Chief Medical Doctor of the Lithuanian Prison Service presents at United Nations Event
On 10 March, the 68th Regular Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) featured a significant side event organised by Lithuania, titled “International Cooperation for a Sustainable Response to Drugs in Prisons.”
Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to International Organisations in Vienna, welcomed participants and highlighted Lithuania’s candidacy for re-election as a full member of the CND. He stressed that international collaboration is essential in tackling complex challenges such as drug use in prisons.
Nijolė Goštautaitė, Chief Medical Doctor of the Lithuanian Prison Service, delivered a presentation on the advancement of healthcare services in Lithuanian prisons and the growing opportunities for addiction treatment. Over the past two years, psychiatric services have expanded significantly, and methadone substitution therapy has increased, now comprising approximately one-third of all substitution therapy administered in Lithuanian prisons. Alongside addiction treatment, general medical services are being enhanced, leading to more effective detection and treatment of infectious diseases, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing infection risks within correctional facilities.
Norwegian expert Are Hoydal, a former director of Halden Prison, introduced the dynamic security model that has been successfully implemented in Norway for decades and is now being adapted in Lithuania He emphasized that while imprisonment serves as punishment, individuals retain all other rights. Lithuania is adopting this approach through contact officer training, internship programmes in Norwegian prisons, and the establishment of specialised TOG units that integrate new psychosocial interventions.
Anastasiya Ugrinchuk provided insights into Pompidou Group projects in Moldova, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries, highlighting new online resources for addiction treatment. Josefina Mavrou from the Cyprus National Addiction Service shared findings from the international PRS20 project.
In closing the event, moderator Gražina Belian, Deputy Director of the Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, underscored the critical role of international cooperation in addressing drug-related issues in prisons. She emphasized that sharing best practices contributes to upholding human rights globally. The event attracted approximately 60 participants from various countries, both in person and online.
If you are interested in the presentation, please find the link below: N. Goštautaitė "Innovations for Strengthening Health Care Response to Drugs in Lithuanian Jail'"
Last updated: 20-03-2025
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