Mental health in the correctional and rehabilitation centres is key to ensure the well-being of both inmates and staff.

EUPOL COPPS Penitentiary Advisers organised a follow-up workshop on mental health in Palestine’s Correction and Rehabilitation Centres (CRCs) on 1 September at the Mission’s premises in Ramallah.

The participants included representatives from the Correction and Rehabilitation Centre Department, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Bethlehem Mental Health Hospital, Independent Commission for Human Rights, UN Women and the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.

The workshop started with an overview of the legal framework and the role of institutions. The participants discussed challenges, best practices and opportunities to introduce innovative solutions.

They also discussed how to overcome problems such as lack of resources, personnel, and unclear roles while focusing on good practices and cooperation opportunities.

These include training CRC staff, exploring longer-term priorities such as mental health hospitals in the central and northern West Bank and stronger cooperation between relevant ministries.

The attendees agreed on further cooperation and a follow-up seminar in order to plan practical short- and long-term solutions to the problem.