CSOs discuss with officials ways for improving the rights of women prisoners

CSOs and human rights organizations organized last week a meeting within the framework of the project entitled “Reinforcing policies and the practices of human rights in women prisons in Lebanon”, aimed at addressing a number of issues related to human rights within women prisons notably in relation to the situation of pregnant and lactating women as well as the right to comprehensive health care.
The meeting was convened at the premises of the prisons directorate and in collaboration with the directorate for prisons within the Ministry of Justice which was represented by Judge Raja Abi Nader.  Discussions revolved around women prisoners’ right to education, work and rehabilitation as well as to benefits from legal stipulations for diminished sentences as well as to communication with their families.
Judge Abi Nader shared the official strategy adopted by the directorate for prisons and highlighted actions carried out now and in pipeline for the future.  Representatives of participating organizations proposed various forms of collaboration with the directorate so as to help the state as well as the prison authorities in meeting international human rights standards.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 3 March 2014