OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports renovation of temporary detention facilities

BISHKEK, 18 February 2009 - Temporary detention facilities renovated by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek to meet human rights standards were presented today by representatives of the OSCE Centre and the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry.

The OSCE Centre installed heating and sewage systems as well as toilets, sinks and showers, enlarged cell windows and improved outdoor space for two detention facilities in the Chuy Province.

"These efforts are an important part of the OSCE Centre's work to promote human rights protection in detention facilities. Observance of human rights is an integral part of good detention facility management," said Miroslaw Nowak, Penitentiary Reform Adviser at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The OSCE Centre, the Interior Ministry and local non-governmental organizations have worked together to monitor and promote human rights in temporary detention facilities since 2006. On the request of the Interior Ministry, the Centre has helped renovate other facilities in Kyrgyzstan, including in Talas town, Kara-Buura, Naryn, Kochkor town, and At-Bashi village. The renovations were based on the results of civil society monitoring and recommendations from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights,

In partnership with civil society, the OSCE Centre in Bishkek is also planning Public Consultative Centres to provide qualified legal assistance and first aid to detainees.