A conference in frames of the project Advocating the Human Rights Oriented Prison Reform was held on December 10, 2012, organized by Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, Article 42 of the Constitution and with support of the following donor organizations: East West Management Institute (EWMI) G-PAC Program and USAID.
The Conference focused on the following topics: alternative monitoring mechanism, problems in the Code of Imprisonment of Georgia, mechanism for early release on parole, placement in penitentiary facilities, proposals to combat ill-treatment, etc.
The project aims at advocating for and organizing pubic discussions about necessary changes to be introduced in the Code of Imprisonment. Under the project auspices Article 42 will elaborate recommendations about new regulations in the Code of Imprisonment, as well as public service announcements about key gaps in the Code. Purpose of the PSAs is to encourage MPs and other officials involved in legal drafting to carry out necessary reforms in the penitentiary system.
The project will promote creation of fair and effective criminal justice system in Georgia, rehabilitation of prisoners, prepare them for release and allow them to lead productive lives. Further, it will improve protection of prisoners’ rights so that their condition in Georgian prisons and other freedom deprivation facilities corresponds to international standards.
To this end, GYLA and Article 42 of the Constitution will draw on their respective experience in advocacy for protection of prisoners rights at local and international level, participate and organize human rights oriented discussions on prison reform.
