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EuroPris

NEWSLETTER | September 2023

Upcoming Events
Webinar on Human Rights in Prisons
This webinar scheduled for October 19 will address the crucial topic of promoting human rights and dignity within European prison systems. The event aims to foster practices in alignment with international conventions and rules, providing a platform for prison professionals, policymakers, and human rights experts to exchange insights. The webinar will focus on three key areas: LGBTIQ prisoners, solitary confinement, and human dignity. Through expert-led presentations and discussions, participants can enhance their understanding of international conventions and soft law rules, thereby improving prisoner rights and dignity. A recorded video will be available for those unable to attend the webinar. Registration is open for the webinar on the event page, click below.
Open event page
Keynote Speaker at PCVE Workshop: Steven Lenos
Steven Lenos will be the keynote speaker at the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons (PCVE) Workshop in Rome, Italy scheduled on 14-15 November. Since the start of the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), Steven Lenos has been part of the staff supporting the world’s biggest community of practitioners in the field of P/CVE as a RAN Practitioners Staff - expert and trainer. As an expert, he has been preparing and co-moderating working groups sessions, train-the-trainer programmes and other conferences to raise awareness on radicalisation. In this workshop, Steven Lenos will present "The most important lessons and insights from a decade of RAN PRISONS - the added value of a safe haven for a community of practitioners". Join us at this workshop to learn about the most important lessons and insights from over a decade of RAN Prisons meetings and much more. 
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Change of Date: Sustainability in Prisons Workshop
The Sustainability in Prisons Workshop is scheduled for September 2024 in York, England, and will address the pressing need for sustainable practices in European correctional facilities. Against the backdrop of energy crises and rising costs, the workshop will focus on eco-friendly goals and efficient prison systems. It offers a unique chance to explore sustainability within prisons and includes a visit to the UK's pioneering Net Zero Prison. Hosted by the UK Ministry of Justice, the event will bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights and innovative solutions for environmentally friendly prisons, providing attendees with practical tools and knowledge for implementation. A Call for Papers is open for those interested to present at this workshop. Click on the event page to read more.
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New: Human Rights Spotlight
We are delighted to announce the inauguration of a new segment dedicated to the dissemination of human rights conventions. In this section, we will systematically explore key topics of significance within prison environments, as identified by their relevance and importance. This section is made possible thanks to Dr. Roisin Mulgrew, an expert in international law and human rights as a lecturer at Galway University, who is also an expert at the EuroPris Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation group. Dr. Mulgrew will submit an item on human rights in prison for every EuroPris Newsletter, which will be available on the website. Read the first edition in the section below.
Transgender Prisoners
In this inaugural edition, we investigate the conventions concerning transgender prisoners. Transgender prisoners, who often encounter discrimination, are recognised as needing special protection by the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. Rule 4 within the 2010 Recommendation underscores the importance of safeguarding their safety and dignity, particularly against violence and abuse. Although specific guidelines are lacking, the Yogyakarta Principles, introduced in 2006 and expanded in 2017, outline critical state obligations for humane treatment during detention. Click on the button below to read the full article.
Read full article
EuroPris News
Carla Huisman reflects on 11 years with EuroPris
In 2012, Carla Huisman worked as a Financial Manager at the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) when discussions about forming a European Prison and Correctional Services Network (EuroPris) began. EuroPris started as a project led by the NHC, with Kirsten Hawlitschek as the project manager and Carla managing the finances. As EuroPris evolved into an official association, Kirsten became managing director, and Carla continued overseeing finances. Despite dedicating one day a week, she always felt like an essential part of the supportive team. She found satisfaction in the organisation's size, where every aspect related to the organisation has a direct impact on the finances. While not from a prison background, she enjoyed her role and valued the annual Annual General Meeting. Now, after 11 years, she's ready for new adventures.
Read full interview
Report: Learnings from the COVID-19 in prisons
At EuroPris we saw the importance of supporting the needs of our members during COVID and as a result of that, we created an exchange platform in 2020. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, EuroPris convened a working group of representatives from England and Wales, Catalonia, Spain, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, and Cyprus to share best practices and lessons learned in the event of a major health crisis. The working group has produced a report in which they analyse the positive interventions that have emerged during the pandemic, leading to improvements in prison services. Click the button below to view the report.
View report here
Report: Correctional Research Symposium
Research and Reflections on What Works
Helen Kosc, a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at the University of Oxford, has authored a comprehensive report summarizing the significant findings of the Corrections in Research Symposium 2023 that was organised by EuroPris and ICPA. This symposium, which brought together over 200 delegates from 43 countries, focused on the critical issue of improving the reintegration of released prisoners into society amidst a global prison population exceeding 11.7 million. The report highlights key themes, including Collaboration in Knowledge-Production, Democratisation of Knowledge, and Reintegration as a Human Process, which will guide future efforts in this important field. For a more detailed exploration, you can access the full report through the link below. 
Continue reading
Other News
UNODC: Data Matters Snapshots
The "Data Matters" series by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides easily digestible research briefs focused on crime, criminal justice, and drug-related issues. Its mission is to make UNODC data accessible to both policymakers and the general public in a timely manner. By emphasizing evidence-based insights, these briefs aim to shed light on critical topics such as prison overcrowding and the global progress in reducing violence. This snapshot offers a comprehensive view of global prison populations and trends. It is available in both English and Spanish, adhering to the series' commitment to data-driven communication. Click on the link below to view the reports in both languages.
Continue reading
Highlights from KMS
EuroPris receives queries from member countries every week, and in this section, we will highlight several Knowledge Management System (KMS) reports from the last months. Click on the link to view each KMS report:

Upcoming Events
17-18 October, Helsinki, Finland

19 October, Online

14-15 Rome, Italy

Technology in Corrections Conference (TIC)
22-23 April, Istanbul, Turkey

Innovative Prisons Infrastructure Conference (IPIC)
25-26 April, Istanbul, Turkey

Document Library
  1. Working Group on COVID report: Learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic in prisons - View report here
  2. Correctional Research Symposium (2023) - View summary report here
  3. Correctional Research Symposium (2023) - View presentations here
  4. Pre-Trial Detention Webinar (2023) - View videos and presentations here
  5. Children of Prisoners Implementation Guidance Report & Covid chapter (2022) - View report here
  6. Council of Europe Implementation Guidance - View page here
  7. Country factsheets on prison sentence execution - View here
Contacts
Linkedin  
European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services (EuroPris)

Bezuidenhoutseweg 20
2594 AV, The Hague
Netherlands


secretariat@europris.org