Croatia-Kyrgyzstan: Advancing Probation through Tailored Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Programs
As part of the National Programme for Penitentiary and Probation Sector Development for 2024-2028 and its associated Action Plan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) continues to provide technical assistance to the Government of Kyrgyzstan. The “Support to Justice Sector Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic: Advancing Probation and Integrated Justice Information Management (JUST4ALL)” initiative, co-funded by the European Union and UNODC, supports probation sector development by enhancing institutional capacities, professionalizing probation staff, and fostering cooperation between the criminal justice system and civil society.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kyrgyz Ministry of Justice and the Confederation of European Probation at the International Probation Forum in Bishkek (June 2024), Kyrgyzstan has emerged as a leading example of probation practices in Central Asia. The country remains dedicated to advancing international and European best practices, further reinforced by this study visit.
A Study Tour to Learn and Exchange Best Practices
On 13–17 January 2025, UNODC organized a study visit of Kyrgyzstan’s high-ranking officials, including representatives from the President’s Administration, Ministry of Justice, and Probation Department, to the Republic of Croatia, with an aim to facilitate exchange of experiences in the penitentiary and probation sectors.
The tour emphasized best practices in tailored rehabilitation and reintegration programs for probation clients, as well as interagency cooperation to reduce recidivism and facilitate societal reintegration.
During the visit, the delegation met with Croatian counterparts, including the State Secretary Vedrana Šimundža Nikolić and Zvonimir Penić, Director of the Directorate for the Prison System and Probation, and the Head of Probation Service, Mr. Goran Brkic. The delegation also toured various institutions, including:
- Zagreb Probation Offices I and II
- Bjelovar Probation Office
- County Court in Velika Gorica
These visits provided valuable insights into Croatia’s implementation of community sanctions, interagency collaboration, and offender supervision practices.
Croatia’s Probation Service: A Model for Professionalism
Croatia’s probation sector operates under the Prison System and Probation Directorate of the Ministry of Justice, comprising a Central Office and 15 regional branches. This specialized service plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by supervising offenders on conditional liberty, providing community support, and reducing recidivism risks in a cost-effective manner.
One of the highlights of the study tour was Croatia’s use of electronic monitoring, introduced under the project “Strengthening Human Rights Protection and Public Safety by Improving the Capacities of the Croatian Probation Service.” Funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, this project uses e-monitoring for parole and pre-trial home confinement. The Kyrgyz delegation noted the pros and cons of this approach, comparing it to Kyrgyzstan’s own pilot program initiated in 2024.
Rehabilitation Programs: A Structured Approach
The delegation studied Croatia’s rehabilitation programs, which are based on the Spanish model and run for 7–9 months. These include:
- “You Can Do It Differently”: A program targeting violent behavior, particularly domestic violence.
- “Step Towards Change”: A behavioral modification program addressing various forms of violence.
- “Mirror”: A program designed to address sexual violence.
Each program follows a structured process, comprising three phases: motivation, implementation, and follow-up. Key components include addressing conflict triggers, stress management, empathy development, and skills training.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Co-funded by the European Union and UNODC, JUST4ALL is a four-year initiative implemented in partnership with the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights. The project aims to humanize Kyrgyzstan’s criminal justice system and align it with international standards and European best practices.
This visit fostered mutual understanding and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration between Croatia and Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz delegation gained valuable insights that will support ongoing efforts to strengthen their probation system, ultimately contributing to a safer and more just society.
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For more information contact Vasilina Brazhko, Communications Analyst at EU/UNODC JUST4ALL project