Armenia’s penitentiary institutions to plan and facilitate group therapy sessions that support the reintegration of inmates. Supported by the Council of Europe, the programme engaged national and...
Council of Europe Supports First Accredited Training of Trainers for Prison Healthcare Professionals in Armenia
A specialised and nationally accredited training course for prison healthcare staff was successfully developed and implemented for the first time in Armenia through close collaboration between the Prison Medicine Centre and the National Institute of Health. This pioneering initiative represents a...
Enhanced capacity of the prison system in Moldova for more structured and evidence-based assessment of offenders’ risk and needs
Sixty two professionals from all penitentiaries across the Republic of Moldova strengthened their confidence in translating the assessment of risks and needs of prisoners into personalised rehabilitation plans, ensuring that planned interventions are tailored to each prisoner’s profile and needs....
Policy Paper and Standard Operational Procedures for Discipline and Reward Procedures Presented to Prison Governors from across Türkiye
The policy paper and relevant standard operational procedures (SPO) for disciplinary measures and rewards procedures were presented to 450 prisons governors, prosecutors and other relevant stakeholders in at the 14th Annual Evaluation Meeting of Prisons in Türkiye organised in Antalya. The policy...
Round Table in Yerevan Explores Ways to Improve cooperation on Medical Confidentiality in Prisons
A high-level round table in Yerevan led to concrete commitments to strengthen prison healthcare though better information exchange and stronger protection of medical confidentiality. This is the first round table of this kind, jointly organised with the Human Rights Defender’s Office, bringing...
Correctional and healthcare professionals in Kosovo* enhance skills on documenting and reporting ill-treatment in closed institutions
Between June and September 2025, three peer to peer training sessions were organised to enhance the capacities of correctional and healthcare professionals in prisons and other closed institutions in Kosovo*, focusing on the documentation and reporting of ill-treatment in line with the Istanbul...
A high-level meeting with diplomatic missions to Romania on human rights and health care in closed institutions in Romania
On 30 September in Bucharest, the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Health of Romania, together with the Council of Europe, held a high-level meeting with representatives of diplomatic missions to Romania. Their Excellences and other representatives from the diplomatic missions from Finland,...
Continuing strengthening well-being and mental health of prison staff working with violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The working group composed of prison professionals and representatives of the Ministries of Justice of BiH, of the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska met for the third time in Međugorje on 24-26 September 2025, turning its attention to crisis protocols for psychological first aid and...
European Prison Rules
