More information
Description
The project aims to contribute to a better implementation of the ECHR recommendations in the field of the rights of the detainees. To achieve this, a mechanism will be created in order to reduce the discriminatory treatment against detainees and to encourage a tolerant behavior towards this target group.
The main target group of the project consists of 136 police officers employed by the Iași penitentiary, who work in various areas such as education, health, employment, social services, etc, while 646 detainees of the Iasi Penitentiary will also receive services under the project (as a final target group).
The following activities will be carried out through the project: training of penitentiary staff in the field of human rights (more specifically, in the field of equal opportunities, social and civic competences as well as the legal protection of human rights), establishing strategic partnerships with relevant actors in the field of human rights in order to enhance the implementation of Council of Europe standards on the rights of the detainees, developing a functional mechanism for mutual consultation between the relevant authorities and detainees and setting setting up and implementing new working procedures in the Iași penitentiary regarding the food supply, the right to work, information and health.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the pressing issue of inadequate protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly incarcerated individuals at Iași Penitentiary. The need for this intervention stemmed from identified systemic deficiencies highlighted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), and the Romanian Ombudsman. These deficiencies included prison overcrowding, poor hygiene conditions, inadequate nutrition, lack of access to medical services, limited recreational activities, and inappropriate treatment by penitentiary staff. The project''s core objective aligned with the broader goal of improving the implementation of ECHR rulings and recommendations from other Council of Europe bodies. It directly supported the execution of Romania’s 2020-2025 Action Plan following the pilot judgment in *Rezmives and Others v. Romania*, as well as related rulings in the *Bragadireanu* case group.
The project significantly contributed to Romania’s efforts to align its penitentiary system with European human rights standards. The sustainable change envisioned involved institutionalizing improved food services, staff training, rehabilitation programs, and information access mechanisms. This approach ensured long-term improvements in prison conditions and enhanced the reintegration potential of formerly incarcerated individuals.
The project aimed to strengthen institutional capacity within the judicial system and improve the implementation of European Council human rights standards at Iași Penitentiary, with a broader impact on Romanian penitentiaries. It focused on reducing discriminatory treatment of detainees and encouraging tolerant, non-discriminatory behavior among 136 penitentiary staff members through three non-formal training programs. Training topics included social and civic competencies, equality, legal protection of human rights, and European human rights law. These efforts aimed to improve staff awareness and correct attitudes contributing to inappropriate behavior toward inmates.
To foster better communication, the project created a functional consultation mechanism between authorities and detainees at Iași Penitentiary. Several consultative events were organized to assess detainees'' needs, leading to the development of a guide on intervention measures to address these issues. Additionally, the project worked to improve the procedures that ensure detainees'' rights to food, work, information, and healthcare by modernizing the penitentiary''s infrastructure and offering detainees skill development programs aimed at reintegration into the labor market.
A major focus was the improvement of inmates'' right to adequate nutrition and healthcare. The project introduced new procedures for healthcare and food preparation, portioning, packaging, and distribution. This included modernizing and equipping the penitentiary’s medical and food service facilities to ensure better healthcare services and hygiene and fair access to meals.
Another critical component was enhancing detainees’ access to meaningful activities and information. The project established new work procedures to support inmates'' right to employment and vocational training in high-demand fields. This measure not only increased time spent outside of cells but also boosted post-detention reintegration prospects. Additionally, the project improved access to information through five interactive kiosks, providing detainees with knowledge on their rights, legal status, and available rehabilitation programs.
Overall, 1123 individuals belonging to vulnerable groups (persons deprived of liberty) benefited from anti-discrimination measures or human rights measures that were piloted/tested and 136 penitentiary staff members benefited from non-formal training programs on social and civic competencies, equality, legal protection of human rights, and European human rights law.
The project also focused on raising awareness about human rights, particularly the rights of detainees. A public campaign was organized, reaching 600 individuals, to reduce stereotypes and prejudices about prisoners. Strategic partnerships were established with relevant human rights organizations, and consultative meetings were held to identify solutions for integrating measures that address social exclusion and recidivism.
Furthermore, the project developed a practical guide to support the implementation of Council of Europe recommendations. This guide, which outlines the steps to guarantee and respect human rights, is intended for use in 44 penitentiaries across Romania.
As a result, the project led to improved institutional practices, enhanced awareness of human rights among both detainees and staff, and the establishment of lasting partnerships for ongoing human rights promotion in Romania’s penitentiary system.
The project made significant contributions to improving the protection of human rights, particularly for incarcerated individuals at Iași Penitentiary, a vulnerable group identified as being at risk of discrimination and mistreatment. The project directly addressed systemic deficiencies that had been highlighted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), and the Romanian Ombudsman. These included overcrowding, poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, lack of access to medical services, limited recreational activities, and inappropriate treatment by penitentiary staff.
The project aimed to align Romania’s penitentiary system with European human rights standards and improve the implementation of ECHR rulings. By supporting the Action Plan stemming from Romania’s 2020-2025 initiative, the project contributed to addressing the violations identified in key cases, such as Rezmives and Others v. Romania and Bragadireanu. This broader objective aimed at sustainable change through the institutionalization of improvements in food services, staff training, rehabilitation programs, and access to information, which in turn would lead to long-term improvements in prison conditions and better reintegration outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.
The project made a direct impact on 136 penitentiary staff members, improving their awareness of human rights and encouraging non-discriminatory behavior through three non-formal training programs. These programs focused on social competencies, legal protection of human rights, and European human rights law. The training helped correct staff attitudes and behaviors that contributed to inappropriate treatment of detainees.
Additionally, a functional consultation mechanism was created between authorities and detainees, leading to the development of a guide on intervention measures to improve detainees'' rights. The project also contributed to improving detainees’ rights to food, work, healthcare, and access to information. This was achieved through the modernization of food service and medical facilities and the introduction of skill development programs for detainees, aimed at improving their post-detention reintegration prospects. The introduction of five interactive kiosks for detainees helped to improve access to information about their rights, legal status, and available rehabilitation programs. This increased detainees'' autonomy and engagement with the justice system.
Ultimately, the project led to improved institutional practices, better awareness of human rights among detainees and staff, and the establishment of lasting partnerships that will continue to support human rights within Romania’s penitentiary system. These long-term impacts will help ensure the protection of human rights for those deprived of liberty, and contribute to a more humane and effective penal system.