PRISON CONDITIONS - THE GAMBIA The Gambia accepted at least four recommendations during the 2010 Universal Periodic Review relating to improving prison conditions and allowing access for independent organizations. Reports by human rights organizations however indicate that prison conditions have worsened since the 2010 review including high mortality rates, inadequate access to healthcare, and frequent denial of basic visitation rights. Independent organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and Amnesty International, are still denied access to prisons and detention centers in The Gambia to determine if they meet international standards. Overcrowding, lack of medical attention, inadequate food provision, and facilities which are not fit for purpose have resulted in a high death rate. Health conditions are very poor. The medical facilities in the central prison are under-resourced and the staff are poorly trained. Political prisoners are frequently denied access to healthcare. Even when prisoners are admitted to hospital, prison officers do not allow families to access patients. When families bring medicine and food items, prison guards often prevent them from delivering these supplies to prisoners. Deaths of those in custody resulting from treatable diseases are common. For instance, two death row prisoners died in September 2012 due to neglect. Reports quoting former inmates indicate that on average a prisoner dies every month from amongst the approximately 150 inmates at the Confinement Wing of Mile 2 Prison. There is reportedly a high number of inmates with mental health problems who do not receive specialist attention. Two or three people are forced to share a mattress as cells and buildings are overcrowded. Perceived enemies of the President are subjected to harsher treatment such as exposing them to unhealthy environments and long periods of solitary confinement. There is a frequent denial of basic visitation rights. Independent organizations are denied access to prisons and detention centers to ensure they meet minimum international standards. There is no opportunity for rehabilitation. Prison officials carry out their custodial functions with virtually no regard for reform as a means of reducing recidivism. Finally, there is no effective complaints mechanism in place for prisoners to raise concerns about their conditions. Former inmates report that while the Prison Complaints Commission occasionally visits the prison facilities, the prisoners’ concerns are not addressed, even when presented in writing. In October 2011 several prisoners in the Confinement Wing of Mile 2 Central Prison went on hunger strike in protest at overcrowding, poor hygiene conditions, poor diet, restrictions on family visits, denial of access to the media and failure of prison staff to comply with medical recommendations of doctors. RECOMMENDATIONS Allow independent organizations access to all detention centers. Reform the Prison Act to ensure that prisoners have adequate visitation rights. Address prison overcrowding by pardoning all political prisoners now. Institute measures to ensure that prisoners get access to medicines and qualified doctors. Improve both the quality and quantity of food available to prisoners. Transfer prisoners with mental health issues to appropriate medical facilities for treatment.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:10:22 +0000
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