✨This was the 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses, held on 21-22 April in Tirana, Albania.
Under the theme “Sustainability and Justice” the 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses brings together justice changemakers to confirm a shared commitment to building justice systems that are humane, inclusive, and sustainable.
The Symposium centres deprivation of liberty as part of Europe’s sustainability challenge, and calls for the implementation of detention houses as a sustainable replacement for large-scale prison institutions in Europe. Depriving someone of their liberty should always be a last resort. When it is necessary, deprivation of liberty happens in places that support responsibility, community connections, and personal growth.
Relive the moments and enjoy the ESDH26 aftermovie.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the European Symposium on Detention Houses 2026, and those (indirectly) involved. Let’s continue working together towards more inclusive, safe, and sustainable societies.
The 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses is co-organised with the FRAME project ‘Frame for Realising, Assessing and Monitoring Small-Scale Detention in Europe’. It is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.
