In a significant move to protect the rights of children, over 40 minors have been released from the central prison of Angenga in Gemena, Sud-Ubangi province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The release, which took place on October 30, is part of the "Zero Children in Prison" operation, an initiative launched by the provincial authorities to end the detention of minors in prisons. The operation is supported by UNICEF and aims to promote the rights of children and facilitate their reintegration into their families.
The released minors were being held alongside adults in the Angenga prison, a situation that authorities hope to rectify through this operation. The initiative was launched by the interim governor of Sud-Ubangi, Jean-René Galekwa, following a visit to the prison. During the visit, Galekwa was accompanied by judicial officials and members of the Provincial Security Council. He emphasized that children should be in school, not in prison.
According to Emmanuel Kpedo Togo, the provincial minister of justice, the operation aims not only to decongest prisons but also to offer these children a chance to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society. The authorities indicate that the operation, which started in Gemena, will be gradually extended to other territories in Sud-Ubangi, with the goal of strengthening the protection of minors' rights across the province.
The release of these minors is a significant step towards addressing the issue of child detention in DR Congo. The "Zero Children in Prison" operation is a collaborative effort between the provincial authorities and UNICEF to ensure that children are not detained in prisons. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many children who have been wrongly detained.
During the visit to the prison, the interim governor also requested the prosecutor general to take urgent measures for sick inmates. Additionally, he announced plans for the rehabilitation of the women's ward at the Angenga central prison. These measures demonstrate the authorities' commitment to improving the living conditions in prisons and protecting the rights of all inmates.
The "Zero Children in Prison" operation is part of a broader effort to address the issue of child detention in DR Congo. The country has made significant progress in recent years in promoting the rights of children, but much work remains to be done. The authorities hope that this operation will serve as a model for other provinces to follow.
The release of over 40 minors from Angenga prison is a positive step towards promoting the rights of children in DR Congo. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of minors and ensuring that they are not detained in prisons. With the support of UNICEF, the "Zero Children in Prison" operation is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of many children in the country.
Key points
- The "Zero Children in Prison" operation aims to protect the rights of children and facilitate their reintegration into their families.
- Over 40 minors have been released from Angenga prison as part of the operation.
- The operation will be gradually extended to other territories in Sud-Ubangi province.
