|
Basic role staff and representatives of
different sectors trained in Lezha pre-trial
detention
 14.04.2007
On
12-13 April 2007, in the premises of Lezha
pre-trial detention, Albanian Helsinki Committee
(AHC) organized the fourth working session[1]
focusing on three very significant issues
related to the good management of the
penitentiary institutions, namely the
appropriate treatment to vulnerable groups,
contacts with the outside world and the daily
program in Lezha pre-trial section. The targeted
group was basic role uniform staff of the
internal regime as well as representatives of
civil staff such as social workers/educators and
medical staff[2].
The experts Jan van den Brand and Cees Boeij,
both General Governors in the Dutch Prison
Service with a long relevant experience were
invited to provide this training. AHC was
represented by Mrs. Edlira Papavangjeli,
Programs’ Coordinator who moderated this
activity.
Participants were provided with knowledge on
different categories of vulnerable groups in
penitentiary institutions[3]
and their main behavioral characteristics.
Experts highlighted that vulnerable pre-trial
detainees should be identified, differentiated
and receive proper care, treatment and
protection in accordance with their
vulnerability. They should be screened upon
arrival and their development should be
monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. On
the other hand it is of great significance that
staff working with vulnerable prisoners should
be well selected, qualified and professionally
trained. This will enable staff identify
symptoms of vulnerability via personal contact.
The supportive network of family and friends of
pre-trail detainees is of importance as well in
providing the right treatment to these special
categories of pre-trial detainees. When these
vulnerable persons are of some considerable
number creating special sections will create
possibilities of providing special programs and
treatment to these persons.
 Pre-trail
detainees and prisoners have the right to
maintain contact with the outside world. They
shall be allowed to: communicate with lawyers,
family and friends through correspondence and
telephone calls, receive visits, keep themselves
informed of the news through radio, TV,
newspapers, prison libraries, benefit prison
leave, have contact with
volunteers/NGOs/religious representatives.
Experts explained the positive implications of
regular contacts with the outside world on the
pre-trial detainees, the overall climate of the
institutions and the staff. Prison authorities
are obliged to provide prisoners the opportunity
to participate in a daily program of activities.
These activities should be associative,
constructive and non-exploitive. The aim of
programs is to provide pre-trial-detainees with
opportunities to develop skills and aptitudes
that will improve their prospects of successful
resettlement after release. Basic programs
should consist of: education, vocational
training, work, social rehabilitation and
pre-release programs, recreational, religious
and cultural activities, sports etc. Experts
shared an example of a concrete daily program
which could be used for Lezha pre-trial
institution.
 Recommendations
to the GDP and Lezha pre-trial institution: 1.
Amendment should be made to the Lezha pre-trial
regulation with regard to the right to receive
visits, they should be extended to other persons
like friends of the pretrial detainee in
addition to the family members and relatives.
This will be in accordance with European Rules,
rule 24/1[4].2.
Staff should receive continuous training to
provide the appropriate treatment to vulnerable
persons. 3. The loss of contact with the outside
world should never be used as a punishment. If a
disciplinary offence relates to a visit, a next
visit may be received under restricted
conditions. 4. Pre-trial detainees should
receive as much as possible a program adapted to
their individual needs. Staff should assess
prisoners’ programs needs on a regular and
individual basis.
Prepared by,
Edlira Papavangjeli, Programs’ Coordinator
at the AHC.
[1]
This working session was realized in the
framework of the AHC’s project “A Human
Rights Approach to Pre-Detention
Management” financed by the Human
Rights and Democracy Fund, State
Department, USA.
[2]
This is part of the overall training
that AHC is realizing during 2006-2007
with the administration of the Lezha
pre-trial wing. The overall goal with
this activity is to make Lezha pre-trial
a model of good management of the
pre-trial system in Albania
[3]
Vulnerable as a result of age, gender,
nationality, language, religion,
political opinion, physical or mental
state, addiction, type of crime, type or
length of sentence.
[4]
According to which prisoners shall be
allowed to communicate as often as
possible by letters, telephone or other
forms of communication with their
families, other persons and
representatives of the outside
organizations and to receive visits from
these persons.
|
