From 28 September to 2 October 2026, UNICRI is hosting a specialized training course at the United Nations Campus in Turin for officers of the Prison Administration’s Operational Intervention Group (Gruppo Operativo di Intervento – GIO).
Strengthening the knowledge and skills needed to integrate national, European and international human rights standards into operational activities in prison settings is the objective of the Human Rights Training Course for the Operational Intervention Group (Gruppo Operativo di Intervento – GIO), taking place from 28 September to 2 October at UNICRI headquarters on the United Nations Campus in Turin.
Combining theoretical sessions, case studies, practical exercises and simulations, the programme has been developed around the specific needs of GIO officers, who may be called upon to manage complex and, in some cases, emergency situations within prisons.
Human rights in the prison context
In Italy, Law No. 354 of 1975 establishes that prison treatment must be based on respect for human dignity and the principle of humanity, while assigning prison staff a fundamental role in maintaining order and discipline.
Over the years, the challenges associated with different forms of crime, including organized crime and terrorism, have become increasingly complex. This has placed greater emphasis on the capacity to reconcile operational and security requirements with the protection of fundamental rights, while promoting conditions conducive to humane detention and social reintegration.
In parallel, the Prison Administration has encouraged reflection on ethical principles and professional values, recognizing their fundamental role in guiding the work of public officials who, as representatives of the State, interact with people deprived of their liberty.
The specialized training explores instruments and standards developed by the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Union, with a particular focus on their practical application in prison settings.
Key topics include international human rights standards and the positive obligations arising from them; the use of force and coercive measures in accordance with fundamental rights; the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment; the management of crises, emergencies and special operations; criminal liability; and strategies for de-escalation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
From principles to operational scenarios
A strong emphasis is placed on practical learning. Through case studies and simulations, participants apply the principles discussed during the course to situations encountered in prison settings, from interactions with people in detention during situations of heightened tension to the management of critical incidents.
Debriefing sessions following the exercises provide an opportunity to examine the decisions taken, consider their implications and discuss possible alternative operational approaches.
By bringing together different areas of expertise and professional experience, the programme provides legal, operational and institutional perspectives on the relationship between the protection of rights, security and the management of prison settings.
Trainers and experts
Marco Bertoluzzo, criminologist and trainer; University of Turin; Director, Alba, Langhe and Roero Social Assistance Consortium
Pietro Buffa, expert in prison administration and penitentiary systems; former Director General, Italian Prison Administration
Margherita Limoni, lawyer and human rights expert
Vincenzo Lo Cascio,, UNICRI Consultant, Prison Reform Programme
Giuseppina Maddaluno, UNICRI, Head training and advanced education programme
Duccio Carlo Mazarese, UNICRI, Head of the Prison Reform Programme
Alberto Perduca, magistrate; former Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Court of Turin and former Chief Public Prosecutor of Asti
Davide Petrini, Full Professor of Criminal Law, University of Turin; former Ombudsperson for the Rights of Detained Persons of the Municipality of Alessandria
Connecting knowledge and practice
Continuous training provides an important opportunity to consolidate and update professional skills and to bring different experiences and perspectives into dialogue. By creating space to reflect on and analyse concrete situations outside the pressures of day-to-day operations, training can help identify operational challenges, explore different approaches and further strengthen the capacity to reconcile security requirements with the protection of the rights and dignity of people in detention.
