A new human rights training initiative for prison staff in Romania has been officially launched, aiming to address key concerns raised by European institutions. The program is a joint effort by the Council of Europe and the Romanian Prison Administration.
The training is part of Romania’s response to several judgments from the European Court of Human Rights. These cases, which are under close monitoring by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, highlighted ongoing issues such as overcrowded prisons and limited access to medical care. Reports from the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), along with planned CPT visits in 2025, also influenced the development of the program.
The launch event took place at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași, Romania. Opening remarks were delivered by Liviu-George Maha, the university’s dean; Claudiu Silvian Românu, Director General of the Romanian Prison Administration; and Dan Costel Maloș, Director of the Iași Penitentiary. All three emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting the rights of detained individuals and providing quality training for prison staff.
Sebastian Mangrău, representing the Council of Europe’s Department for the Execution of Judgments, spoke about the legal context and stressed the need for ongoing cooperation to improve detention conditions and medical care, particularly psychiatric services.
Răzvan Horațiu Radu, a prosecutor and CPT member, introduced the work of the CPT and encouraged open dialogue with the Committee during monitoring visits. Beatrice Gabriela Ioan, a member of the Council of Europe’s human rights committee for biomedicine and health, and a forensic doctor, spoke about the role of medical professionals in decisions related to suspending or postponing prison sentences.
Participants were also introduced to the Council of Europe’s HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) e-learning platform, which hosts over 50 human rights courses. Two key HELP courses were highlighted: one on CPT standards and another on Mental Health and Human Rights.
Ioana Morar, Deputy General Director of the Romanian Prison Administration, and Răzvan Horațiu Radu will lead the CPT standards course. The mental health course will be guided by Alina Barbu, a legal expert and psychologist, and Gabriel Diaconu, a psychiatrist and advisor to the Ministry of Health. These tutors shared their experience and outlined the course content during the event.
Participants were registered or shown how to register for the online courses and are now set to begin their training. Upon completion, they will receive official HELP certificates from the Council of Europe.
The CPT standards course includes an introductory section and five themed modules covering areas such as police detention, prison conditions, immigration centers, psychiatric facilities, and social care homes. The mental health course aims to educate legal and healthcare professionals on human rights standards for individuals with mental health conditions. Developed in 2024 by the HELP Programme in partnership with the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Biomedicine and Health, it provides interactive lessons, knowledge tests, and practical exercises.
Both courses are offered in multiple languages and can be completed in 8 to 10 hours. Upon finishing, participants receive digital Statements of Accomplishment.
In the long run, these HELP courses are expected to become a permanent part of the training programs for national institutions in Council of Europe member states and beyond.
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