Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has commended the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) for its innovative introduction of a Family Week, a significant step towards improving human rights within the nation’s prisons.
This initiative was highlighted during a press conference held by ZHRC chairperson Commissioner Jessie Majome, who addressed journalists following a tour of Harare Remand Prison.
During the conference, Comm Majome expressed her satisfaction on the Family Week initiative, saying it is a significant step in uniting families and upholding human rights standards.
“I am very happy to see that there was the innovation called Family Week. For some of the 94 people we didn’t see immediately because they were busy with their families, and we really laud that kind of development made by ZPCS to introduce a Family Week two years ago. Previously, anyone who had a relative in prison would know that visits were limited to public holidays only. But now, we understand that thanks to this initiative, families can come in and see their loved ones twice a week, allowing them to spend the whole day together. This is a crucial step in maintaining family bonds and supporting the emotional well-being of inmates,” she said.
Comm Majome emphasised that while incarceration serves as a necessary consequence for criminal behaviour, the conditions surrounding that experience must improve.
“We need to continue to have more improvements so that being in prison itself, losing one’s liberty, only becomes the sole punishment. The conditions must continue to improve so that the human rights of all are respected. This includes prioritising urgent bail applications to help reduce overcrowding, which remains a significant issue,” she said.
Majome also acknowledged the strides made by ZPCS in enhancing medical attention for inmates.
“We commend ZPCS for the improvements in medical care for inmates,” she stated.
“Our recommendations include ensuring that prison conditions are continuously improved to reduce or ideally eliminate overcrowding. We should not have overcrowding at all. It is vital that communication facilities are restored, and all detainees have access to adequate medical attention.”
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of educational opportunities for inmates.
“We engaged the officer in charge of Harare Remand Prison and were pleased that he was able to reassure us that those who were injured during their arrest and had not received medical attention would be attended to promptly,” she explained.
“We also stressed the need for collaboration with universities and other learning institutions to allow detainees who are conducting studies to continue with their educational pursuits.”
Majome pointed out that ZPCS is taking steps to ensure that medication and food brought by visitors are swiftly delivered to inmates, addressing previous delays that had caused frustration.
“Officers indicated that measures were going to be implemented to ensure that these essential items reach the cells without unnecessary hold-ups,” she added.
The ZHRC is committed to continuing its oversight of human rights and administrative justice issues within the prison system.
Comm Majome also called for increased funding to address sanitary conditions within prisons.
“We continue to encourage and lobby the Treasury to support the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service because the dignity of all individuals, including those in custody, is paramount,” she stated.
“As the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, we are extremely encouraged by the progress and the ongoing efforts we see from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, as well as their openness to addressing the issues faced by inmates.”
The introduction of Family Week is a noteworthy advancement in the quest for better human rights practices in Zimbabwe’s prisons, and the ZHRC remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure that these improvements continue to evolve.
