As part of the mission of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, meetings were held in April 2022 with various actors in Cyprus, including Cyprus Prisons.
Following the completion of its programme of visits, the Working Group of Experts, in its preliminary observations on Cyprus, made a specific reference to the work carried out in the Prisons Department and in particular to the safeguards and guarantees during the detention of our detainees in Cyprus Prisons. In particular, the Working Group reported positively on the issues of immediate registration and recording of prisoners, supervision during their detention, notification and information of relatives and family members from the first moment the person is transferred to the Prison, the assistance of a defence lawyer of their choice, as well as the numerous opportunities for contact with the outside world provided to our prisoners.
Further, the Working Group commended the Department of Prisons for the training and education opportunities for Prison staff members in general, and in particular with respect to the implementation of the Istanbul and Minnesota Protocols.
The positive reports of the United Nations Team are further recognition and reward for the work carried out in the Prison Department and the changes it has undergone over the past eight years.
The positive comments included in the recent United States Human Rights Report are also recognition of the work of the Department of Corrections.
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