Beirut, Lebanon
“All of us face a common threat – the Coronavirus – COVID 19. Today’s declaration of a pandemic is a call to action – for everyone, everywhere. It’s also a call for responsibility and solidarity – as nations united and as people united,” António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General.
In response to the growing health concerns posed by the COVID-19, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched an awareness raising campaign for the juvenile wing in Roumieh Prison, the Moubadara facility for girls and the Barbar Khazen Prison for women.
The uncertainty of the extent of the COVID-19 has provoked anxiety and fear, especially among prisoners who are in closed settings and are worried about their health and the health of their families, with an increased feeling of isolation. Moreover, with the suspension of rehabilitation activities that include group interaction, watching the TV remains the only means of distraction.
To address the unexpected Coronavirus outbreak in Lebanon, prison authorities adopted preventive measures to ensure the safety in the inmates at an early stage, such as suspending all service providers activities and reducing family visits to the prisons.
To further back the capacity of prison authorities to prevent and contain the spread of the virus, UNODC provided awareness raising material on recommended standard hygiene practices in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with prison settings in mind.
Additionally, UNODC supported the prison with a comprehensive package of preventive and protective tools such as hygiene detergents, disinfectants, sanitizers, masks and gloves with a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SoP). Mobile SIM cards were made available for inmates to maintain the contact with families. Such action has contributed to the reduction of anxiety and helped both authorities and inmates gain a sense of control over the virus spreading, especially with the clear instructions on how to protect themselves and practice good hygiene.
The activities fall under the project “Strengthening the rule of law through improved human rights based criminal justice system in Lebanon” and is implemented by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, and with the technical assistance of the UNODC, funded by the European Union (EU).
For more information on:
UNODC and SDG3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
UNODC and Justice and Prison Reform in the MENA Region
Visit World Health Organization - COVID 19 updated page to stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 and ways to stay safe.
