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Prisca Sikana�National Coordinator – Zambia & Malawi�Southern Africa Network of Prisons (SANOP)

Promoting human rights, quality health, and wellbeing for youth prison populations

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The Issue

In 2021, SANOP conducted a study to assess three domains of change at individual, community, and systems levels to understand the status of youths and migrants in prison and out of prisons in terms of access to health, rights, well-being, and participation in Southern Africa.

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Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the Study were as follows;

  • Review and analyse policies (formal/informal) and traditional practices affecting Rights, Quality Health, and Wellbeing of Youth in prison populations in Southern Africa
  • Find out the health challenges that youth in prisons in host correctional facilities face
  • Document health practices and norms and any other challenges in the treatment of youth in prison facilities
  • Analyse the knowledge and attitude/perception and practices related to youth rights, health and wellbeing within prisons and correctional facilities. 
  • Assess the available youth rehabilitative services in prisons and correctional facilities.

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Study Design

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  • The study design used a mixed method and cross disciplinary approach.
  • Research was done during an existing project.
  • This was an action-oriented research.

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Geographical Coverage

  • The study was conducted in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe in the following facilities. 
  • In Eswatini, the survey covered Manzini and Shiselweni regions and Vulamasango, Malkerns Young People Centre, Mawelawela Female Prison, Mankayane and Nhalango correctional facilities as well as Mpaka refugee camp.
  •  In Zambia focus was in Petauke and Samfya districts, Katombora Reformatory School, Insakwe Approved School for girls, Nakambala Approved School for boys Lusaka Central, Kamwala Remand, Chipata Central and Chinsali Correctional facilities. 
  • In Zimbabwe the study covered Bulawayo and Harare districts as well as prisons such as Bindura and Harare Remand, Mutare Remand, Whawha Youth Prison, Khami, Chikurubi Female Prison and Marondera Female Open Prison.

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Study Population

The study population was purposively sampled including the target correctional facilities and district. 

Key informants for the study were purposively sampled based on their expert knowledge and involvement in activities relevant to the project. 

At correctional facility level, random sampling of the respondents was done. Owing to the different population sizes of the various correctional facilities, different sample sizes were sampled from each correctional facility. 

For facilities with populations above 100, the standard 10% of the population was applied; for facilities with between 60 and 99 people, 30% of the population was sampled and for those with 25 and below, all the inmates were sampled.

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Findings

1.    Availability of sexual and reproductive health services 

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  • Zimbabwe
    • Sanitary wear was reported by 100% of the respondents in the two female prisons that were part of this survey.
    • All inmates in Khami, Harare Remand and Chikurubi Female accessed HIV and STI treatment services
    • 75% of the inmates at Chikurubi Female and 33% of those at Marondera Female had accessed pregnancy related services.

Findings

2. Access to sexual and reproductive health services

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Findings

Barriers to Access to SRH Services by Correctional Facilities

Lack of youth friendly spaces, stigmatisation of SRHR access by young people and poor quality of services.

The issue of stigmatisation of SRHR access by young people suggests that there are still a number of health service providers that are not adequately trained in the provision of youth friendly services. The other challenge cited include fear and lack of confidence to approach officers for SRH services.

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Findings

4. Challenges faced by youth including those with disabilities in accessing SRHR services in Correctional facilities

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  • Rehabilitation is important in order to reduce reoffending. A reduction in reoffending would mean less victims of crimes.
  • The survey was interested in establishing the availability of youth rehabilitative services in correctional facilities.
  • About half of the respondents rated the quality of youth rehabilitative services as good while 21% rated them as very good. Only 5% rated the services as poor.

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Findings

5.  Quality of the available rehabilitative services for young people

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Availability

Effectiveness

Findings

6. Platforms for voice and representation for youth related Issues

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Recommendations

The recommendations from the Study include;

  • Ensure availability and accessibility of comprehensive SRHR services in surveyed correctional facilities.
  • There is need for regular gender training and training on specific health needs of women and young people in correctional facilities. 
  • Advocacy for the implementation of UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and non-custodial measures for Women Offenders (Bangok Rules).
  • Lobby for youth crime prevention and rehabilitation policies in the three countries to form a framework for, first, reducing the likelihood of youth perpetrating crime and, second, ensuring that young people who are in conflict with the law are rehabilitated and reintegrated as quickly and to the greatest extent possible.
  • Establish safe spaces for young male and female offenders  for voice and representation as well as peer support.
  • Establish structures or facilities for rehabilitation and reintegration of youth offenders at various levels and involve local leadership structures at community level.
  • Provision of starter packs to inmates upon their release from prison to support their reintegration.
  • Strengthen youth voice and representation in correctional facilities:

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Conclusion

  • Whilst in all correctional facilities all respondents indicated that they have heard of the SRHR services before it is imperative to highlight that there is still need to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of comprehensive SRHR services young people. 
  • Limited service delivery affects the general health and adherence to ART. The findings provide guidance for improvement of SRH services and subsequently HIV services in prisons.
  • The violation of international human rights norms is observed in the systemic abuse and detention of young people with adults. Additionally, basic needs are not met in relation to sanitation, ventilation, safe spaces, protection from physical and sexual violence, clothing, food and access to HIV and medical care.

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THANK YOU