Who we are
Asociacija „Kalinių sąjunga“ (the Prisoners’ Union Association) is an independent, non-profit civil society organisation registered in Lithuania on 30 May 2019. It brings together the prisoners’ mutual aid organisation “Tikslas”, the association “Kalinys” and people affected by imprisonment.
Mission
We want Lithuania’s prison system to respect human dignity and rights, and people in prison and their families to have real means of defending them.
Deprivation of liberty is the punishment in itself. It does not remove the right to humane treatment, health care, family life and a fair process. When these rights are violated, it is not only the prisoner who suffers but also their family – and ultimately society, because a degrading system does not help people return to it.
What we do
- Collect and publish reports of violence, inhuman conditions, denied health care and other violations.
- Help people take action – advise on where to turn and help prepare requests, complaints and appeals.
- Propose legal changes, including to the internal rules of places of detention.
- Appeal to the authorities – the President, the Ministry of Justice and the courts – on systemic issues.
- Educate – legal information, video reports and public discussions.
- Build community – a place where prisoners’ families and former prisoners find information and support.
European Prison Litigation Network (EPLN)
The Prisoners’ Union is a member of the European Prison Litigation Network, which brings together around 30 NGOs and bar associations from 20 European countries to make prisoners’ fundamental rights effective before national courts and the European Court of Human Rights. In Lithuania, the network’s members are the Prisoners’ Union and the Human Rights Monitoring Institute.
Supervisory Board of the Prison System
In 2025 the Ministry of Justice established a Supervisory Board of the Prison System, composed of representatives of state institutions, the Seimas Ombudspersons’ Office, academia and civil society – including the Prisoners’ Union. The Board makes recommendations on improving the prison system: internal prison rules, probation and parole, employment of prisoners and reintegration.
Our principles
Dignity
Every person is entitled to humane treatment, regardless of what they have done.
Lawfulness
We act only by lawful means and encourage others to do the same.
Independence
We are not affiliated with any political party or public authority.
Responsibility
We publish facts, protect our sources and respect the presumption of innocence.
Get involved
We welcome lawyers able to advise or litigate pro bono, journalists and researchers, volunteers who can help with documents or translations, and everyone who cares about human rights. Write to us at kaliniusajunga@gmail.com.
You can also support the association financially.