Open call for proposals: Small grants scheme to improve accountability in Türkiye’s penitentiary system

This project, funded by the European Union, aims to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Türkiye by strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to address accountability gaps and combat impunity. Led by Penal Reform International, the initiative focuses on improving conditions and treatment within the penitentiary system by enabling effective external monitoring and providing support to victims of human rights violations, including torture and ill-treatment.

The sub-granting program is designed to facilitate prison reform through civil society engagement, empowering local CSOs to undertake innovative initiatives supporting people in prison, particularly in reintegration efforts and legal aid education.

Eligibility and scope
This call for proposals is open to CSOs implementing projects that promote accountability and human rights in detention facilities. Eligible activities include:

Specific Objectives:

    1. Encourage local CSOs to enhance the rights and reintegration of individuals in prison.
    2. Focus on advocacy, legal aid education, and public awareness campaigns.
    3. Reach approximately 350 individuals in prison through these initiatives.

Eligible activities:

Projects and initiatives eligible for funding include:

  • Legal support: Tackling rights violations and addressing instances of torture in prisons.
  • Monitoring activities: Conducting prison visits, desk-based monitoring and producing analytical reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Advocacy campaigns: Implementing campaigns and lobbying for legal and policy reforms to improve prison conditions.
  • Educational initiatives: Offering workshops and training for people in prison and their families on their rights and reintegration processes.
  • Awareness-raising efforts: Publishing studies, organising events, and distributing informational materials to highlight prison issues.
  • Reintegration support: Facilitating social reintegration programmes and promoting cultural and artistic activities.
  • Access to justice services: Providing legal aid and advocacy for people in prison

Grant details

  • Grant amount: €5,000–€20,000
  • Project duration: 12–24 months
  • Deadline for concept note submissions: 15 February 2025

Application process
Applicants must submit a concept note outlining their proposed project. The subgranting agreement and concept note template can be accessed through the links below. All submissions should be sent to rightsinprison.tr@gmail.com by 15 February 2025.

Read the full application process in the document: Subgranting Announcement

⇒Download the Concept Note Template

This call for proposals seeks to empower CSOs, particularly in remote and underserved regions, to address accountability gaps and promote human rights protections within Türkiye’s penitentiary system.