Children in closed institutions across the world are vulnerable to violence from staff and peers.
During a three-year project in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, we aimed to reduce incidents of violence against children in detention, as well as reduce the use of solitary confinement, which can have severe adverse effects on mental health.
In Kazakhstan, we worked with the Working group on Reform of the Criminal Executive Code to provide technical assistance in drafting new legislation. This resulted in the reduction of the maximum period of solitary confinement for children from seven days to three. Children were also allowed to leave solitary confinement to participate in classes.
When I was initially appointed, the school had some major problems: children were breaking the furniture and the staff were not trained to deal with their behaviour. [Now] we have established good discipline to deal with difficult boys. We use democratic policies (e.g. class president) and provide rewards for good behaviour.
Director of a closed institution for children in Kazakhstan
Read our evaluation for this project
Children in closed institutions across the world are vulnerable to violence, both from their peers and from staff. PRI’s three-year project in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan aimed to reduce incidents of violence against children in detention, as well as reduce the use of solitary confinement – which can have severe and adverse effects on mental health.
In Kazakhstan, PRI was an active member of the Working Group on Reform of the Criminal Executive Code, providing technical assistance to the Group to help draft new legislation. This resulted in the maximum period of solitary confinement for children being reduced from seven to three days, with children allowed to leave solitary confinement to participate in classes; PRI continues to advocate in the region for the strict prohibition of solitary confinement for children. In Kyrgyzstan, a
pilot counselling programme in a juvenile correction facility for boys had positive results, and children demonstrated improved emotional and psychological well-being. Training for staff on child rights and the use of non-violent disciplinary measures was also held across the three countries.
