Overpopulation, poor infrastructure noted in prisons

Assessments at various prisons in Burundi by ICRC over the last year have identified problems of overpopulation, inadequate and badly-maintained prison infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and poor hygiene. A statement from the organisation singled out, in particular, that water and sanitation facilities and kitchens required urgent rehabilitation work. ICRC said that since the resumption of its activities in the country in March 1999, insecurity had forced it to concentrate its activities on people deprived of their freedom as well as improvements to conditions at Mpimba prison which has some 2,900 detainees, Gitega with 1,600 and Ngozi male prison with 2,400 detainees and Ngozi women with 70 prisoners.

Other prisons that were visited include Muyinga, Muramvya, Ruyigi and Rutana. ICRC has since April last year distributed standard hygiene kits to detainees at the eight assessed prisons to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions. Up to the end of April 2000, disinfecting and delousing operations have been carried out in Mpimba, Ngozi and Gitega prisons. A nutritional survey was also carried out within the one year period and its findings were shared with the authorities. ICRC noted that the authorities had “progressively” taken steps to improve the distribution of food rations inside the prisons, “which has resulted in several improvements”.