Türkiye’s penal institutions, due to their location on active fault lines, face significant challenges in maintaining operational continuity and security during natural disasters. The General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses (CTE) has established specialized Search and Rescue Teams (CEKUT) to address these risks. The CEKUT model, first introduced in 2000, has proven essential in ensuring both institutional safety and national disaster response. The model was notably tested during the catastrophic earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş in 2023, where 21 CEKUT teams were deployed, rescuing victims and supporting the emergency management effort.
The presentation will provide an in-depth look at how the CEKUT teams’ swift response ensured the safety of correctional facilities, the relocation of over 10,000 inmates, and the provision of vital services such as shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support. By focusing on the strategies implemented during the 2023 earthquakes, this session will highlight the importance of institutional resilience in disaster management. Attendees will gain insights into how integrated organizational structures, interagency cooperation, and specialized training contribute to the effectiveness of correctional systems in crisis situations. The CEKUT model offers valuable lessons for disaster preparedness and resilience that can be applied to correctional facilities worldwide, making this session crucial for professionals in both the disaster management and penal system fields.
Moderated by Ezgi Çetintürk
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Enis Yavuz YILDIRIM
Judge, General Director, General Directorate of Prison and Detention Houses, MoJ, Türkiye
In 1968, Enis Yavuz Yıldırım was born in Elazığ. After completing his primary, secondary, and high school education in Elazığ, he graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law in 1990. Mr. Yıldırım started his career as a Judge in 1991 and served as a Judge, Public Prosecutor and Chief Public Prosecutor in different cities until 2013. Mr. Yıldırım carried out his role as the General Director of Prisons and Detention Houses between 2013 and 2017, and as the High Advisor of the Ministry of Justice between 2017 and 2022. Since 2022, Mr. Yıldırım has been performing his duty as the Director General of Prisons and Detention Houses.
Mr.Yıldırım gave lectures for judges and prosecutors at the Justice Academy and worked as a Criminal Justice System Trainer and Reconciliation Trainer within the scope of training activities. In addition to his educational activities, Mr. Yıldırım has participated in many national and international conferences, symposiums and seminars.
With his extensive knowledge and experience in the penal system, Mr.Yıldırım authored the book titled ‘The Method of Managing’ and contributed numerous leading articles within the scope of publications under Ministry of Justice such as Sesleniş Newspaper and Değer Magazine for many years. Mr. Yıldırım has also presented papers at various symposiums.
