During this session, the CPT adopted reports on recent visits to Czechia (April 2024), Denmark (May-June 2024), Ireland (May 2024), Latvia (May 2024) and Norway (May 2024). The reports will be communicated to the national authorities and published as soon as possible.[1]
The Committee held a fruitful exchange of views with Tomáš Boček, Vice-Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank, on the interactions between the two institutions. The CoE Development Bank plays a decisive role in several Council of Europe countries in financing the construction or refurbishment of detention facilities in line with CPT recommendations.
The Committee also heard about recent visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina (September 2024), Bulgaria (September 2024), France (September-October 2024), Romania (September-October 2024), the Netherlands (October 2024) and Slovenia (October 2024). The responses of countries to various visit reports were discussed, along with potential follow-up action such as high-level talks with senior government ministers.
The CPT also addressed ongoing and emerging challenges across Europe, and notably issues presented by the CPT Environment Rapporteurs regarding the impact of climate change on the living conditions of persons deprived of their liberty.
A dedicated refresher training session on enhancing interview techniques, a fundamental skill for carrying out monitoring visits in the field, was held for CPT members.
[1] In accordance with Article 11, paragraph 2, of the CPT Convention, visit reports and related Government responses are published only at the request of the authorities (on a case-by-case basis or through an “automatic publication procedure”).
