Solitary confinement and rehabilitation
(Rules 23 and 42, Chapters 5 and 7)
In recent years, the Ministry of Justice in Estonia has taken steps, including the preparation of a Draft Act, to reduce the maximum length of disciplinary solitary confinement and remove the ban on visitors during disciplinary punishments or while staying in the reception unit. These changes have been prompted by court cases and recommendations from the National Prevention Mechanism (NPM), leading to a shift in judges’ approach regarding consecutive punishments, health assessments in solitary confinement, and the extension of isolated locked cell imposition.
In addition, improvements have been made in the treatment of mothers in the mother-child unit. Previously, they were excluded from rehabilitative programmes and recreational activities, solely responsible for caring for their children round the clock. However, based on NPM recommendations highlighting the negative impact of isolation on both mothers and children, children in the mother-child unit are now able to attend regular kindergartens outside the prison. This allows mothers to be more actively engaged in meaningful activities such as work or studies, reducing the need for disciplinary measures.
For more information see Estonia: Addressing the risks of solitary confinement.