As part of efforts to expand international cooperation and exchange expertise in correctional work, a delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Interior participated in a specialized seminar in Madrid focused on risk assessment and crisis management in correctional institutions.
The seminar, hosted in coordination with the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), brought together specialists and experts in prison administration, institutional security and rehabilitation programs. Organizers said the event aimed to improve the efficiency of personnel working in correctional institutions and strengthen modern approaches to prison management.
According to a statement published on the Ministry of Interior’s official Telegram channel, the Syrian delegation was headed by Brig. Gen. Ziad Abu Ras, director-general of the Prisons and Correctional Institutions Administration, alongside several officers from the same department. The ministry said the participation reflects Syria’s commitment to developing institutional cooperation and strengthening professional expertise in correctional and penal work.
Modern Approaches to Prison Management
The seminar addressed several topics related to prison administration and emergency response. Discussions focused on mechanisms for assessing risks inside correctional institutions, methods for responding to crises and emergencies, and strategies to improve staff readiness and operational efficiency.
Participants also reviewed modern experiences and international practices in prison management, particularly in areas related to security and rehabilitation. Syrian officials said the event provided an opportunity to exchange expertise and examine approaches that could support the development of correctional institutions.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the seminar aligns with broader efforts to enhance personnel capabilities and strengthen scientific and institutional cooperation with regional and international partners.
Growing Focus on Correctional Risk Assessment
NAUSS said the three-day seminar comes amid increasing international attention to “correctional risk management.” The concept centers on evaluating the likelihood of incidents such as violence, escape attempts or radicalization inside prisons while developing preventive plans to manage potential crises.
The approach also includes strengthening emergency preparedness, improving staff training and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration programs aimed at reducing repeat offenses and facilitating community reintegration after release. Organizers highlighted the importance of proactive planning in correctional institutions, particularly as prison systems worldwide face growing challenges related to security, overcrowding and rehabilitation.
Continued Engagement in International Forums
Syria’s participation in the Madrid seminar follows previous involvement in international correctional events. Among them was the 27th Annual Conference of the International Corrections and Prisons Association, held in Turkey from Oct. 26 to 31, 2025, with participation from representatives of 85 countries and several international organizations.
The repeated participation of Syrian delegations in specialized conferences and seminars reflects continued engagement in international discussions on correctional policy, crisis management and rehabilitation programs. Officials say these exchanges allow institutions to benefit from evolving global experiences in prison administration and correctional reform as the sector continues to undergo significant changes worldwide.
