Beirut, Lebanon - 18 July 2024
Flour, water, yeast, and salt — these simple ingredients yield far more than the mere baking of bread. Every morning, a corner in Roumieh Prison's central kitchen is filled with prisoners working together in harmony kneading the dough. As the dough rises, the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, creates a sense of home. The cooling racks are soon filled with around 700 loaves, each a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team of prisoners involved in baking, among them Khalil* and Murhaf*.
Murhaf* considers baking bread a break from reality. "I almost feel like I'm outside; The smell and taste remind me of a bakery in my village," he said while reflecting on the solace and purpose the bread oven workshop brings him.
The workshop is equipped with dough scrapers, bench knives, bread pans, baking sheets, and hot ovens, all of which are only allowed in prison under strict safety protocols.
“Trust between prisoners and staff is important to this process,” said Bilal K., First Sergeant (F.S.) in the Internal Security Forces (ISF), responsible for the bread oven workshop. The prisoners are committed to the cleanliness and safety of everyone around them, mirroring the standards Khalil* applies to every loaf he bakes. “I thank the prison administration for giving me an opportunity to learn this trade and be proud in front of my prison comrades that I am the one baking the bread” Khalil remarked, ensuring each batch leaves a positive mark on prisoners who enjoy his bread.
“While my role is to ensure security, I believe that these types of activities help increase prisoners’ ability to earn an honest living after release, paving the way for rehabilitation and reintegration,” F.S. Bilal affirmed, symbolizing the essence of the Nelson Mandela rules. The bread oven is about more than just acquiring new skills; F.S. Bilal explained that not only does it provide structure, but it also reduces conflicts with both staff and peers since prisoners spend their time positively by learning and producing.
Murhaf and Khalil's journey, as well as that of other prisoners working within the bread oven, began in 2021, when UNODC's technical assistance revitalized the workshop, covering 43% of the prison's daily bread needs. This support continues to be essential, amidst Lebanon's tumultuous socio-economic landscape, which affected the prison system, prison staff, and prisoners.
Looking ahead, Murhaf dreams of using his baking skills to build a better future. "My dream is to open a bakery in my village to support my family” he shares. In Roumieh Prison, amidst the clatter of kitchen utensils, a story of hope unfolds, one loaf at a time.
As the world commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2024, it serves as a reminder that #Prisonersmatter. There are more than 11.5 million prisoners around the world: Each is a person, each has a story, and prisoners can be rehabilitated when given the chance.
***
The bread oven workshop builds on previous successful projects.
This activity is implemented by UNODC within the framework of the project “Enhancing access to justice, fundamental rights safeguards in the criminal justice system, and independent justice oversight mechanisms”
Funded by the European Union
Check our exclusive documentary inspired by Nelson Mandela Day 2024 campaign #PrisonersMatter:
*Murhaf and Khalil are aliases used to maintain confidentiality.
