PRI has been working in the region since 2000. It currently manages programmes in Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania. Our regional office is in Romania.

Socio-political context

Following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of totalitarian regimes in Eastern Europe, countries in the region have undertaken major political, social and economic reforms as part of the transition to democracy and a market economy. The process has not been an easy one. Political and military conflicts, such as in the Balkans and Transnistria, have divided societies and allowed economic inequalities and corruption to proliferate. The growth in civil society organisations during the period, however, has played a significant role in voicing and defending the rights of vulnerable groups such as the Roma and abandoned children.

Countries involved in the European Union integration process, notably Romania and Bulgaria, have made significant efforts to meet European political and human rights standards.

Information on criminal justice system

Criminal justice reforms within the region have been undertaken in line with European standards and European Union accession requirements. New penal legislation is either in place or amendments to existing legislation are before parliament.

Legal and administrative safeguards have been introduced in the region to ensure the independence of the judiciary and human rights protections have improved following new legislation. Criminal justice reforms have been undertaken to support the implementation of community sanctions and measures, while policies and procedures have been developed to support vulnerable groups such as women, juveniles, the chronically ill, and the Roma. Prison and pre-trial conditions have also improved in some countries.

Penal reform challenges in the region

The attention given to meeting the European Union accession criteria has resulted in the lack of a clear vision towards penal reform. Internal political will to create an independent judiciary and fight corruption is weak. Judges are therefore vulnerable to political and economic influences.

In spite of major improvements in legislation and policy, there has been insufficient administrative capacity to enforce the provisions contained in the new legislation. Both financial and human resources to improve prison conditions and promote alternatives to detention are either inadequate or inefficiently managed.

Progress is still needed to reinforce the rule of law and protect the rights of vulnerable groups in the justice system. Prison overcrowding, the protection of vulnerable prisoners, and the limited use of alternatives to imprisonment are still challenges faced by many countries in the region.

How PRI is addressing these challenges

PRI is currently involved in projects aimed at improving health conditions for prisoners with mental health problems and tuberculosis, and ensuring the equal treatment of Roma people, institutionalised children and young people at risk of drug addiction within the justice system. Activities are primarily focused on supporting local NGOs in the delivery of small scale projects and providing training to local staff.

PRI works in the region to promote international and European human rights standards through the provision of training to magistrates, prison and probation staff. To reduce prison overcrowding and improve prison conditions, PRI also promotes the use of alternatives to detention. Pilot projects are currently being undertaken with local partners to support the reintegration of offenders from vulnerable groups following release from prison. Activities are assisted by the delivery of training, advocacy and awareness raising campaigns.

Our working methods draw on extensive consultation with key stakeholders in order to ensure the effectiveness and long-term viability of reform efforts. To this end, PRI works in partnership with prison administrations, local authorities, and NGOs. PRI also draws on the expertise of different countries wihtin the region that are facing or have faced similar challenges.

PRI resources and publications

Developing Alternatives for Juveniles in Romania (2002)
Romanian (3.3MB PDF Document)

Community Service in Romania (2002)
Romanian (379K PDF Document)

Discrimination against Roma in Criminal Justice and Prison Systems in Romania (2003)
English (3.6MB PDF Document)
Romanian (1.5MB PDF Document)