This information has been directly sourced from the statement regarding COVID-19 in prisons and other closed settings published by UNODC, WHO, UNAIDS, and OHCHR.
We, the leaders of global health, human rights and development institutions, come together to urgently draw the attention of political leaders to the heightened vulnerability of prisoners and other people deprived of liberty to the COVID-19 pandemic, and urge them to take all appropriate public health measures in respect of this vulnerable population that is part of our communities.
Acknowledging that the risk of introducing COVID-19 into prisons or other places of detention varies from country to country, we emphasize the need to minimize the occurrence of the disease in these settings and to guarantee that adequate preventive measures are in place to ensure a gender-responsive approach and preventing large outbreaks of COVID-19. We equally emphasize the need to establish an up-to-date coordination system that brings together health and justice sectors, keeps prison staff well-informed and guarantees that all human rights in these settings are respected.
The statement addresses reducing overcrowding; Ensuring health, safety and human dignity; Ensuring access to continued health services; Respect human rights; and Adhere to United Nations rules and guidance.
