Celebrating 5 Years of Progress: Mini-Football Tournament Marks Milestone for Probation
Department in Kyrgyzstan
Probation plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by offering individuals an opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society under supervision, rather than serving time in prison. Sports, such as football, serve as powerful tools to foster interaction in a positive and non-judgmental environment.
Most importantly, the probation system plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of reoffending, which imposes significant costs on society, communities, families, and individuals. Individuals who experience incarceration often face limited opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society, which increases the likelihood of returning to criminal behavior. By providing structured support and guidance, probation helps individuals transition more effectively, reducing the chances of recidivism and fostering healthier, safer communities.
The Probation system in the Kyrgyz Republic has expanded its client base from 17 797 in 2020 to 22 328 in 2023 according to the Analysis of the Judicial Sentences in the Kyrgyz Republic for the period from 2020 to 2023 (LINK). This growth is seen as having a positive impact on reducing reoffending rates.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, the EU/UNODC initiative “Support to Justice Sector Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic: Advancing Probation and Integrated Justice Information Management” (JUST4ALL) organized a mini-football tournament. This event was held to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Probation Department in Kyrgyzstan and featured teams composed of probation clients as well as officials from the Ministry of Justice and its various departments.
“The reoffending rate of those under probation is 1.58%, well below the internationally acceptable level of 7%”, says Mr. Ayaz Baetov, the Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic. “The most important achievement of probation is that those who have committed non-serious offences do not serve their time in prison”. At the tournament, Minister Baetov expressed his delight in using the event as a platform to unite all departments of the Ministry to discuss future plans.
Probation serves as a catalyst for positive change in people's lives. To maintain a low reoffending rate, it is essential to strengthen the skills of professional staff. The JUST4ALL initiative has supported the development of a comprehensive training program for the Probation Department, enabling staff from the Psychological, Educational, and Methodological Units to successfully complete Training of Trainers (TOT) courses. In 2024, they further educated over 27 probation officers from all seven oblasts of Kyrgyzstan to enhance their work with probation clients in the field. This program has empowered trained staff to improve their understanding of conducting needs and risk assessments for probation clients, as well as providing deeper psychological and social support, which are crucial elements in the rehabilitation process.
In addition to capacity building, organizing similar events is vital for strengthening the motivation of probation officers, probation clients and conveying a positive image to the broader public. Beyond the excitement of competition, the tournament offered a platform for fostering connections, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the resilience and spirit of all participants.
“This type of competition is highly beneficial for us because it allows us to support partners not only during daily work but when they come together with other departments. It provides a great opportunity to build relationships, collaborate, and get to know one another better. What particularly interests us is that even probation clients participate, demonstrating that they are individuals we engage with, compete with, and have the chance to understand better”, outlines Mr. Cosimo Lamberti-Fossati, Programme Manager, European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic.
After the game, we approached Maksat, a probation client who, with his team, won third place and asked how he feels after the competition and if he believes the probation is a good thing.
“The emotions from the game are absolutely overwhelming!”, - he started. “I am pleased that everyone is equal on the field, and the game is fair. Our team took third place, and I think that this is a very good result, as our opponents were very strong. I spent a month in a pretrial detention center, and now I've been a probation client for six months. They helped me find a job, and the fact that I'm not in prison, but with my parents, is very rewarding”, emphasized Maksat.
JUST4ALL will continue to support the Probation Department across various areas to enhance its effectiveness and impact. This includes organizing similar events that not only promote the public image of probation but also strengthen cooperation and trust among stakeholders. By facilitating interactions among probation officers, clients, and the community, these initiatives aim to underscore the importance of rehabilitation and integration, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment for all involved.
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For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko, Communication Analyst at +996775987817 (WhatsApp)