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| Red Cross Investigates Prison Conditions in Swaziland |
| By UN Integrated Regional Information Networks |
| Published: 11/10/2003 |
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Health and human rights groups are concerned about prison conditions in Swaziland, where alleged torture, lack of basic hygiene and unsafe sexual practices are spreading HIV among inmates. The media and correctional services officials were invited to what the Red Cross described as an "interaction" with prisoners. Discussions were frank, and prison authorities promised to investigate prisoner concerns. A list of demands was presented to Correctional Services Commissioner Mnguni Simelane during the meeting. Simelane said he was unaware of the beating of inmates, which he described as a violation of prison procedure. Prisoners also demanded antiretroviral drugs for HIV-positive prisoners, and the release of inmates dying of AIDS-related illnesses. An unknown number of prisoners have AIDS, but local health groups report a rampant spread of HIV in prisons. Inmates told the Red Cross that prison warders do not take prisoners seriously when they report they are ill, and neglected prisoners die before they are transferred to hospital. In a reflection of the substandard prison conditions, inmates said they also wanted shoes, soap, and regular cell inspections by health workers. Swaziland's prisons drew the attention of health groups after press reports of inmate rapes, and the revelation by former prisoners that they contracted AIDS while incarcerated. Women prisoners are also reportedly forced into sex by male officers. Prison authorities admitted the prevalence of inmate sex, both consensual and forced, but acknowledged a dilemma over condom distribution, which is advocated by health groups. At its interaction with prisoners this week, Khanya Mabuza, director of the Swaziland Red Cross, told inmates: "You need to change your behaviour. Statistics show 40 percent of the country's population is infected with HIV." |
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