Study Reveals Abuse of Women, Children in Kality Correctional Center

Addis Ababa February 26/2019 The Kality Federal Correctional Facility which “is constructed to protect the rights of prisoners has been the main place for violation of those rights that should have been safeguarded and protected,” a study revealed today.

The study conducted by Initiative for Improving Standard of Prisons stated that the institution has failed to fulfill the purpose of its formation because of many reasons.

The main victims of lack of strong rehabilitation center are women and children who live with their incarcerated mothers, it elaborated.

The national laws and different international conventions ratified by the country have outlined different mechanisms in promoting non-custodial measures for women prisoners and also for the best interest of the child.

From many of international laws and conventions that Ethiopian integrated into her law, “the standard minimum rule for the treatment of prisoners” recognizes the proper administration of women prisoners, it was indicated.

The study said though those rules are outlined their implementation is minimal.

Most of the women did not have legal advice at the time of their arrest, although the government assigned lawyers for those who lack the financial means, it was noted.

Most of the women prisoners are sentenced for petty offences.

The prison system does not have space or right guidance to rehabilitate those women and bring them to the right track of independence, according to the study.

The study recommends ensuring separation of children from adults, which is a fundamental state obligation in the treatment of children in prisons. This apparently is not applied in Ethiopia, it revealed.

The children of women inmates should be offered suitable place that allows them to resume a normal life with access to education, play area, adequate nutrition and healthcare, Initiative for Improving Standard of Prisons stressed.

It further recommended that all stakeholders to seriously consider the cases of the disabled and mentally sick women before jailing them with other prisoners.

Initiative for Improving Standard of Prisons is a civil society organization dedicated to the advancement of human rights in Ethiopia.