The non-governmental organization SOS Prisonniers Gabon (SPG) recently conducted an advocacy mission in Mouila, the capital of Ngounié province in southern Gabon. The mission aimed to improve detention conditions and respect for the rights of people deprived of their liberty. This effort is part of the "Dignity in Detention" project, which is 95% funded by the European Union (EU) in Gabon. The project seeks to strengthen the consideration of human rights in penitentiary establishments across the country.
The "Dignity in Detention" project focuses on two main areas: enhancing the capacities of civil society actors and improving public policies on detention, as well as living conditions for detainees. The project includes awareness-raising actions, support for detainees, and the presentation of a advocacy note to decision-makers. Following an initial stage in Moyen-Ogooué, the SPG delegation visited Mouila, where they met with the provincial secretary general, the mayor, officials from the central prison, and judicial authorities.
During these meetings, discussions centered on prison overcrowding, respect for visitation rights, the use of preventive detention, and the role of the judge in charge of sentence implementation. Lionel Ella Engonga, president of SPG, presented an advocacy note with recommendations to strengthen dialogue with authorities and promote the rights of detainees. He also discussed with the mayor the challenges related to the social reintegration of former detainees.
At the central prison in Mouila, the delegation met with the prison director and his team before distributing food and hygiene products to inmates. The mission revealed a situation of overcrowding in the facility, which was designed to accommodate 50 people but currently houses over 400. This information was obtained during the visit, highlighting the urgent need for improved conditions.
The SPG delegation also met with judicial authorities and participated in a special radio broadcast on a local station, focusing on the organization's missions and the project's objectives. The "Dignity in Detention" project is implemented in collaboration with the organization Agir Ensemble pour les Droits Humains (AEDH), with financial support from the European Union in Gabon.
The project aims to contribute to improved detention conditions and respect for human rights in prison environments. By engaging with various stakeholders, SPG seeks to address critical issues affecting detainees and promote a more dignified treatment of prisoners. The advocacy mission in Mouila is a step towards achieving these goals.
Through its efforts, SOS Prisonniers Gabon continues to advocate for the rights of detainees and push for reforms that enhance their living conditions. The organization's work underscores the importance of collaboration between civil society, authorities, and international partners in addressing the challenges faced by prisoners in Gabon.
Key points
- The "Dignity in Detention" project aims to improve detention conditions and respect for human rights in Gabon's penitentiary establishments.
