Human Rights in Sierra Leone - Rights of Prisoners

Rights of Prisoners

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone described prison conditions in 2011 as “appalling,” and noted that despite its recommendations in previous reports, “much improvement has not been made.” The U.S. State Department calls prison conditions in the country “harsh and sometimes life-threatening.” Among the major problems are overcrowding, beatings, solitary confinement, poor hygiene, inadequate lighting, bedding, and ventilation, and guards forcing inmates to sleep on wet floors. Beating of prisoners is common, but is becoming less frequent. Among the punishments authorized by law is lashing, with up to 36 lashes permitted. Prison gangs are known to beat fellow inmates at the direction of prison officials. During some times of the year, when wells dry up, prisoners must pay for water.

Access to medical care is uneven, and even when inmates are taken to doctors, they are often refused treatment or given inadequate care owing to “the social stigma associated with assisting criminals and the Bureau of Prison's inability to pay medical bills.” Food supplies are poor, with underpaid guards often selling prisoners' rations instead of feeding them. Security is unprofessional, and prison breaks are common. Infants born in prison remain there for some time with their mothers, and are eventually handed over to family or placed in foster care. Minors are routinely imprisoned with adults. Rioting and violence among juvenile prisoners are common. Human-rights groups and others are allowed to inspect prisons. Inmates are allowed visitors, but in many cases, family members must pay bribes to be allowed to see them.

Among the few improvements in prison conditions in recent years has been the introduction of skills-training programs.