New training centre for prison staff opens in Bishkek with OSCE Centre support
BISHKEK. 18 November 2010 - Head of National Penitentiary Service Sheishenbek Baizakov and the OSCE Head of Centre in Bishkek, Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, today opened a new OSCE-supported prison staff training centre.
The new training centre features conference rooms, a computer centre and a library stocked with recent books and publications. The fully equipped, modern building will allow the National Penitentiary Service to organize regular and effective training for prison staff from all parts of Kyrgyzstan.
"This new facility is part of the OSCE Centre's support to the reform of the penal system, which aims to improve both human rights and security measures in the prisons. The opening of this training centre represents a major step in the reform process," Tesoriere said.
Sheishenbek Baizakov, the Head of National Penitentiary Service (GSIN), added: "The OSCE Centre provides know-how and resources that contribute to the sustainability of the reform process and help strengthen the Kyrgyz Penitentiary System's independence and capacity to develop."
In addition, the OSCE Centre donated five vehicles, including a minibus equipped as ambulance by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The support for the training centre forms part of OSCE Centre's Programme on Prison Reform.