Haiti: ICRC strives to improve the quality of life in prisons
Les Cayes civilian prison. A women’s section built by the ICRC in cooperation with Haiti’s Central Prison Administration. A toilet block was repaired and set up in the yard along with a laundry area in the new women’s section. These renovations also allow female detainees greater access to fresh air.
Les Cayes civilian prison. Building and furnishing the two cells in this section has increased available space and allowed for 30 women to be accommodated in better conditions.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. Materials being unloaded to be taken to the Port-au-Prince civilian prison, Haiti’s largest detention facility with more than 4,000 detainees. The ICRC provides mattresses, medicines, personal hygiene kits, leisure items, cleaning equipment and food supplements for various detention facilities in Haiti.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. An ICRC hygiene team made up of health-care staff and a water-and-sanitation specialist explains to detainees how faeco-oral diseases are spread in prisons, using a chart made by the ICRC to highlight the importance of hand washing.
Les Cayes civilian prison. Training and awareness-raising session held by the ICRC for detainees who explain to their peers how to prevent diseases caused by poor sanitation.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. Personal hygiene kits being distributed to detainees.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. The ICRC assesses the nutritional status of detainees by checking their Body Mass Index. The ICRC drafts recommendations for prison authorities on monitoring detainees who are malnourished.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. The ICRC drafts recommendations for prison authorities on monitoring detainees who are malnourished.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. An ICRC employee tests detainees for Vitamin B1 deficiency. The ICRC assesses the nutritional status of detainees by checking their Body Mass Index.
Port-au-Prince civilian prison. Discussion and awareness-raising workshop with guards at the Port-au-Prince civilian prison on the work of the ICRC and conditions in detention facilities.
The conditions in Haiti's detention facilities are well below internationally recognized standards. The ICRC is working closely with prison authorities and has unconditional access to detention centres. Over the years, the ICRC has provided support for prison health, technical and legal advisory services and has repaired sanitation and water-supply systems.
