SUPPORT TO PRISON REFORM IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC


Project financed by the EU, USA and Sweden	Project implemented by UNODC

Facts & Figures

Objective:	To assist the Kyrgyz Government to reform its penitentiary system
Duration:	December 2009 - June 2013
Budget:	€ 2,777,777
Funded by:	European Union (€ 2,500,000), Sweden (€ 140,000), United States of America ($67,800)
Partners:	State Service for the Execution of Punishments under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic
Executing agency:	United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Programme Office in Kyrgyzstan
Project documents:	Project Description (PDF) / Logical Framework (PDF) / Activity Calendar
Key publications:	The Prison System of the Kyrgyz Republic - Facts & Figures (PDF)

Project News

OPEN-TYPE PRISON STARTS BARBED WIRE PRODUCTION

The Kyrgyz Prison Service has launched a new production site at open-type prison No. 48 in the village of Moldovanovka. Based on a business plan approved by the Expert Group on prison income generating activities within the framework of the EU/UNODC project "Support to Prison Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic", the production of barbed wire has started at this prison employing 7 offenders. On 12 April 2013, the new facility was officially opened. On this occasion, the EU/UNODC project provided the Prison Service with a delivery van worth 699,266 Kyrgyz Som to facilitate further business development in this open-type prison.

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EU/UNODC PRISON REFORM PROJECT PROVIDES MIA ACADEMY AND AGENCY FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING WITH PUBLICATIONS AND STATIONARY

On 11 April 2013, the EU/UNODC project "Support to Prison Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic" handed over a total of 420 copies of 9 different publications to the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The publications include global UNODC handbooks on prison management, copies of the National Penal Reform Strategy 2012-2016 and analytical reports on penal legislation, prison staff training, development of prison income generating activities and improvement of prison conditions. The publications will be used by the Academy's Department on Prison Studies, which prepares new recruits for service in the penitentiary system. In parallel, the Agency for Vocational Training under the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment received 300 notebooks and 300 pens for use in prison schools.

COORDINATION COUNCIL DISCUSSES HEALTH CARE AND REFORM OF OPEN TYPE PRISONS

On 28 March 2013, the Coordination Council on Prison Reform gathered for its first meeting of the year. Main topics for discussion were the provision of health care in Kyrgyzstan's prisons and the situation in open-type prisons.

Media coverage (Russian)

KYRGYZ DRUG CONTROL AND PRISON SERVICES START IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT STAFF TRAINING PLAN

In March 2013, the State Service on Drug Control and the State Service on Execution of Punishments approved a joint staff training plan with a schedule for the organisation of at least 7 training courses for a total of 150 prison and drug control staff. On 28 and 29 March 2013, the two first training sessions were held for prison staff on controlled drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. 20 prison officers with responsibility for intelligence gathering and 20 officers with responsibility for maintaining order in prisons were trained at the Prison Service's Training Centre by experts from the State Service on Drug Control.

EU/UNODC PRISON REFORM PROJECT COMPLETES PRISON REFURBISHMENT

The EU/UNODC project 'Support to Prison Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic' has completed the reconstruction and renovation of bath and laundry facilities in four Kyrgyz prisons. Following handover ceremonies in prison No. 1., 16, and 47 in December 2012, the renovated bath and laundry facility in Prison No. 8 was opened on 20 March 2013.

Media coverage (Russian)

Upcoming Events

EU/UNODC PRISON REFORM PROJECT TO HOLD FINAL CONFERENCE - 22 AND 23 MAY 2013 NEW

On 22 and 23 May 2013, the final conference of the EU/UNODC project 'Support to Prison Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic' will take place. The aim of the conference will be to inform government, international and national stakeholders about project achievements and to formulate recommendations on follow up actions needed to sustain and institutionalize the outcomes of the project.

Media Coverage and Outreach

A coordinated approach to tackling the drug situation in Kyrgyz prisons

Article published by: UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (April 2013)

Strengthening criminal justice systems across the world

Article published by: UNODC (January 2013)

Sanitary conditions improved for nearly 3,000 prisoners in the Kyrgyz Republic

Article published by: UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia ("Milestones" Newsletter, October - December 2012)

Background Information