Prisoners’ Union Association · Lithuania · since 2019

Human dignity does not end at the prison gate

We defend the rights of people in prison and their families in Lithuania: we document and expose violations, help people turn to institutions and courts, and work for a prison system that respects human rights.

Report a violation Where to get help

Member of the European Prison Litigation Network (EPLN)
Represented on the Supervisory Board of the Prison System

2019: registered as an association
13 000+: members in our Facebook community
30+: organisations from 20 countries in the EPLN network
30: video testimonies and reports

How we help

Support where it is needed most

A person in prison is often left alone against the system. We help people understand their rights, document violations and turn to the bodies that can address them.

Report a violation

Violence, denied medical care, inhuman conditions or reprisals for complaints? Record the facts and tell us.

Report

Where to turn

Step by step: prison administration, Prison Service, Seimas Ombudspersons, prosecutors, courts and the ECHR.

Read the guide

For families

Visits, parcels, money transfers, staying in touch, and what to do if your relative is in danger.

Family guide

Documents and templates

Templates for requests and complaints, our appeals to the authorities and the replies received.

Download

Why it matters

Systemic problems require systemic solutions

Human rights violations are repeatedly reported in Lithuanian prisons: violence and degrading treatment, inadequate health care, poor living conditions, bureaucracy and reprisals against those who complain. These problems have become systemic.

The Prisoners’ Union brings together people affected by imprisonment – prisoners, former prisoners, their families, lawyers and activists. Together we share information, support each other and defend rights by lawful means.

We do not excuse crime. We defend what the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights guarantee to everyone: humane treatment, health care and a fair process.

About the association

Asociacija Kalinių Sąjunga (Prisoners’ Union Association) represents the interests of prisoners in Lithuania by fostering connections among people affected by imprisonment, facilitating information exchange and mutual and legal assistance, and engaging in discussions on laws, amendments and regulations affecting prisoners’ rights.

European Prison Litigation Network (EPLN), members and partners

Prisoners’ Union (Kalinių sąjunga) – EPLN member. Open the EPLN members list

International network

A member of EPLN

The Prisoners’ Union is a member of the European Prison Litigation Network, which brings together around 30 organisations from 20 European countries defending prisoners’ rights before national courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

Visit the EPLN website

News and statements