Ewelina Dobrowolska: number of inmates in Lithuania dropped by 13% over 3 years
Minister of Justice Ewelina Dobrowolska takes part in the European Symposium on Detention Houses, an event hosted under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ms Dobrowolska, the Ministers of Justice of the Czech Republic and Belgium, as well as the heads of punishment enforcement systems from Norway and Ireland took part in the panel discussion of the Symposium where the countries shared their experiences in the development of small-scale detention facilities.
“Small-scale detention facilities, such as halfway houses, are the most successful model for serving sentences. Small groups create a productive environment for resocialisation, therefore, the resocialisation methods are more effective and help the person return to society faster. The experience we have already gained in Lithuania shows that eventually this ensures a reduction in re-offending. Statistics show that as many as 90% of convicted persons who serve their sentences in halfway houses in Lithuania have managed to integrate into society and have not returned to strict regime prisons,” emphasised Ms Dobrowolska during the discussion.
According to the Minister, research shows that small-scale detention facilities play a very important role – they contribute to more efficient management, administration, specialist attraction processes and to better results of reintegration into society.
“Since regaining independence, Lithuania has inherited an inefficient penal system – a high number of inmates and poor facilities. The implementation of reforms in several directions has led to a breakthrough in this area. Today, statistics show that the prison population in Lithuania has decreased by around 13% in the last 3 years. Currently, there are 161 inmates per 100,000 of inhabitants of Lithuania,” emphasised the Minister of Justice.
The Minister noted during this event that the constant efforts of our country are directed towards improving the punishment enforcement system, giving priority to the rehabilitation and productive reintegration of convicted persons into society. This is being done through the use of new and innovative measures, cooperation with social partners and the development of the network of halfway houses.
The European Symposium on Detention Houses was held in Brussels.
Last updated: 29-05-2024