The Caretaker Deputy Minister of Justice Genc Nimoni participated in the roundtable discussion on “Prevention of torture through protection of mental health in correctional institutions”, organized by the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors, on the occasion of June 26 – International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Nimoni emphasized that this day serves as a reminder of the permanent obligation to protect human dignity, to prevent any form of inhuman and degrading treatment, as well as to guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of every person deprived of liberty in Kosovo.

He said that in recent years important steps were taken to strengthen the system through the creation of joint mechanisms between the Kosovo Correctional Service and the Prison Health Department, implementing the highest standards of the Council of Europe.

Deputy Minister Nimoni announced that the Council of Europe’s two-year project for the treatment of persons with mental health disorders is nearing completion. He also informed that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has allocated, at the Ministry of Justice’s request, a budget for the expansion of the Forensic Psychiatry Institute’s capacities, a project that is expected to be completed in the coming months.

He also highlighted the creation, with support of Ministry of Justice, of the Institution for the Treatment of Persons with Disabilities, operating as a separate ward within the Dubrava Correctional Center.

In conclusion, Deputy Minister Nimoni reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to advancing human rights standards and ensuring the dignified treatment of persons deprived of liberty.