Dutch Probation Service Representatives Visit Azerbaijan's Ministry of Justice

Top officials from the Probation Service of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Jochum Wildeman, Head of the International Department, and Raymond Swennenhuis, Policy Advisor, visited the Azerbaijani Ministry of Justice during their trip to the country.

The purpose of the visit was to examine recent Azerbaijani probation reforms, gain first-hand knowledge of the current practices, and offer support to enhance the country's probation activities, The Caspian Post reports citing AZERTAC.

During the meeting with Deputy Minister of Justice Mubariz Ahmadov, the parties discussed ways to advance cooperation in justice, specifically in probation, with a focus on reforms in the country's probation service.

Later, meetings were held with the Dutch experts at the Probation Service of Azerbaijan, the Academy of Justice, the Baku City Probation Department and the Sumgayit City Probation Department.

During the meetings, the Dutch experts highlighted the Netherlands' probation experience, including their continuous training programs and social-psychological support for probationers.

The parties emphasized that expanding international cooperation and experience exchange in probation with European countries is crucial for enhancing rehabilitation.

During the meetings, detailed information was provided about the admission of the Ministry's Probation Service to the European Probation Confederation last year, its achievements and innovative changes, its adaptation to global trends, and institutional and legislative measures.

The Dutch Probation Service (Reclassering Nederland), with its nearly two-century history since its 1823 founding, is a significant and influential institution in the global criminal justice landscape.