Human Rights Commission concerned with overcrowding of correctional facilities

Human Rights Commission concerned with overcrowding of correctional facilities

The Human Rights Commission is concerned with the continued overcrowding of correctional facilities in the country.

Briefing the media after touring Kamwala and Lusaka Central Correctional facilities, Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mudford Mwandenga says most facilities have exceeded their recommended capacities.

Mr. Mwandenga says the commission is also concerned that untried prisoners are not being kept separate from convicted criminals citing that there should be physical separation between convicted criminals and those who have not been tried.

He however points out that the commission has noted a number of improvements in the correctional facilities among them the building of modern detention facilities, reduction of cases of remand prisoners being kept on expired warrants among others.

Mr. Mwandenga says the water situation has generally improved noting that most facilities now have water supply.

He further states that there is need for all the justice sector systems in the country to enhance collaboration to ensure that Zambia has a fair criminal justice system that facilitates speedy disposal of cases.