New horizons in Türkiye with ambitious project to be implemented by Penal Reform International and Civil Society in the Penal System Association

In February 2024, Penal Reform International (PRI) and local partner, Ceza İnfaz Sisteminde Sivil Toplum Derneği (Civil Society in the Penal System Association, CISST), embarked on a new project funded by the European Union to improve human rights in the in Türkiye’s Penitentiary System.

For the next four years, PRI and CISST will deliver an ambitious package of interventions to support change. This will include collaborating with and organizing civil society and justice stakeholders, boosting the capacity of the penitentiary, and providing legal assistance and other support to people in prison and their families across the country.

People detained in prisons, both in the capital and outside including in remote areas will be reached and groups who have specific needs such as children, young people and women will be offered support.

Collaborative and consultative approaches with civil society will ensure sustainable engagement of wider civil society in promoting human rights-based criminal justice reform.  For example, PRI and CISST will be working to increase involvement of CSOs and professional organisations such as the Bar Association in supporting penal reform so greater human rights protections can be afforded to people in prison.  The project will also challenge negative public prejudices to people in prison and harness societal support for their human rights.