HF III - Enhancing the protection of human rights of prisoners in Albania

Building upon the results achieved from the implementation of the first and the second phase of the “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, the Action “Enhancing the protection of human rights of prisoners in Albania” assists the authorities to further enhance prison reform and the protection of the human rights of prisoners and the persons detained in special institutions. It is implemented in close cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Justice (Directorate General for Prison Administration - DGPA), the Ministry of Health and other national stakeholders, including prominent civil society organisations active in the area of protection and promotion of human rights.
The Action will focus on achieving the following outcomes:

• The systematic application of newly gained knowledge and skills by prison staff improved healthcare provision to prisoners with mental health disorders and forensic patients;
• The process of rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners is further strengthened through the application of individual sentence plans and reintegration programmes;
• DGPA further strengthened their human resources practices and enhanced capacities for sustainable in-house training provision.

The key Conventions for this Action are the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), as well as the findings and the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

The duration of the project is set at 48 months, and it is expected to be completed by 31 December 2026, with an overall budget of 850,000 Euros.

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Back Albanian prison service to adopt trauma-informed therapy for women in prison

Nino LAPACHI

Modified 3 Months ago.

@ Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is helping the Albanian authorities to introduce trauma-informed therapy in Ali Demi prison – the only prison in the country for women offenders.

In this context, a two-day training on was held on 10-11 June 2024 in Tirana, at the premises of the Training Centre for Prison Staff. The training brought together Ali Demi psychologists and social staff, as well as representatives from the Directorate General of Prisons who in cooperation with prison staff will decide on the modalities of testing the programme in the following months.

The training covered key principles of trauma-informed practice and post-traumatic emotional recovery and growth in a prison environment, with a specific focus on women in prison. The participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical exercises which helped them better understand the related issues and enhance their knowledge on how to help their patients manage trauma triggers. This initiative represents a significant step in enabling prison staff to deliver rehabilitation programmes with a trauma-informed approach.

The training was conducted in the framework of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme ”Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye – Phase III”, and in particular Action on “Enhancing the protection of Human Rights of prisoners in Albania”.

Tirana, Albania 10-11 June 2024