EU-funded project for 3 pre-trial detention centers, 3 prisons in Albania

TIRANA, Jan 25 – The European Union will spend euro15.5 million to help Albania build three new prisons and three detention centers.
On Friday, the European Commission office in Tirana said the grant would help ease overcrowding and poor conditions in Albanian jails.
The EU introduced the project entitled, “Design of Prisons and Pre-Trial Detention Centers” with plans for three new prisons in Fier, Gjirokast철and Shkod철and three new pre trial detention centers in Elbasan, Berat and Kuk쳮
The problems of overcrowding and poor living conditions in Albania’s prisons and pre-trial detention centers are consistently noted in various reports, including the European Commission’s Albania 2008 Progress Report. Strengthening the capacity of the Albanian penitentiary system, in accordance with EU and international standards, is one of the key aims of the European Commission’s cooperation with the Government of Albania.
The project addresses the recommendations identified in the “Master plan for the Albanian Pre-Trial Detention System” elaborated in 2004, also with EU assistance, by the Austrian Ministry of Justice, Slovakia’s General Directorate of Prison, and the Albanian Ministry of Justice and its General Directorate of Prisons.
The planned prisons and pre-trial detention centers meet the requirements of a modern penitentiary system and, in addition, foresee space for education, work, medical aid, recreation, cultural events and reintegration. Of note, the new designs lay the ground work for a new, more constructive atmosphere in prisons and pre-trial detention centers as inmates have the possibility to be employed in the prison operation and the maintenance of the facilities, including the kitchen, laundry, hospital, workshop, car washing, cleaning and other areas.
The head of the EC Delegation to Albania, Ambassador Helmuth Lohan, noted that “misconduct, mistreatment as well as inappropriate handling of conflicts in prisons are all reflected in a country’s general human rights record and standing. Prisons must not only serve temporary punitive purposes but should also prepare a safe return of prisoners to society. Therefore, respect for human rights is of extreme importance in the prison environment.”
Albania has 20 prisons and detention centers with a 4,166-person capacity but it is currently housing about 5,000 inmates.
Construction of the first two new prisons and a detention center will start this year.
The EU is the largest donor of aid to Albania, providing more than euro1.3 billion since 1991.