The NPG Members of the Ombudsman conducted monitoring visit to Female Penitentiary Institution No. 4 under the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice

Within the framework of the activities of the National Preventive Mechanism of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, a thematic visit was conducted by the members of the Ombudsman's National Preventive Group at the Penitentiary Institution No. 4 of the Ministry of Justice's Penitentiary Service.

The purpose of the thematic visit was to investigate the conditions of detention of female prisoners, the state of cells, personal hygiene and sanitary conditions, the organization of medical and psychological services, and issues related to nutrition. Also, the implementation of the rights of female prisoners and measures taken for their well-being have been focused on. The inspection also covered matters concerning the social adaptation of individuals released from penitentiary institutions, the provisions provided to them, and the mechanisms for state-sponsored assistance and support for social adaptation as outlined in the “Law on social adaptation of individuals released from penitentiary institutions”.

100 female prisoners got gathered in the activities hall of the penitentiary institution, have been infomed of the abovementioned Law, its scope of application, and the most important measures implemented for the social adaptation of individuals released from penitentiary institutions, as outlined in the law, as well as the issues related to occupation, education and vocational training, medical, social, psychological services, and legal assistance, and housing. The significance of this awareness-raising presentation was emphasized.

At the end of the visit, female prisoners were met in private, during the meeting, their appeals were listened to, and they were informed about their rights and responsibilities stipulated in the legislation. Some of their problems were addressed on the spot, and information about the Ombudsman's 24/7 hotline, the 916 Call Center for Human Rights, was provided to them.