VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has registered significant progress in its correctional system over the past 15 years, particularly in inmate support and rehabilitation services at the Corradino Correctional Facility, according to a senior Council of Europe official.
Hugh Chetwynd, Executive Secretary of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), made the remarks during a conference being held in Malta on correctional facilities across Europe.
For two days, Malta is hosting directors of correctional institutions and probation services from 46 Council of Europe member states to discuss challenges facing prison populations, including elderly inmates, women and foreign nationals.
Chetwynd said Malta has made substantial strides in modernising its correctional framework and strengthening rehabilitation programmes that help prisoners prepare for life after release.
He noted that the support currently provided at Corradino demonstrates “real improvement” and described Malta as a country that can offer valuable lessons and good practices to other European prison systems.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of investing in housing and employment opportunities for former inmates, warning that homelessness and unemployment increase the risk of reoffending.
Correctional Services Agency CEO Christopher Siegersma said Malta’s prisons continue to evolve through educational and social initiatives tailored to inmates’ needs. He noted that the Corradino facility houses around 750 prisoners, about half of whom are foreign nationals.
Siegersma added that growing awareness of vulnerable groups, including transgender women and foreign inmates facing cultural and communication barriers, has helped shape a more responsive correctional system.
He described the conference as an opportunity for member states to exchange best practices and further strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration efforts across Europe.
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