Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian authorities to declare an emergency at the 115-year-old Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State following a suspected cholera outbreak. At least six inmates have died within one week, and several others are receiving treatment. The organisation warned that the number of deaths could be higher as the disease continues to spread among inmates, particularly those awaiting trial.
Amnesty International expressed concern over the prison conditions, stating that inmates, especially those without financial resources, face significant challenges in having their rights respected. The organisation highlighted that some detainees could spend years behind bars without being convicted of a crime. This situation is a serious human rights violation under international law.
The organisation criticised the overcrowding and poor conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities. Many inmates awaiting trial are kept in "filthy overcrowded cells without adequate food and healthcare." Amnesty International stressed the need for urgent reforms to Nigeria's correctional system to ensure that the rights and welfare of inmates are protected in accordance with international standards.
Amnesty International called for the immediate transfer of critically ill prisoners to hospitals. The organisation warned that failure to intervene urgently could lead to more deaths and amount to arbitrary deprivation of life. This situation is a serious human rights violation under international law.
The suspected cholera outbreak at the Kano prison has raised broader concerns about the treatment of inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities. Amnesty International urged the authorities to take immediate action to address the situation and prevent further deaths.
Amnesty International made the call in a post on its official Facebook page on Saturday. The organisation's concerns highlight the need for urgent attention to the welfare of inmates in Nigerian prisons. The Nigerian authorities have not yet commented on the situation.
Amnesty International's call for urgent reforms to Nigeria's correctional system aims to ensure full compliance with best practices and international standards. The organisation's efforts focus on protecting the rights and welfare of inmates and preventing similar situations in the future.
Key points
- Amnesty International urges Nigerian authorities to declare an emergency at Kano prison due to suspected cholera outbreak
- At least six inmates have died within one week, and several others are receiving treatment
- Amnesty International calls for urgent reforms to Nigeria's correctional system to ensure inmate rights and welfare are protected
