Vastus pöördumisele

Suur-Ameerika 1 / 10122 Tallinn / +372 620 8100 / [email protected]/ www.justdigi.ee Registrikood 70000898

Märge tehtud: Kehtib kuni:

Alus: Teabevaldaja: Justiits- ja Digiministeerium*/

Children of Prisoners Europe [email protected] Dear Ms Ayre, Thank you for your letter and for the continued constructive cooperation in promoting the rights and wellbeing of children with a parent in custody. We highly value COPE’s contribution to raising awareness and advancing practical solutions both in Estonia and across Europe. We would like to reaffirm that maintaining contact between children and their parents is of great importance to us, and we are fully aware of its impact on a child’s wellbeing and development. We recognise that maintaining meaningful contact with close relatives is essential for the wellbeing and rehabilitation of persons in custody, and this is an issue to which we pay close attention in Estonia. With regard to the questions raised in your letter concerning the possible transfer of individuals from Swedish prisons to Estonia, we would like to clarify that, under the agreement between Estonia and Sweden, the selection of individuals for transfer takes into account, among other factors, their family ties. In practice, this means that, as a general rule, individuals with close family relationships, for whom regular in-person contact is particularly important, are not foreseen to be transferred to Estonia. Swedish authorities pay careful attention to these considerations, including the nature and strength of the parent-child relationship. In the event that, in individual cases, persons are nevertheless placed in Estonia, their rights and conditions, including arrangements for family visits, are governed by the bilateral agreement and Estonian legislation. This means that visits are organised in accordance with the Estonian legal framework. Estonia does not have a legal basis to establish special provisions or exceptions specifically for Swedish prisoners or their families. With regard to travel and accommodation costs for family members, these matters fall within the competence of Sweden. According to Swedish practice, such situations are addressed at the local level, where municipalities are responsible for ensuring that their residents receive the necessary assistance and financial support. This may include support related to maintaining a child’s contact with a parent in custody. At the same time, we would like to emphasise that both Estonian prisoners and those held in Estonia under this arrangement have access to communication through telephone and video channels. These means are intended to complement in-person visits and to support the maintenance of regular contact with family members, particularly where travel is difficult. We remain committed to ensuring balanced solutions that support the maintenance of family relationships for all persons held in Estonian prisons, including those transferred under international arrangements.

Teie 04.03.2026

Meie 06.04.2026 nr 7-2/1659

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Thank you once again for the constructive dialogue. Kind Regards (digitally signed) Karis Paumets advisor Karis Paumets [email protected]