OSCE trains penitentiary staff on prisoners’ rights in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT, 27 September 2013 – Prison officials from across Turkmenistan discussed international legal standards for the treatment of prisoners at an OSCE-supported seminar that concluded in Ashgabat today.

The five-day event brought together 26 participants, including representatives from the penitentiary institutions, officials from the Interior Ministry, the General Prosecutor’s Office  and the National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan as well as teachers of the Interior Ministry’s Institute.

The course participants enhanced their knowledge of applicable international documents on the rights of prisoners, including the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1955 UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and European 2006 prison rules.

“In the call of duty, prison officials assume the responsibility for the life and security of inmates. Therefore, the staff of penitentiary institutions should regularly update and advance the knowledge necessary for performing their duties, including in the areas related to human rights and treatment of prisoners,” said Ambassador Ivo Petrov, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

The course addressed fundamental human rights of prisoners, including the right to life and the right to moral and physical integrity, health rights and the right to work and education. Two international experts presented the situation with prisons and prisoners in other OSCE participating States. Participants also exchanged views on applying human-rights oriented approach to the work of the penitentiary staff.

“This seminar is part of continued co-operation between the OSCE Centre and the Government of Turkmenistan on penitentiary issues developed over the past several years. The Centre is determined to enhance its support to further promote international human rights in the penitentiary system,” Petrov said.