Training seminars for pre-trial detention facilities staff held in Kazakhstan
(OSCE)Morning prayer in a prison mosque in
Kazakhstan. (OSCE)
ALMATY, 29 May 2002 - Two seminars for the staff of pre-trial detention facilities of the southern and western regions of Kazakhstan were conducted between 20 and 26 May by the Pre-trial Detention Department of the Ministry of Interior, OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Kazakhstani International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. High-ranking prison officials from Sweden and Poland served as international experts. Representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Prosecutor's Office and the Investigation Department of the Ministry of Interior presented the staff of pre-trial detention facilities in Kysyl Orda and Aktobe the relevant legislation and Kazakhstan's experience.
The aim of the seminars was to acquaint the Heads of SIZO and IVS with international standards in the field of pre-trial detention and best practices of OSCE participating states. Attention focused on the conditions of detention, such as access to fresh air, enough light, facilities for sick detainees etc. as well as on the relations between detainees and the staff. Experts stressed that humane treatment of prisoners played a key role in maintaining security in places of detention.
"Give me a very modern high-security prison with badly educated staff and we will have an insecure prison." said Per Coliander, a former Director of the Swedish prison system. "Give me an old prison with out-dated security equipment and well-trained and motivated staff, I give you a secure prison." It was repeatedly underlined by all experts that pre-trial detention must meet adequate standards also because the suspect has not been convicted by an independent court - the presumption of innocence has to be respected.
The OSCE Centre in Almaty expresses its gratitude to the Ministry of Interior for its active co-operation. The Centre commends the reforms that have already taken place in the past and reiterate that Kazakhstan, in the field of penitentiary reform, has taken the lead in the post-Soviet region. The Centre looks forward to continuing joint projects.
The aim of the seminars was to acquaint the Heads of SIZO and IVS with international standards in the field of pre-trial detention and best practices of OSCE participating states. Attention focused on the conditions of detention, such as access to fresh air, enough light, facilities for sick detainees etc. as well as on the relations between detainees and the staff. Experts stressed that humane treatment of prisoners played a key role in maintaining security in places of detention.
"Give me a very modern high-security prison with badly educated staff and we will have an insecure prison." said Per Coliander, a former Director of the Swedish prison system. "Give me an old prison with out-dated security equipment and well-trained and motivated staff, I give you a secure prison." It was repeatedly underlined by all experts that pre-trial detention must meet adequate standards also because the suspect has not been convicted by an independent court - the presumption of innocence has to be respected.
The OSCE Centre in Almaty expresses its gratitude to the Ministry of Interior for its active co-operation. The Centre commends the reforms that have already taken place in the past and reiterate that Kazakhstan, in the field of penitentiary reform, has taken the lead in the post-Soviet region. The Centre looks forward to continuing joint projects.