Exploring and Supporting the Ukrainian Correctional System
From 24 to 30 November, Mindaugas Kairys, Director General of the Lithuanian Prison Service, and Tomas Bartninkas, Governor of Marijampolė Prison, visited Ukraine to participate the EuroPris Working Group, focused on supporting Ukraine's correctional system and gain insight into the country’s correctional system, particularly its operation during wartime.
On 26 November, Kyiv hosted the inaugural meeting of the EuroPris Working Group, focused on supporting Ukraine's correctional system. Organized by the Estonian Ministry of Justice, the event brought together key stakeholders to address the most pressing needs of Ukraine’s prison system amidst the ongoing conflict. The meeting aimed to establish a roadmap for current and future projects to enhance prisoners’ quality of life, ensure humane treatment, and strengthen the governance of the correctional system. Discussions covered various aspects of support, including criminal justice initiatives. EuroPris plans to coordinate support through this dedicated working group, involving Prison Services and Ministries of Justice from participating countries. Deputy Ministers of Justice of Ukraine Eugene Pikalov and Oleksandr Banchuk, and the Head of the Estonian Prison and Probation Service, Rait Kuuse attended the meeting.
During the visit, the Lithuanian representatives had the opportunity to tour several correctional facilities, observe Ukrainian practices, and share their own experiences.
The representatives visited Bila Tserkva City Correctional Colony No. 35, where they were introduced to the prison’s structure, inmate employment initiatives, and resocialisation programs. Other sites included the Odessa Correctional Colony, Mogilev-Podilskyi Prisoner-of-War Camp, Lviv Correctional Institution Chortkiv No. 26, and the prisoner-of-war camp "Zahid 1".
This visit is a follow-up to the visit of the management of the Ukrainian Prison Service to Lithuania in the summer.
Last updated: 05-12-2024
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