Mozambique’s Prime Minister calls for urgent reforms in the prison system, particularly addressing overcrowding and improving conditions. The newly appointed SERNAP director promises to enhance security and uphold human rights within prisons, against a backdrop of recent unrest and significant prison escapes.
On Monday, the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Maria Benvida Levi, urged the newly appointed director-general of the National Prison Service (SERNAP), Ilídio Miguel, to take immediate actions towards alleviating prison overcrowding and improving conditions within the facilities. Her remarks followed Miguel’s swearing-in ceremony in Maputo, where she acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by the prison system despite efforts to enhance management.
Prime Minister Levi emphasized the necessity of fostering rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates, while also enhancing the working conditions for prison staff. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting SERNAP by improving oversight and aligning prison policies with justice and human rights principles.
Director-General Ilídio Miguel responded positively, assuring that he would address the issue of prisoner escapes. He noted the importance of ensuring security in prisons and mentioned plans to study existing conditions to recommend further improvements. Miguel also pledged to uphold human rights standards within prison operations.
This call for reform comes in the wake of significant security breaches, including a mass escape of 1,534 inmates following riots in December at maximum-security facilities. Recent unrest has erupted throughout Mozambique since October, driven by public dissatisfaction with rising living costs and political disputes stemming from contested election results, leading to considerable violence and unrest across the country.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister of Mozambique has highlighted the urgent need for reform in the prison system, emphasizing the importance of reducing overcrowding and enhancing conditions for both inmates and staff. Director-General Ilídio Miguel has committed to addressing these issues while ensuring security and human rights are prioritized. The backdrop of ongoing civil unrest and protests regarding political and social issues adds complexity to these efforts, necessitating careful attention from the government.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
