CAT/OP/CYP/1/Add.1
59.
As regards ventilation and natural light it should be noted that the windows in the
men and juveniles wing in Limassol Detention Center have been replaced with opening
windows that provide natural light and ventilation. As regards the female wing it should be
noted that a small opening window was installed in each cell that provides natural air.
60.
As regards the common toilets and showers, cleaning and disinfection of the
detention facilities takes place throughout the year. Lastly, every detainee is provided with
appropriate bedding and pillows upon arrival.
C.
Prison
General issues
61.
Every request for transfer of convicted foreign nationals to their home countries for
the completion of their sentence is immediately forwarded by the Prison Department to the
Ministry of Justice and Public for further action. The detainee is kept informed οn every
stage of the procedure.
62.
As regards Skype communications, Cyprus is of the very few countries in the world
that provides the opportunity for convicted foreign nationals to contact their relatives and
friends via Skype. It is an innovation for the prison industry not only at European level but
also internationally. Given that 48% of the prison population are foreign nationals the use
of Skype is deemed appropriate and is not counted against the allocation of ordinary visits.
Furthermore, 2-3 hour visits are provided on a daily basis for the days that relatives or
friends from abroad are in Cyprus. In addition, with regards to foreign nationals with
financial scarcity, financial support and telecards for phone booths are provided.
63.
Complaints/Requests are promptly considered and reasoned decisions are taken.
Fully reasoned responses are communicated to the detainees the soonest possible and no
later than one week. A system for receiving the registered complaints/requests has been
established, recording the nature of the complaint/request, the date of receipt, the date and
nature of the decision made, as well as the subsequent action taken.
Juvenile wing
64.
Physical education (PE) and sports have an important place in the range of
educational and recreational activities available in prisons. Physical Education includes
structured programs introduced and developed under the direction of qualified specialists
from the Cyprus Sports Organization. A gym is available to juveniles on a daily basis under
the supervision of a specialist. A soccer table, and other games are available within the
Juvenile wing.
65.
In addition, the Mental Health Services of the Prison Department engage juveniles in
rehabilitative programs, psycho-educational teams, and interventions tailored to the needs
of juveniles.
66.
Juveniles participate in several European and local projects as well as other
programs and workshops which require active involvement by them; all of the above target
exclusively young prisoners in order to strengthen their social and learning skills, so that
their reintegration into society is smoother and their relapse is avoided. Some of the
projects/programs/workshops/interventions for the period 2016-2017 are the following:
1.
Pebble (Prison Education Basic Skills Blended Learning): A European
program aimed at developing literacy, computer and math skills.
2.
Wide Wings Program: Experiential workshops offered by volunteer
postgraduate students of the University of Neapolis to young prisoners aimed at their
personal development and socialization.
3.
From New to New: a personal development program that ultimately aims at
preventing addiction behavior.
11
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