OSCE Centre holds course for prison staff in Kyrgyzstan on international standards and human rights

BISHKEK, 27 February 2009 - Employees of the Kyrgyz penitentiary system have learned about international prison standards and human rights during a three-week OSCE-supported course that ended with a closing ceremony today.

The 18 participants - newly recruited prison staff - learned about UN and EU standards on treatment of prisoners and the prevention of torture and inhuman treatment or punishment. The course also covered the balance between security and safety and social reintegration programmes.

"This training course is crucial for promoting security and human rights in the Kyrgyz penitentiary system," said Miroslaw Nowak, Penitentiary Reform Adviser at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. "We work together to maintain safety while also caring for human dignity according to international standards."

Representatives of the Justice Ministry, the Chief Penitentiary Department, non-governmental organizations and university professors lead sessions during the course.

The event is part of the OSCE Centre's programme on penitentiary reform.

The ceremony was held at the Training Centre for Probation and Prison Staff, which is supported by the OSCE Centre.