Revised prisons budget excites rights bodies

Human rights organisations have welcomed the upward adjustment in the Malawi Prisons Service budget, stating the move will address food challenges in prisons nationwide.

The Mid-Year Budget Review has given prisons K1 billion more, increasing the prisons budget to K16 billion. A further K780 million was allocated for food for the next three months.

Besides, there is an additional K100 million allocated for establishment of mega farms within the prisons.

In a joint statement, Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice and Assistance (Chreaa) and Southern African Litigation Centre (Salc) yesterday described the allocations as ideal in addressing food challenges within the country’s prisons.

The two organisations also expressed optimism that the Malawi Government will continue addressing numerous challenges that adversely affect prisoners rights.

Reads part of the statement: “Chreaa and Salc believe that the government will continue to address the challenges in prisons and ensure that prisoners are treated with dignity and are able to enjoy their basic human rights.”

The statement hailed Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Homeland Security and the Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs for lobbying for the prisons increased funding.

Chreaa executive director Victor Chagunyuka Mhango said the increased budgetary allocations will be critical in addressing various challenges apart from food shortages.

On her part, Salc Criminal Justice lead Chikondi Chijozi said the passing of the revised budget for prisons is an indication of the government’s commitment to promote and protect the rights of prisoners.

The upward adjustment of the prisons service budget comes two months after prisons across the country faced serious food shortages which led inmates to go to bed hungry while in some formations they were relying on porridge and beans only.

Currently, there are 16 640 inmates in the country’s prisons against a holding capacity of 5 000.