Prishtinë, August 26, 2019 – the given Report refers to the visit of by National Preventive Mechanism of Torture (NPMT) to the Educational-Correctional Center in Lipjan, which took place on July 2, 2019. The purpose of this visit was to oversee and conduct a general assessment of the respect of human rights of juveniles accommodated in the Educational-Correctional Center in Lipjan (ECCL), rights guaranteed by Juvenile Justice Code, by the Constitution of Republic of Kosovo, applicable Laws in the Republic of Kosovo as well as with international standards on protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty; as well as implementation of NPMT recommendations, which has been addressed to responsible authorities through Recommendation Report, published on September 7, 2018.

During the visit made by NPMT to the ECCL, the staff of this center provided the monitoring team with full cooperation. NPMT conducted in-person and group interviews with a significant number of juveniles and admitted no allegations of physical ill-treatment or excessive use of physical force exercised by correctional officers.

As per accommodation conditions, the NPMT has observed that in general accommodation conditions in the ECCL go beyond minimum standards and reach the level of desirable standards for accommodation of juveniles with educational measure.

During the visit to the ECCL, juveniles disclosed their dissatisfied related to the quality and quantity of food. The Director is aware of these dissatisfactions and intends to improve the quality of food when the kitchen in ECCL becomes functional. According to the Management, works on kitchen renovations are at the final stage.

As per the regime, NPMT was notified by the juveniles that they can move freely within premises of the ECCL and are entitled to at least 3 hours walk.  Educational-Correctional Center in Lipjan owns Information Technology room which contains computers, a library which possesses several various titles and novels, printing cabinet equipped also with appropriate printing technology for t-shirts and cups printing. Nevertheless, it is disappointing that apart the room of Information Technology and that of hairdressing, other rooms dedicated for conducting various activities are not used, due to the lack of trainers.

As per maintaining contracts with outside world, based on juveniles and management’s claims they are allowed to have a visit during the week and an additional one if they submit a request to the Director of ECCL. Apart this, on their disposal are phones as well, for which the sim cards are provided by the ECCL.

During the visit conducted, the NPMT did not receive any complaints from juveniles regarding the medical services provided at ECCL.

Through this Report with Recommendations, the Ombudsperson recommends the Ministry of Justice that juveniles get enough and appropriate amount of food in accordance with calories required for juveniles’ growth and development, to functionalize rooms dedicated to different activities which are still out of function;  and to engage skilled trainers for work in these rooms dedicated to different activities.

Complete Report with Recommendations can be found here: LINK