Prison responsibility transfer ceremony from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Interior

1. MoI Assumed Responsibility of the Prison System and Introduced Positive Changes in Prison Conditions

2. After the Ministry of Interior assumed responsibility of the nation’s prison system, several positive changes have been made by MOI. Act 6 transferred responsibility of the Nation’s Prison System from MOJ to MoI effective on the 10th of December. MoI conducted the first prison conditions survey by an independent commission and took necessary corrective measures immediately. There are 34 provincial prisons, 15 prisons and 7 detention centers were recently constructed and 3 more are under construction. Immediately after the transfer of prisons responsibility to MoI, the MoI minister personally paid special attention toward improving prison conditions. One of his primary objectives was to hear prisoner’s complaints in person and took immediate corrective action on the primary complaints. Prison responsibility transfer ceremony from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Interior

3. Positive changes in conditions of prisons after responsibility transfer to MoI: In the last three months MoI minister traveled to 17 provinces resulting in several necessary improvements in prisoners’ living conditions. There were 15 prisons where authorities were changed to improve living conditions, including prisons in the provinces of Balkh, Jowzjan, Sar-i-pul, Baghlan, Uruzgan, Paktika, Farah, Kabul, Samangan, Bamyan, Kunar, Ghor, Ghazni, Takhar, Nimrooz, and MaidanWardak. As part of the improvements in living conditions for prisoners, 1,970 blankets, mattresses, pillows and bed sheets and 150 beds were distributed to various prisons across the country. In addition, 14 Ambulances and 5 generators were also supplied to several prisons with additional improvements are being made as quickly as possible. Subsistence for the prisoners is provided as per 24 hour calculation by the government, eliminating any shortages to the kitchens. Prison responsibility transfer ceremony from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Interior

4. Positive changes in conditions of prisons after responsibility transfer to MoI: The basic problem with prisons is non standard prison buildings, most prisons are in rented homes, which are not up to , standard, currently in 8 provinces prisoners are kept in rented prisons, 15 prisons in Kabul and other provinces are build by standards and are being used. Prisons are the last educational centers for prisoners after their release they serve the society, educational methods in the prisons are taught by the personnel and instructors which have attained professional education. Providing facilities for recreation and sports and establishment of library in the prisons so prisoners can benefit according to their wishes, religious teachings and literacy program are the plans which MoI is working on it. Right now MoI has facilitated these opportunities in some of the prisons. Further more different professions are taught to the prisoners by deputy industry of this directorate so that most of prisoners are able to learn a profession and work for growth of themselves and their country.

5. Positive changes in conditions of prisons after responsibility transfer to MoI: The basic problem with current prison facilities is there is no standardized design. Most prisons are in rented buildings which are below standard. In 8 provinces, prisoners are kept in rented non-standard prison facilities. The 15 prisons being used in Kabul and other provinces are built to standard. Prisons are also educational centers for prisoners to help them better integrate and serve society upon their release. The educational training within the prisons is taught by professionally educated instructors. MoI is currently working on a plan to provide recreation, sport and library facilities in the prisons to enable prisoners pursue educational training and religious teachings. MoI has already instituted these opportunities in some of the prisons. Additionally, a variety of professions are taught to the prisoners by the Deputy of Industry from MoI to ensure most of prisoners are able to learn a profession and work for the betterment of themselves and their country. The Interior Minister visits Kunar province prison.

6. Positive changes in conditions of prisons after responsibility transfer to MoI: General BismullahMohammadi and the MoI minister personally visited different provinces of the country regarding subsistence, security and prisoner living conditions. Part of their official visit included checking on prisoner complaints and then immediately directed the authorities to solve the prisoners’ valid complaints. Within these past two months, their efforts have brought excellent results and the prisoners are please with the accomplishments of MoI. MaidanWardak Prison

7. Interior’s minister official travel to Herat, Ghor, and Farah provinces From March 25 – 30, 2012

8. Inspection of prison condition and security: The Interior Minister with and a group of MoI’s high level officials have traveled to western zone of the country for the purpose of inspecting status of prison security, police training and reforms required for security transition. During their travels, the Interior Minister has visited Police Units, Military Training Centers and Prisons in Herat, Ghor, and Farah provinces. The Interior Minister investigated prison conditions and emphasized on upholding human rights in prison. The Interior Minister was satisfied with Herat and Farah province prisons and mentioned that the Ghor and Badghis province prisons still require improvements. The Interior Minister visited officials and representatives in Ghor, Herat and Farah provinces

9. Inspection of prison condition and security: During the five day inspection tour, the Interior Minister has fired, replaced, and prosecuted a number of police personnel who were found to be corrupt and who had abused their authority. The Interior Minister ordered additional funding and new equipment for prisons. The main objective of his travel was to investigate security condition, police abilities for security transition through 2014, organize and reform of police Tashkil and improve traffic systems within the Cities. .The Interior Minister visits officials and representatives at Pul-e-Charkhi and Ghor Prisons.

10. Inspection of prison condition and security: Termination of unqualified individuals and assignment of trained professions people in leadership positions is one of his priorities that Interior Minister emphasized during his travel. The Interior Minister visited with Governors, PHQ, West-Zone Commanders, Parliament members, provincial council members, ethic leaders and representatives from other agencies. The Minister tasked police personnel to improve cooperation with those officials and agencies. In turn these officials welcomed Gen. BesmellaMohammadi to west of the country and they believe that these visits would be very beneficial for the police moral. The Interior Minister visits ANCOP West-Zone.

11. Positive changes after prison oversight transition to MoI: Terminating of disqualified individuals and assignment of professional people in positions is one priorities that Interior Minister emphasized it during this travel. People and governmental agencies in these four province also supported this process. so for, a number of 70 police officials in this region were replaced. In turn these officials welcomed Gen. BesmellaMohammadi to west of the country and they believe that these visits could be very effective for the police moral The Interior Minister visits with Officials in Herat province.

12. Inspection of prison condition and security: The Interior Minister believes these visits and the subsequent changes in police personnel will improve police capabilities, eliminate corruption and with the assignment of professional experts in the leadership positions, people will trust their police. During this visit, the Interior Minister has also visited units from the 606 Ansar zone and other military units including NAN and NDS Centers. The Interior Minister admired a number of police officials including 606 zone and Herat NDS commanders and presented them with letters of appreciation. The Interior Minister visits Elders and Policemen in Herat province.