Penology in North Macedonia
North Macedonia's penological system is undergoing significant reforms aimed at addressing longstanding challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, corruption, and insufficient rehabilitation programs. While progress has been made, substantial work remains to align the system with international human rights standards and to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
ποΈ Institutional Overview
The Directorate for the Execution of Sanctions (DES) oversees the country's 12 penitentiary institutions. The largest facility, Idrizovo Prison, houses approximately 60% of the national prison population and has been the focal point of numerous reports highlighting severe overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and systemic corruption among staff .(Portal, Portal)
β οΈ Key Challenges
1. Overcrowding and Inhumane Conditions
Idrizovo Prison exemplifies the systemic issues within the penitentiary system. Cells designed for fewer inmates often accommodate up to 16 individuals, leading to unsanitary conditions, inadequate access to healthcare, and insufficient educational and rehabilitative services .(ecoi.net)
2. Corruption and Mismanagement
Reports from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights have documented widespread corruption, favoritism, and lack of accountability among prison staff. These issues undermine the effectiveness of the penitentiary system and hinder efforts to improve conditions and rehabilitation programs .
3. Insufficient Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services
Many prisons lack adequate healthcare facilities and trained medical personnel. Only five of the country's 11 prisons employ a full-time doctor, and access to mental health services is limited. Rehabilitation programs, including education and vocational training, are often insufficient or absent, particularly for juveniles and female inmates .(ecoi.net, ecoi.net)
β Reform Initiatives
1. National Strategy for the Development of the Penitentiary System (2021β2025)
Adopted in 2022, this strategy outlines 12 strategic goals, including:(ΠΠ΅Π΄ΠΈΡΠΌΡΠΊΠ° ΠΈΠ½ΡΠΎΡΠΌΠ°ΡΠΈΠ²Π½Π° Π°Π³Π΅Π½ΡΠΈΡΠ°)
Improving material conditions within penitentiary institutions.(Portal)
Strengthening management and monitoring capacities.(ΠΠ΅Π΄ΠΈΡΠΌΡΠΊΠ° ΠΈΠ½ΡΠΎΡΠΌΠ°ΡΠΈΠ²Π½Π° Π°Π³Π΅Π½ΡΠΈΡΠ°)
Enhancing the process of resocialization and reintegration of convicts.(ΠΠ΅Π΄ΠΈΡΠΌΡΠΊΠ° ΠΈΠ½ΡΠΎΡΠΌΠ°ΡΠΈΠ²Π½Π° Π°Π³Π΅Π½ΡΠΈΡΠ°)
Improving the treatment of children at juvenile detention centers.(ΠΠ΅Π΄ΠΈΡΠΌΡΠΊΠ° ΠΈΠ½ΡΠΎΡΠΌΠ°ΡΠΈΠ²Π½Π° Π°Π³Π΅Π½ΡΠΈΡΠ°)
Ensuring health protection and education of convicts.(ΠΠ΅Π΄ΠΈΡΠΌΡΠΊΠ° ΠΈΠ½ΡΠΎΡΠΌΠ°ΡΠΈΠ²Π½Π° Π°Π³Π΅Π½ΡΠΈΡΠ°)
The strategy also emphasizes the need for post-prison care and corporate integrity .(ΠΠ΅Π΄ΠΈΡΠΌΡΠΊΠ° ΠΈΠ½ΡΠΎΡΠΌΠ°ΡΠΈΠ²Π½Π° Π°Π³Π΅Π½ΡΠΈΡΠ°)
2. Probation Service Development Strategy (2021β2025)
This strategy focuses on expanding non-custodial sentences such as probation, community service, and house arrest. The goal is to reduce prison overcrowding and promote the resocialization and reintegration of offenders. The probation service also plays a role in preparing risk assessments for accused persons during court proceedings .(Π₯Π΅Π»ΡΠΈΠ½ΡΠΊΠΈ ΠΊΠΎΠΌΠΈΡΠ΅Ρ Π·Π° ΡΠΎΠ²Π΅ΠΊΠΎΠ²ΠΈ ΠΏΡΠ°Π²Π°)
3. International Cooperation and Capacity Building
North Macedonia is collaborating with the European Union and the Council of Europe through the "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and TΓΌrkiye" program. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of the penitentiary system by improving healthcare services, enhancing staff training, and promoting external oversight mechanisms .(Portal)
π§ Conclusion
While North Macedonia has initiated several reforms to address the challenges within its penitentiary system, significant obstacles remain. Continued efforts are needed to improve material conditions, enhance healthcare and rehabilitation services, and eradicate corruption. The implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of the Penitentiary System and the Probation Service Development Strategy, along with international support, will be crucial in achieving a more humane and effective penal system.(Portal, Π₯Π΅Π»ΡΠΈΠ½ΡΠΊΠΈ ΠΊΠΎΠΌΠΈΡΠ΅Ρ Π·Π° ΡΠΎΠ²Π΅ΠΊΠΎΠ²ΠΈ ΠΏΡΠ°Π²Π°)
RELATED Blog
0 comments