India: UNODC hosts Regional Consultation on 'Health Rights in Prisons' focusing on Nelson Mandela Rules

Chennai, Tamil Nadu/31 May 2023: Prison systems in India are burdened by issues such as overcrowding, which increases the risk of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and viral hepatitis, spreading within prison facilities. It is known that individuals in prisons are seven times more likely to be living with HIV compared to the general population. Globally, it is estimated that 4.6% of the prison population is HIV positive, 15.1% have hepatitis C (HCV), 4.8% have chronic hepatitis B (HBV), and 2.8% have active tuberculosis (TB). These diseases are more prevalent in prison settings due to overcrowding.

Moreover, the majority of individuals in detention come from marginalized segments of society and often face a higher burden of ill health, including mental health issues, with limited access to healthcare resources.

Reflecting on these issues, the Honourable Minister for Law, Courts and Prisons, Government of Tamil Nadu, Mr. S. Regupathy, inaugurated a regional consultation on health rights in prisons and correctional settings, hosted by UNODC and the Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration (APCA) Vellore, with a specific focus on the Nelson Mandela Rules. The consultation aimed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to implement policies, guidelines, and mechanisms that prioritize and safeguard the health rights of prisoners.

During his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing health vulnerabilities in prisons, especially HIV/AIDS, TB, Hep C and drug use. Mr. Regupathy also highlighted the significance of health education programs in empowering prisoners to take charge of their health, adopt healthy lifestyles, prevent diseases, and maintain personal hygiene. He called for the establishment of a correctional system that prioritizes rehabilitation, ensuring that every individual, even within the confines of a prison, has the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life.

Factors such as prison infrastructure, management, and violence contribute to health risks within prisons. Access to specialized health services, including mental healthcare and HIV prevention, is often lacking. Additionally, treatment for chronic conditions is frequently interrupted during admission to or transfer between institutions.

Justice R.N. Manjula, Judge of the High Court of Madras, Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, DG Police of Tamil Nadu, and Mr. A. Murugesan, DIG Prisons of Chennai Range, Tamil Nadu, also stressed the importance of strengthening the health, well-being, and human rights of prisoners in alignment with legal and moral standards. They acknowledged the tools and good practices offered by UNODC and emphasized the need for stronger cooperation to promote non-custodial measures, as well as the health and human rights of prisoners.

Mr. Marco Teixeira, Regional Representative of UNODC South Asia, said, "Prison and penal reform should be prioritized with stronger cooperation to promote non-custodial measures and the health and human rights of prisoners. Our efforts must Leave No One Behind." UNODC South Asia’s Criminal Justice Expert Ms. Seema Joshi shared insights on prison reforms in line with Nelson Mandela Rules. "Prison health is the State’s responsibility," she said, highlighting the provisions in the Standard Minimum Rules.

Participants held intensive discussions on effective management and coordination, improved public health systems, knowledge dissemination on preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and sharing innovative practices and proactive prison models.

This activity contributed to SDG 3, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the UBRAF Mechanism)