Observatory on religious policies and religious assistance to prisoners or inmates

The Observatory on religious policies is a body dealing with the examination and in-depth analysis of non-Catholic religion practices in Italy. By availing itself of the collaboration provided by prefects – who also mediate between different interests in this matter – it aims at representing a reference point to find a solution on possible questions arising from the exercise of the right to religious freedom. 

The Observatory, among others, gathers opinions, proposals and suggestions from the Confessions, with the specific purpose of enhancing cooperative relations; over the time it has proved to be an excellent contact point on specific issues for which a broader knowledge of the matter and a particular attention to the sensitive nature of the issues were needed. 

Religious assistance to prisoners or inmates
The right to freedom of religion is also guaranteed when an individual is detained or confined to an institute for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention. The Italian legal system explicitly recognizes the importance of religion as a means of re-education and confirms the right for prisoners and inmates to be assisted, if requested, by the ministers of their religion and to celebrate rituals.