The United Nations Mission in Central Asia highly appreciated the implementation of the joint project in the Pavlodar region

A project is being implemented in the region to de-radicalize individuals for crimes of a terrorist and extremist nature.

The importance of returning people who have served their sentences as full-fledged members of society was discussed today at a meeting of Akim of the region Abylkair Skakov with a delegation of the regional representation in Central Asia of the United Nations Office. Akim of Pavlodar region cordially welcomed the foreign guests.

- First of all, I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to personally see the progress of our joint project, - said the akim of the region. – We have carried out work to improve the material and technical base of institutions, conditions of stay for convicts. We see positive developments in the further integration into society of persons who have served their sentences through retraining, employment.

In order to increase the useful employment of convicts, a format-cutting machine was purchased and installed in the furniture shop of the institution, which allowed those serving sentences to receive a larger volume of orders for the manufacture of furniture. Heating mains have been repaired in the AP – 162/3 facility, heated floor coverings have been installed in children's rooms and psychological relief rooms, and about 900 square meters of roof have been repaired.

Representatives of the foreign delegation highly appreciated the efforts of the regional authorities to further improve the conditions of stay for convicts. In particular, the Regional representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Central Asia, Ashita Mittal, noted that the results of the joint project are a very good example of international cooperation.

- We saw with our own eyes how things are, we visited the penitentiary institution, and saw with what indifference representatives of the prison administration work, - Ashita Mittal said.

Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan Kestutis Jankauskas and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Kazakhstan Andre Carstens also expressed satisfaction with the results of the project.

In conclusion, Abylkair Skakov once again stressed that the adaptation of former convicts is the task of not only the bodies of the penal enforcement system. Comprehensive cooperation of all authorized state bodies and non-governmental organizations can help in this complex issue. To do this, it is necessary to create conditions for their further employment and socialization, in general.