To attend the World Congress on Justice With Children you just need:
REGISTER:
CONNECT:
The Call for Proposals is Open Now for everyone. So hurry up and apply to host a session.
The Ministry of Health spent $40 million in medicines fue coronavirus outbreak, through the stock market participating 38 suppliers biding on similar market conditions, This medicines are planned to be delivered to different hospitals and drug stores.It was not specified which medicines the Ministry of Health bought and only stated that they have 3 million of savings.Issues have been arised due to the lack of information in this governmental direct purchase.As of this date, the government has approved 2,000 million from the health emergency fund.
Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order directing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary to temporarily halt the intake and/or transfer of inmates and youth into the state’s 35 prisons and four youth correctional facilities. Those inmates and youth will remain in county custody for the next 30 days.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child expresses concern about the situation of children globally, particularly those in situations of vulnerability, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many children are gravely affected physically, emotionally and psychologically, especially in countries that have declared states of emergencies and mandatory lockdowns.
Although no mandatory measures have been implemented, the Superintendent of Banks of Panama (the “SBP”), by means of Accord SBP No. 2-2020, adopted measures to allow banks to implement the necessary mechanisms to support its customers, both personal banking and commercial and corporate customers. A modality called “modified loans” was established by which banks are allowed to review the terms and conditions of loans, without being characterized as a refinancing and thus maintaining the credit score. Many banks have already published the different available mechanisms they offer. We recommend you contact your local bank to discuss possible modifications that apply to you.As a relief measure, more than 20 local banks, which together represent approximately 95% of the loan portfolio, will grant an automatic extension to their clients on personal loans, mortgages, credit cards and car loans in the payment of their monthly payments for three months without client’s having to file a request with the bank. Banks will continue to receive those payments made via payroll deduction and those made voluntarily. In addition, several banks are providing flexibility for commercial loans. For corporate customers with credit facilities, we recommend you contact your bank officer or attorney to discuss the impact of a potential non-compliance with financial covenants, and whether these covenants may be modified as part of the “modified loans” mechanism.
The Civil and Commercial Courts are closed until April 30, 2020 inclusive. Therefore, during this time, no new lawsuits or motions can be filed. Additionally, until April 30, 2020, filing deadlines are suspended (i.e., the deadlines for filing answer to complaints, writ of appeals, evidence, etc.).There are some courts, with the exception of civil and commercial courts, that do keep working to process urgent matters (for example, criminal courts and family courts).
Family visitations to the detention centers have been suspended due to the acceleration of COVID-19.
The Jamaican Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has oversight responsibility for 52 childcare facilities across Jamaica, which is responsible for approximately 4,000 children (~2,000 in homes and ~2,000 in foster care).In preparing for the COVID-19 outbreak, the CPFSA implemented a number of measures to protect children including: • identifying isolation facilities for occupants of childcare facilities; • limiting visitor access to childcare facilities; placing sanitation dispensers in facilities and offices; • arranging for public health nurses to visit facilities and educate children about proper hand-washing and hygiene practices; and • disbursing emergency funds.
Federal Government entered into special contracts for purchase of health and medical products and hiring of health services intended to treat patients with Covid-19.The intention of the Federal Government was to reduce bureaucracy in the public sector for purchasing goods from the private sector, so the measures for combating Covid-19 are more effective.
The Ministry of Health has created a specific website with up-to-date information regarding a broad range of data about Covid-19, such as information about the virus, prevention measures, number of infected people across the country, general recommendation to the population, supplying of medical equipment and health products etc.
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye issued new guidance to the state’s superior courts on Friday to mitigate some of the health risks to judicial officers, court staff, and court users during the COVID-19 pandemic.Key takeaways: -Lower bail amounts significantly for the duration of the coronavirus emergency – Consider a defendant’s existing health conditions, in setting conditions of custody for adult or juvenile defendants.
This page gathers statements and resources about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on migrant communities and on civil society working with migrants.
Due to the suspension of physical classes and job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a risk that the number of child offenders will increase.Since March at least 68 children in Jamaica have either been detained or remanded in state care facilities. However, in the Corporate Area courts there were over 100 active children criminal matters.While some matters (e.g., domestic and child-related matters in the specialized Family Courts) have not been suspended, many other children accused of a variety of crimes may be forced to wait until the courts reopen for their hearings.
UNICEF donated $2.4 million worth of sanitising and hygiene supplies to the CPFSA to help protect nearly 1,700 children in 50 residential care facilities against COVID-19.According to a UNICEF Jamaica representative, children in residential care may be in particularly vulnerable situations. As a result, CPFSA and UNICEF are jointly working toward a more family-based care system including the foster care system, which is proven to be more suitable for the development of children compared to residential institutions.
According to a statement by the UNICEF Executive Director, there are 197 minors detained in prisions in Haiti. As of the date of the article, 12 children have been released but advocacy for the release of more children continues.The statement indicates that UNICEF calls for an immediate moratorium on new admissions of children to detention facilities and calls on governments to urgently release all children who can safely return to their families.
In Haiti, people are afraid of COVID-19 and in some cases are attacking people who have or are rumored to have COVID-19.For example, an orphanage in Saint-Michel de l’Atalaye was stoned because its Belgian director was diagnosed with COVID-19. The attackers allegedly believed that the Belgian director brought COVID-19 to Haiti.To curb the spread, residents of neighbouring villages are barring anyone from Saint-Michel de l’Atalaye from visiting their markets.
Public call made by the Federal Government aimed at the purchase of 35.3 million personal protective equipment (PPE) to be supplied to public hospitals and health units across the country.
The Chief of Infectology of the Rosales Hospital affirms that the improvisation and decision to designate hospitals Saldaña, Amatepec and San Rafael to care for patients infected with Covid-19 is a mistake, since these hospitals do not comply with the resources to face complications by Covid-19, such as intensive care unit or specialists for this.
Purchase by the Federal Government of 10 million Covid-19 testing devices. The plan is to acquire 46.2 Million testing devices in total.
BRL 2.3 million investment by the Federal Government for providing psychological support to the workers from the health system who are in the front line dealing with Covid-19.The psychological impact for medical and health workers during this pandemic is potentially significant, so the Federal Government is acting to help workers of the Brazilian health system to maintain their mental health.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) approved simpler rules and faster processing of requests for parole and executive clemency as Philippine authorities rush to decongest jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the DOJ said the order removes most of the paperwork required for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) seeking parole and executive clemency.As background, the Board of Pardons and Parole can grant parole or early release to an inmate who has served the minimum period of his sentence. Meanwhile, only the President can grant executive clemency, which involves the reduction of jail time or the removal of a person’s criminal liability.Prisoners aged 65 or older are also able to use the easier parole process, provided that they have served at least five years of their sentence. Those with serious medical ailments that will be able to prove that their continued imprisonment will worsen their condition may also use the easier parole process, but would need certification from a designated doctor from the Department of Health or the Malacañang clinic director.These guidelines do exclude from its coverage PDLs convicted of heinous crimes or in cases involving illegal drugs, or those classified as high risk by the Bureau of Corrections.
The Health Ministry of El Salvador provided 30 thousand units of hydroxychloroquine to hospitals in San Rafael, Saldaña and Amatepec that are treating Covid-19 patients. This medicine were provided by Novartis labs and were bought from China and is used in the treatment of critically ill patients.
Southeast Asian nations are joining a growing list of countries around the world rushing to release prisoners from overcrowded jails in the hopes of warding off new outbreaks of COVID-19, though some nations are hesitating.Rights groups and health experts say the crowded cells and threadbare medical wards of many prisons in the region make ideal breeding grounds for the highly contagious coronavirus. Many of those groups have joined the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in calling on countries to release their most at-risk inmates — namely the sick and elderly — to cut the odds of an outbreak. They also suggest prioritizing prisoners nearing the end of their sentences and those convicted or charged with non-violent crimes.For example, Indonesia started freeing some 30,000 prisoners, about 10% of its prison population, because of the risks of coronavirus in early April. Thailand says it has doubled the pace at which it is granting prisoners early release as well. Myanmar announced it would be freeing nearly 25,000 prisoners, more than a quarter of its prison population, as part of its largest ever annual New Year amnesty.Unfortunately, other countries in the region are cramming even more people into already overcrowded jails by arresting scores for violating lockdown or curfew rules imposed to stem the spread of the virus. Malaysia, with prisons running at 142% capacity, has arrested thousands of people for breaking movement restrictions over the past month.The article notes that the Philippines worries rights groups most of all, as they have by some measures the most overcrowded prison system in the world and thousands have been arrested for breaking lockdown and curfew rules since the COVID-19 outbreak. Fortunately, lawmakers and prison officials in the Philippines have expressed support for releasing inmates.
The Ethiopian government’s changes to asylum procedures for Eritreans undermines their access to asylum and denies unaccompanied children necessary protection. The changes include not allowing all Eritrean refugees, including unaccompanied children, to apply for asylum, which leaves them without protection services or refugee camp accommodations. Ethiopia currently hosts 171,876 Eritrean refugees, and 44% of the Eritrean refugees in the Tigray camps (4 of 6 refugee camps in Ethiopia) are children. In early March, Ethiopian authorities announced they would close one of the Tigray camps, where 26,652 Eritreans live, including about 1,600 unaccompanied children. The closure is on hold because of COVID-19 but relocations could begin in late April.
The article notes that Japan has not yet granted compassionate release of inmates like other countries. However, a number of groups are calling for the release of detainees.COVID-19 has already affected three correctional facilities — in Osaka, Tokyo and Hokkaido — where a total of 10 people have tested positive, putting staff and inmates at risk.Concerns are rising among authorities and rights groups that an exponential spread of the virus in such facilities would eventually lead to staff shortages and problems in accessing medical care.These concerns led the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to issue a statement on April 15 calling on the authorities to alleviate the problem by granting detainees special or temporary permission to reside in Japan. The Japan Association for Refugees group noted that officials should allow for the release of as many detainees as possible, while the rights group Amnesty International Japan said migration-related detention should not be considered justifiable amid the current crisis, given that most borders are closed in efforts to contain the outbreak.Immigration officials have taken preventative measures by placing all new detainees under quarantine to prevent imported transmissions and are now allowing for the provisional release of some detainees held in migrant detention.
Resolution n. 314/2020, issued on April 20, 2020, to (i) suspend procedural deadlines of administrative, federal and state courts (with the exception of Federal Supreme Court and Electoral Court); and (ii) regulate that servants/judges/others shall work from home.The suspension of the deadlines and recommendation that people work from home to reduce the number of people circulating in the cities are probably positive. But there are no official results about such measures.The resolution that determined that servants/judges/others shall work from home is positive to contain COVID-19. However, those measures impacted, negatively, the economy because it reduced attorneys work (for example, the hearings are not occurring, so the attorneys have no work during this period). Also, despite the fact that the servants/judges are working remotely, some Courts are not working at the same pace which impacts those who are awaiting a court order/decision.
Ecuador has been recorded 507 deahts with other 826 deaths that were never confirmed. The pandemic has overwhelmed Guayaquil city were the corpses remain in home or for hours on the streets.32,453 samples of COVID-19 have been taken. Also, the government has had problems while enforcing health and sanitary measures.
Masks have been provided at detention centers.
The president of Panama has signed Decree 271 by which he is reducing prison sentences due to COVID-19.
According to Amnesty International, authorities in Sub-Saharan Africa must take urgent action to protect prisoners from the coronavirus and guarantee access to healthcare and sanitation in all detention facilities. It further called for the release of prisoners of conscience, review of pre-trial detention, and release of women and girls who are in detention with children or are pregnant. The severe overcrowding in many prisons and detention centers could become a public health catastrophe, especially given the lack of health care and sanitation.
The prison director of HMP Northward, which holds both adult and youth prisoners, has released on license 14 local prisoners who were low risk or approaching the end of their sentence.
It must be understood that the coronavirus outbreak found the countries of the region in a disparate health situation, a worrying fact considering that this virus cannot be fought without hygiene.In El Salvador, water supply is a serious problem that mainly affects the metropolitan area, where there are colonies that have spent up to 15 days without service.Protocols adopted in response to the pandemic, LATAM countries generally follow very similar guidelines that include prevention measures with border and airport closures, mandatory home confinement, hygiene measures at the personal, work and home levels (hand washing, use of masks and disinfection of objects and clothing), as well as specific strategies for social distancing, hygiene and isolation for suspicious and asymptomatic cases.El Salvador indicates that there is a public campaign of clarification in the country “permanently intensified by the disinformation they also launch. Since February the government created the Expanded Health Cabinet and allocated $8.5 million to treat the pandemic, efforts have been made between the Ministry of Health and the mayors, as well as the Municipal Civil Protection Directorates. The declaration of national emergency unifies all measures”
Areas of isolation are being developed at detention centers for those infected.
The article covers concerns over human rights during a pandemic. During times of crisis, human rights are dismissed by governments as barriers to effective responses and the institutions that traditionally play a central role in protecting human rights face considerable constraints and limitations. The organizations and individual experts behind this “call” are urging governments at all levels to take steps to enhance and strengthen human rights and identify a number of measures in support.
Bahamas’ sole prison, the Fox Hill Road facility, has been on lockdown since mid-March after Bahamas recorded its first COVID-19 case. At this time all visitations, commissary and public activities are suspended.While the prison provides inmates with basic food and water, family and friends typically provide prisoners with funds so that prisoners can order additional or different food and water, personal hygiene items, and other goods. However, because of COVID-19, the public is unable to transfer additional funds to prisoners. Therefore, prisoners with low or no funds are unable to buy additional and sometimes essential food and goods.In addition, there are allegations from prisoners and their families that even prisoners with funds are not able to access necessary goods because there is low stock at the prison’s commissary. This is particularly problematic for prisoners with special diets or needs.
Myanmar will free almost 25,000 prisoners in an amnesty to mark the traditional New Year, its largest mass pardon in recent years. The President said these prisoners would be freed unconditionally “to bring delights to the citizens of Myanmar and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns”. A spokesman for the prisons department said that the large number being released was not linked to concern about the coronavirus, and no details were given of the crimes that the prisoners were convicted of.
Details the Covid-19 risks facing Louisiana children in jail, detention centers, and group homes.Louisiana has the highest rate of infection in the country among these children.Discusses that more than 10 percent of the youths in Louisiana’s secure detention facilities have tested positive for Covid-19, which is higher than any other state for which data is available.Advocates for early release and additional care.
In accordance with Humans Rights Wach, El Salvador’s police have arbitrarily arrested hundreds of people in the name of enforcing restrictions to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.President Bukele have encouraged extreme use of force to make sure the measures imposed are fulffiled. Hundreds of detainees have been held in overcrowded, unhygienic conditions that threaten their health, and one man died on April 1, 2020 after not receiving appropriate health care.On March 21, Bukele announced, on a nationwide broadcast, the adoption of a decree that established a 30-day nationwide mandatory lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. The decree, published in the Official Gazette on the night of March 22, allowed only one person per family out at a time to shop for food or medicine. It made exceptions for public officials, doctors, journalists, food distributors, military and police officials, and highway, energy, bank, and restaurant workers.The decree provided that violations will be sanctioned with helding in a “containment center”to be decided if the person would be held in a mandatory quarantine facility or sent to home quarantine.According to the Ombudsperson’s Office, dozens of people were forced to sleep in parking lots at police stations. Detainees held in police stations said they were held all day without food or water in unhygienic conditions.Arresting people for violating quarantine rules may increase disease transmission if authorities place people in crowded containment facilities where the virus could spread easily, Human Rights Watch said.
Nearly 700 immigrants have been released from U.S. detention centers amid concerns that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly through some facilities.Many detainees were ordered released by federal courts after immigration attorneys led a flurry of habeas corpus lawsuits. The suits allege it was unconstitutional to detain immigrants on civil violations during a pandemic.
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has issued recommendations for prisons in Mexico.The preventive measures are the following:1. Elaborate a plan to keep people informed, the inmates, their families and the employees of the facility. 2. Inform of the preventive measures. 3. Set up a program to follow up with the latest news regarding COVID-19 and follow the advice of the Health authorities. 4. Raise awareness of the places with the highest risk 5. Grant the necessary hygiene products, specially to elder people and children that have a higher risk. 6. If people show symptoms, immediately inform the medical area.
While California appears to have been successful in bending the curve of the spread of the coronavirus by staying home, social workers have been mostly unable to conduct in-person welfare checks of youths in foster care. In addition, the closure of California’s public schools have reduced the ability of mandated reporters (teachers, nurses) to report cases of possible neglect and abuse.Governor Gavin Newsome has announced that California will steer $42m towards helping foster youth. Most of the money will be directed to families with children at risk of becoming foster youth in the form of $200 monthly payments. In addition, money will go to: child care providers serving families who receive public assistance; people earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level; the expansion of family resource centers, California’s 211 helpline and to secure laptops and cell phones for foster youth; PPE for case workers so they can continue in-home visits.California is also extending their emancipation timelines so that they will not age out of the system during the shutdown.
Unicef is calling on governments and other detaining authorities to release all children who can safely return to their families or an appropriate alternative due to the risk of contracting Covid-19. Advocates argue that many children in detention are held in confined and overcrowded spaces with inadequate access to nutrition, healthcare and hygiene services. Further, children are more vulnerable to neglect, abuse and gender-based violence, especially if staffing levels or care are negatively impacted by the virus or containment measures.
Increase in credit lines: state-owned Federal Savings Banks (Caixa), Banco do Brasil, and the National Development Bank (BNDES) announced several measures, such as an increase in credit lines to small-and medium-sized firms aimed at working capital. The banks have also cut interest rates and in some cases offered clients a grace period of 90 days for payment.The objective is to inject money in the financial system and stimulate the economy. Caixa estimates to extend in R$ 108 billion (or US$21.6 billion) its credit lines. The Banco do Brasil increased in R$ 100 billion (or US$ 20 billion) its credit lines. The National Development Bank (BNDES) suspended the amortizations of R$ 19 billion (US$ 3.8 billion) loans for direct operations and R$ 11 billion (US$ 2.2 billion) for indirect operations. The Bank is studying a new emergency credit line of R$ 40 billion (US$ 8 billion) to micro, small and medium companies.
Guayaquil has become the coronavirus epicentre in Latin America. The first case was announced on February 29th, 2020, a 71 year-old-woman who arrived from Madrid. President Lenín Moreno declared a health emergenzy on March 12th, 2020 and the following day this patient died. Over 70% of the epidemic is concentrated in the Guayas region and according to medical experts, 2,500-3,500 coronavirus related deaths are expected in this province in the coming months. Regarding the response of the Government, on April 9th, 2020 the Interior Minister announced an extension of the lockdown and that workplaces will remain closed at least for 10 more days. In addition, schools will stay closed the whole month, and the suspension of international and inter-provincial travel. Mass events have been suspended for April and May. Authorities have also imposed 15 hours of curfew per day in the provinces with most cases, Guayas and Pichincha. There are parts of the population that are vulnerable to the spread of this virus, such as thousands of homeless people and Venezuelans refugees.
The article discusses the need to release children currently in detention facilities around the world due to the high risk of contracting Covid-19. Many of the children are in overcrowded and confined detention facilities, which are high conditions that could lead to an outbreak of Covid-19. Unicef has called for an immediate moratorium for new admission to detention facilities.
According to reports, more than 200,936 people are in jails around Mexico. At least 63% of theses premises have deficient conditions of material and hygiene.These factors make the inmates more vulnerable to COVID-19, as it implies it is difficult to have social distancing.The UN said it is “urgent” to take measures in this regard, including, (i) enough health personnel; (ii) enough drinking water and water for showering; and (iii) that once a week, hygiene and disinfection products are provided to the inmates.They also recommend to have a review point when people arrive to the prison, including family members and children that live inside the premises with their mother.Also, in case of emergency, they must transfer the inmate to the hospital to be treated and avoid the infection within the prison premises.
Article outlines how 19 children (and counting) have tested positive for COVID-19 at a Heartland Alliance facility on Chicago’s South Side. Heartland Alliance provides dormitory style housing for unaccompanied immigrant youths under 17.On April 14, Heartland officials said that the number of immigrant children in their care who had tested positive for COVID-19 had nearly doubled, from 19 to 37.
Among the measures adopted, the Minister of Health and the territorial entities are empowered to make transfers of funds to state owned entities carrying out health services.
Details the risk of detained children across the world and demonstrates how these children are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.Showcases that an outbreak in one of these facilities could happen at any moment while also explaining that children in these facilities also more exposed to neglect and other abuses due to lessened care caused by the pandemic.
2 hospitals were opened specifically for patients with COVID. The hospitals are in Jiquilisco y Tecoluca and can hold up to 250 patients each.These hospitals look to contain the virus within the country.The President declared: “Those who violate the quarantine, those who do not wear a mask, and those who drive vehicles without justification, will also be taken to Controlled Quarantine Centers, where they will remain for 30 days”
2 hospitals were opened specifically for patients with COVID. The hospitals are in Jiquilisco y Tecoluca and can hold up to 250 patients each.The new infrastructure is destinated to have asymptomatic patients of COVID-19 or that they only requiere basic medical treatment.
Stricter sanitation measures being taken in order to reduce contagion at detention centers.
The current pandemic is in fact putting a disproportionate strain on children living in poverty, homeless children, refugee children, children in care, stateless and undocumented children, and children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses, among others. Children and young people will have to face a new different reality after the crisis and their future seems compromised, therefore they will have to be part of the solution, as the responsibility of the reconstruction will lie on them.
Under current pandemic conditions, colonies can be relieved by 15–20%, while reducing relapse rates. The relatives are not allowed to enter the penal institutions , while lawyers and human rights defenders also restrict visits, fearing for their health.
This article explains that children who contract COVID-19 appear to have milder symptoms and lower death rates than those in other age groups. But in a myriad of other ways, the COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating effect on children, with potentially deep and long-term negative impacts.
Article discusses how the Trump administration is currently going forward with deportation cases for children in New York, the pandemic center for COVID 19. The U.S. Department of Justice has no plans to suspend the deportation cases. Many of the young migrants, who do not have lawyers, may not be aware of their ongoing cases and thus could lead for them to be deported.
In connection with the spread of coronavirus, all businessmen who are charged with crimes in the field of entrepreneurial or other economic activity should be released from the pre-trial detention center.Coronavirus has affected not only the economy. The work of the law enforcement system has changed dramatically. The courts, the investigation, the FSIN institutions – all of them, due to quarantine, very noticeably adjusted their standard procedures.
The article notes that Bahrain has freed some prisoners considered at risk, such as pregnant women, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the 1,500 freed so far exclude individuals jailed on national security grounds. This is unfortunate because Bahrain has sentenced hundreds of opposition politicians, activists, journalists and human rights defenders in mass trials. As a result, rights groups, including Amnesty International, last week jointly called on Bahraini authorities to release those who “peacefully exercised their rights to freedom of expression”, particularly elderly prisoners or those with existing health conditions.In response, the government said it is “absolutely committed” to protecting those in its prison system, and that it does test the prison population regularly. Other precautionary steps that they have taken include banning family visits. To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bahrain’s prisons.
The Cambodian government said it will not release any of the nation’s nearly 39,000 prisoners on bail amid the Covid-19 pandemic, despite concerns about possible outbreaks in prisons raised by human rights groups, the U.N. and prisoners’ families.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, has issued a toolkit for governments across Europe on respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law during the COVID-19 crisis.
Due to the coronavirus scare, a court in Myanmar on April 8th dropped cases against a number of Rohingya Muslims who were detained after they fled a military crackdown in 2017.Fears over a potential coronavirus outbreak in the Myanmar’s overcrowded prisons led to the release of 128 people.A statement from a judge notes that “[c]harges against both adults and children are withdrawn and they are to be released.” However, it is unclear where the Rohingya will be taken in the Rakhine state, posing a potential humanitarian catastrophe during the crisis. A Rohingya activist notes that about 250 people are likely to be released.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said that it has completed a coronavirus isolation facility at its new jail site in Payatas, Quezon City, that will house Filipinos with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. The facility was set up with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its Philippine counterpart, and has a 48-bed capacity consisting of 4 tents with electricity, water, sanitation, as well as medical consumables, basic medical equipment and hospital furniture and hygiene materials. Additionally, The ICRC said in a separate statement that 3 more isolation facilities were being set up outside Metro Manila: Fernando District Jail in Pampanga (for Region III), Quezon District Jail in Pagbilao (Region IV-A), and the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.Aside from building the isolation facility, the BJMP also implemented other preventive measures such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks by personnel and PDL, use of foot bath, thermal scanning, and the disinfection of facilities.
This is a study that examined the epidemiological characteristics and transmission of pediatric patients with COVID-19 in China. The study found that children at all ages were susceptible to COVID-19. The study also slightly saw more boys affected with COVID-19, however, no significant gender was observed during the study.Children affected with COVID-19 were also less severe than adults who were affected with COVID-19, however infants were more vulnerable to 2019-nCoV infection. The study also concluded strong evidence for human-to-human transmission.
A 16-year-old juvenile held in detention in Cook County, Illinois has tested positive for the Coronavirus. A number of juveniles are being released on electronic monitoring as part of an expedited review process and in cases where release was not granted, reconsideration of detention is now being requested. In addition to concerns over juveniles contracting the virus, attorneys and advocates are worried about the mental health of the juveniles as they are increasingly isolated by CDC restrictions. Visitation, school attendance and in-person programming have all been canceled. Attorneys and advocates have requested an increase in the pace of court reviews and for more releases and have asked for any possible release options. Chief Judge Timothy Evans of the Illinois Supreme Court has responded indicating the number of detained has dropped from 210 down to 170; and, alerted to the fact that some youth have no home or no suitable home in which to be released. Judge Evans has written to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to see if they could expedite placement. A new policy requires that juveniles admitted to the facility stay in a receiving area for 14 days before being moved to the general population, officials have said. New admissions are screened for COVID-19 exposure; anyone who says they may have been exposed, or who has a fever, will not enter the facility “until medical clearance is granted,” according to the news release from the chief judge.
The construction of the largest hospital in Latin America to attend the pandemic has begun, which will be in CIFCO (International Center of Events and Conventions), exclusively for confirmed patients.President of the Court of Accounts believes that the cost-benefit of the new hospital should be analyzed, because the expenses on medical supplies are "quite onerous". There are no results yet, since the hospital is not functioning yet.An impact cannot be quantified, since the hospital is not functioning yet.
The prison system in Haiti is overcrowded and prisoners are subject to poor conditions. The director of the National Prison System in Haiti has sent the Justice Ministry a list of prisoners to be released in an attempt to thin out the prison system so that it will be more difficult for COVID-19 to sweep through.
Detention centers are taking measures restricting visitors, taking temperature upon entrance, 15 day quarantine for any newly admitted inmates, isolation areas for suspicious cases, reduction of sentences, amongst others.
This article provides a general call for the release of prisoners in Asia, and provides a number of categories of prisoners that this release should apply to. Additionally, this article provides a number of prevention measures that prison authorities should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Visitation at the Dominica State Prison has been suspended indefinitely due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. In lieu of visits, prisoners are permitted to make more calls to their relatives than usual.Other measures include washing any food or goods provided by visitors before giving the goods or food to prisoners, body temperature checks for anyone entering the prison, provision of hand sanitizer, additional sinks, and face basins. Officers are also encouraged to wear masks and gloves.
News outlets show that the number of minors who have been detained for violating curfew measures is on the rise.
The special committee appointed by the President recommended, and obtained, the release of 2,961 prisoners. The prisoners were gradually released from March 17th until April 4th. In determining who was released, special attention was given to those prisoners who had either been serving a long sentence and suffered from health issues, were minor offenders and unable to post bail, or those that had served most of their sentence.
Due to the change of migration guidelines by US authorities on March 21, all the borders are immediately rejecting migrants. This rejection includes unaccompanied children, which is a drastic change of previous policies.Due to the fast process to return migrants to Mexico, people are not subjected to health checks before immediately being transferred to the other side of the border.Mexico issued a declaration saying that they would only accept Mexican migrants and Centro-American who have not previously been under the custody of American authorities. Also, they would not receive children or elder people.In the case of unaccompanied children, the U.S. is working to return them to their country of origin.
This summary of the Covid-19 webinar identifies three main approaches to seeking the release of older, ill and at-risk prison populations during Covid-19, being: 1 – Existing Compassionate Release Mechanisms. While it appears that some judges are considering arguments that do not traditionally fit the requirements of compassionate release, barriers to obtaining such release include the rigidity of federal criteria; and procedural barriers. 2 – Political Pressure. Attempts must be made to convince political actors to reduce prison populations. 3 – Litigation. In Washington State, advocates filed a suit seeking the release of prison groups most vulnerable to serious illness and death due to Covid-19.In addition, they summary identified other approaches to securing release including: clemency and federal back-end releases.
Students from medical and nursing schools are being called upon to act to combat Covid-19.The intention of the Government is to increase the number of medical and health workers for combating Covid-19 due to a spike in number of patients.
The Supreme Court of India issued an Order with respect to the interests of children who fall within the ambit of Juvenile Justice. The order sets forth measures to be taken by: Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and Children’s Courts, and State Governments. The Order also provides directions for Child Care Institutions (CCIs). These directions read as a playbook on how and what to do in order to keep children safe during the pandemic. The Order identifies both preventive and responsive measures. Also addressed under the order are measures for children under foster and kinship care as well as offering robust guidance measures that recognize the mental health needs of these children.The order directs the Juvenile Justice Court to not only ensure compliance with the order but to also regularly monitor the implementation of the directives in the order as frequently as possible and at least once per week.
As with elementary, middle and high schools nationwide, local childcare centers and nurseries have been forced to close facilities and convert to an online class system. In light of the comparative lack of resources, local childcare centers and nurseries (funded by local government) are suffering from a lack of smartphones and laptops necessary to accommodate online classes.This problem is increasing in scale as schools shut down and more children are flocking to local care centers and nurseries. Families of such children very often lack mobile devices and laptops at homes to facilitate online classes.The problem is exacerbated as these facilities more often serve the low-income demographics. Children are often left to tend to themselves alone during the daytime, during which parents are out to work. The problem also affects students in the latter years of middle and high school, during which academic progress is more pivotal than in other periods.
Summary of telephone calls received from detainees and their close ones, collected and logged by the “Observatoire International des Prisons”. Gives first-hand accounts of prison conditions throughout France as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and continues to develop. Accounts From March 16, 2020 until April 2, 2020.
In Mexico City, at 13 prisons, people are still visiting each day to see their family members and bring them groceries.People in prison are a vulnerable group to COVID-19, as the prisons are overcrowded and they do not have the facilities to isolate people in case of a situation of a contagion.There are no ventilators, no equipment for intubations. Basic hygiene behind these bars is a problem, and rumors and panic can spread quickly. Visitors and the groceries and other products they bring for the prisoners increase the risk of infection from the outside.On March 30, after the declaration of the national health emergency, minors, pregnant women and people older than 60 are no longer allowed to visit.NGO’s are scared that one case within the prison can result in an outbreak for many inmates; However, not all visitation has been banned because the prisoners exercise a degree of self-government in the prisons and it would almost certainly mean riots if there was an outright ban on visitation.Approximately half of the population lives below poverty level, and a significant portion of Mexicans work in the informal sector. For them, staying at home means being unable to provide for their families. It is really hard for them to follow federal social distancing recommendations, and therefore the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in the prisons appears high.
The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program, known as “Remain in Mexico,” is driving asylum seekers to stay in unhygienic camps and shelters in Mexican border cities where they are at heightened risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.This new restrictions includes denying entry into the US to unaccompanied children, which was previously allowed. This pushes children to live in unhygienic conditions that increase the risk of contracting the coronavirus. In addition, all the immigration court hearings have been rescheduled until May 1.Human Rights Watch found the camps and shelters along the border are often overcrowded, so that people living in close contact with one another are forced to share very limited, rudimentary sanitation facilities. They also lack running water.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Niger is currently assisting 2,371 stranded migrants and because of the nationwide lockdown and 14-day quarantine period for anyone arriving in the country, IOM is concerned about an outbreak of COVID-19 in the transit centers in Niger. To prevent an outbreak, IOM has installed hand-washing stations and implemented checks, but there is overcrowding and the population includes vulnerable persons, including children and pregnant women. These factors, along with more arrivals from several other African countries, make quarantine and separation difficult.
In Nigeria the UN and other partner teams are working to reduce and prevent the spread of coronavirus in communities and camps housing internally displaced people (IDPs) uprooted by the Boko Haram insurgency. Steps include installing hand-washing stations in IDP camps, ensuring the supply of clean water and distributing soap. The decade-long crisis has left more than 7 million in need of humanitarian assistance, and around a quarter of the IDP are children under the age of five. The UN team is also focused on education through messages, posters and videos to raise awareness about COVID-19 among IDPs.
Children are suffering from increased isolation, reduced educational opportunities and limited access to mental health treatment while they remain in detention during the Covid-19 pandemic. Advocates are pushing for the release of all youth who can safely return home to their family or caregiver and the halting of any new detentions.Results from a national poll revealed broad bipartisan support for the early release of some youth held in detention. The poll found that:– Sixty percent of likely voters support releasing juveniles whose sentences end within the next six months, including fifty-four percent of Republicans; and– Fifty-eight percent of voters prefer early release to solitary confinement conditions imposed on juveniles during a pandemic, including fifty percent of Republicans.
The United Nations (UN) is working with ministries across the Caribbean to identify and develop alternative accessible distance learning methods, for example via television and radio, to ensure that all children have access to quality education during the COVID-19 pandemic.The article discusses how previous humanitarian crises have shown children to be increasingly vulnerable to mistreatment, violence, and exploitation. With temporary school closures occurring across the Caribbean, not all children may have access to effective distance learning.
The commissioner of corrections in Jamaica has stated that his team has been preparing for COVID-19 in jails for weeks and has a prevention plan to decrease the risk of spread. This plan includes temporarily suspending all external visits to the facilities operated by the Department of Correctional Services.However, an Opposition Senator is calling for the government to rethink its rejection of the early release of low-risk inmates. On March 13, the Minister without Portfolio said that the Jamaican Government would not be releasing low-risk or short term inmates from correctional and remand centers even if COVID-19 became an issue within prisons.
Sudanese officials have implemented several measures to counter the spread of COVID-19, but the pandemic comes at a particularly difficult time for Sudan, as it is less than one year after the former dictator stepped down and the country is trying to transition to civilian rule. Sudan’s health care system already faces challenges and shortages from corruption, underfunding and mismanagement. Preventative steps taken include the release of over 4,000 prisoners. However, Sudan has a larger number of poor and vulnerable populations such as refugees and those displaced from the country’s recent conflict, many of whom live in large camp settings.
Ross MacDonald, the chief medical doctor of New York City’s correctional health services, has urged prosecutors to support the continued release of vulnerable inmates to avoid a public health disaster. According to the New York Times, at least 167 inmates and 137 corrections staff and health workers have tested positive for the virus. Prosecutors have expressed concern for the public safety over the release of some inmates. According to mayor deBlasio, more than 650 inmates have been released, mostly those with health risks making them vulnerable to the virus, those jailed on parole or probation violations and those charged with nonviolent offenses. Prosecutors claim that some inmates under review for release at the city’s urging are charged or convicted of domestic violence or sex offenses, leaving them worried for victims. Public perception of the jail’s ability to handle the pandemic is also a concern. According to a report by the Legal Aid Society, the virus is spreading within the jail at the rate of about 3.6 percent. While Rikers Island has been following CDC guidelines (long before and as the outbreak happened), infections at the jail have grown quickly. Nearly 800 inmates have been quarantined but the thousands that remain are physically incapable of social distancing like free people. In Texas, the state’s largest jail in Harris County recorded its first case of coronavirus on March 29th. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning the release on personal bonds of any person charged with a violent crime or with a violent crime on their record. With respect to the federal prison system, Attorney General Barr asked prison officials to assess older inmates and those with health problems for home confinement. The first federal prisoner who died of coronavirus had been serving a 27-year sentence in a Louisiana prison for possession of crack cocaine for sale too close to a school.
The article suggests an inclusive approach which protects every individual’s rights to life and health. Migrants and refugees are disproportionately vulnerable to exclusion, stigma and discrimination, particularly when undocumented. To avert a catastrophe, governments must do all they can to protect the rights and the health of everyone. Protecting the rights and the health of all people will in fact help control the spread of the virus.
Indonesia has decided to release some prisoners early as they seek to avoid a possible surge in coronavirus cases. Adult prisoners will be eligible for parole if they have served two-thirds of their sentences, while children would be eligible if they have served half of their jail term. These guidelines will encompass around 30,000 individuals according to the government.This release of prisoners is important as official data shows that there are 270,386 prisoners across Indonesia, more than twice the official capacity of its jails. Many jail centers also lack proper sanitation, making inmates particularly vulnerable to the spread of diseases, so this is an extremely positive development.
This article calls on Russian authorities to take measures to address the potentially devastating consequences of COVID-19 spreading among prisoners and detainees. The article offers the suggestion that Russian authorities should consider releases – especially releases of pre-trial detainees. According to the latest available data, almost 97,000 detainees (or 18.7% of Russia’s prison population) are held in pre-trial detention, where conditions, often overcrowded, are more hazardous in the face of COVID-19. Furthermore, pre-trial detainees now face longer periods in detention as all trials have now been suspended. The article calls for an urgent and genuine review of all decisions to remand criminal suspects in detention in order to ensure that such measure is proportional to the crime that is alleged.Finally, the article notes that Russian prisoner transportation must improve in order to mitigate the effects and spread of COVID-19. Prisoner transportation often results in individuals packed inside confined and poorly ventilated train compartments, without light, running water or sanitary facilities. Due to the distances involved in transporting prisoners hundreds of miles to remote penal colonies, some may spend weeks in these conditions that are extremely hazardous to prisoner health, especially with COVID-19.
Prisons across the country are reporting increases in Covid-19 diagnoses, where social distancing is impossible and sanitizer is widely banned. Hunger strikes in immigrant detention centers have been reported. Authorities have been prompted to release thousands of inmates in an effort to slow the spread of infection, preserve medical resources and save lives. Attorney General Barr has ordered an assessment of at-risk nonviolent inmates who have served much of their sentence in considering early release or home confinement. Possible release involved a complex set of criteria and would not result in immediate transfer because of the concern that the prisoner could further spread the virus once freed. The releases vary from state to state: in Cleveland, Ohio a judge led an effort to expedite cases for inmates awaiting trial. Proceedings that would typically run 60-90 days were resolved within 2-3 days; in New York City, some inmates who were convicted of non-violent crimes and serving sentences of less than one year have been released; in Los Angeles, releases have been limited to inmates who were scheduled for release in 30 days or fewer and had been convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors . Deputies have also been instructed to make fewer arrests and the Sheriff has asked the district attorney and courts to delay some criminal proceedings.
The Jeju Province Correction Facility in South Korea has a capacity of 500 detainees. In 2019, it has held more than 132% of maximum capacity. In light of the current circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, the Jeju Province has seen a large uptick in the issuance of probation for criminal defendants otherwise convicted and sentenced to prison time. The Jeju Province Correction Facility has recently implemented the protocol of quarantining any new inmate for a period of 14 days in solitary confinement.
The author recommends to follow the provisions issued by the World Health Organization for the preparation, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention.Also, the author suggests to implement other legal measures such as home detention using electronic anklets, in addition to conditional suspension of the execution of resolutions and conditional release, also using electronic anklets. In addition, regarding the pardons, the Legislative Assembly should prioritize the groups at risk.
Advocacy groups and individuals have teamed up and requested that the Government of Jamaica release at-risk groups, including children, from police lock-ups, remand centers and correctional centers to reduce the risk of COVID-19.The advocates are deeply concerned about the safety of detainees because of the conditions of Jamaican detention facilities, which are described as “not fit habitation in normal times” and during COVID-19, “these conditions are imminently life-threatening.”Release of the at-risk groups would arguably not only help the detainees but also those who work in the detention centers and the general public.
PepsiCo announced that it will donate $115 million pesos to ensure the feeding of children in poverty in Mexico during the critical phase of the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.In partnership with the PepsiCo Global Foundation, Save the Children and Un Kilo de Ayuda, more than 10 million meals will be provided to 70,000 children during this phase, since in Mexico, 6 million children from low-income families depend on school lunches for proper nutrition, according to the United Nations World Food Program and DIF.In addition, they will be donating 8,000 N95 mouthpieces to care for and protect health professionals, measures that are in addition to those already implemented by the company to protect its employees and give them better economic and health support in Mexico.
PepsiCo will provide meals for 70,000 children living in poverty and/or shelters during this COVID-19 crisis.PepsiCo, Save The Children and “Un Kilo de Ayuda” (NGO aimed to provide food to vulnerable children) will be joining efforts in order to provide this resource.More than three million meals will be delivered to fifty-thousand school-age children in seven entities of the country, for four weeks. In addition, nearly 7 million food rations will be awarded to around twenty-thousand girls, boys and their families, over the next nine months, in Baja California, Chiapas, Mexico City, State of Mexico, Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Puebla and Yucatan.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) began a plan to support children, adolescents and families in Mexico, aimed to prevent infections of COVID-19, and protecting their physical and emotional integrity.They are targeting the more vulnerable sectors, for example migration centers in the northern border, by sharing important information and providing hygiene kits with antibacterial soap, toothbrush, tooth paste, clothing detergent, sanitary pads and toilet paper.Due to the increase in violence over children in this emergency, UNICEF is providing psychological and emotional support through audio-visual material with positive content.UNICEF is also preparing radio capsules containing important information on COVID-19 that will be translated into more than 40 indigenous languages with tips for families as well as information regarding the best way to wash hands and keep good hygiene to prevent infection from COVID-19.UNICEF is also asking for donations that will allow them to continue with this effort.
Jails in Myanmar are implementing a number of steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Inmates at jails across Myanmar will be allowed only one visitor each during regular visiting days, whereas before prisoners were allowed three visitors. Additional steps include regularly conducting campaigns to teach prisoners how to prevent COVID-19 infection and regularly disinfecting cells. The director of the Prisons Department also noted that prison staff also practice proper hygiene before reporting for work, such as frequent handwashing, and that if they find suspected COVID-19 cases they promptly inform the health department and follow instructions.The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners urged the government to release some prisoners as part of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 because a reduction in the prisoner population is one of the important factors in preventing a virus outbreak. They suggested that courts should consider granting bail for the temporary liberty of the inmates while their cases are heard. Additionally, in some cases, they recommended that the government should consider granting amnesty to prisoners.
In light of a prison riot at Buriram Provision Prison, Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) are urging Thai authorities to ensure prisoners and detainees have access to adequate protective measures and care. It was reported that the riot began because of rumors of a Covid-19 outbreak in the prison.Thai corrections department had ordered all prisons and detention facilities to suspend visits from March 18-31 in an effort to stem the spread of the virus, which in turn caused tension and fears among the prisoners. HRW has expressed concern that prisoners and detainees do not receive adequate health care under normal circumstances and under international law, Thailand has an obligation to provide medical care at least equivalent to that available to the general population. HRW suggests Thai authorities take preventive measures (monitoring temperatures, PPE, provide medical care for those that fall ill), coordinate with public health authorities and communicate openly with staff and inmates. The UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee recommends authorities take immediate steps to address overcrowding and should consider reducing populations thru supervised release those detainees at high risk.
This article gives an account of measures undertaken in Belgian prisons to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within facilities, as well as some of the challenges, such as shortages of PPE and difficulties implementing social distancing practices in confinement. It also describes some of the mental health impacts on detainees and societal ramifications of restricting visitations. Finally, the article provides an overview of some of the measures taken by Government , such as the release of prisoners convicted for certain minor offences.
1500 children are currently living confined in orphanages or with host families in Somme . Social workers are decrying conditions in such facilities that quickly can become overwhelming. The article raises the issue of teenage runaways during the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortfall of staff required to deal with the issue.
Though as of March 28th, there had only been 3 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Libya, due to the ongoing armed conflict, the health care system is unprepared to handle a large number of patients. According to Human Rights Watch, authorities on both sides of the conflict should take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the large population of detained people. Authorities should consider releasing migrants and refugees detained because of their immigration status, children, low-level and non-violent offenders, and children and wives of suspected Islamic State fighters not accused of crimes. In addition, alternative detention options should be considered for older people and people with pre-existing conditions. The UN mission in Libya has called for a pause in the conflict and the release of certain detainees and prisoners. There are thousands of displaced people in Libya living in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Authorities should make preparations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in detention centers through social distancing and providing medical care and appropriate hygiene.
In recent weeks, the city of Monterrey and its surroundings have become a red hot spot for the spread of the coronavirus, which is on its way to reaching 100 people. This has put the shelters in the border state of Nuevo León and Tijuana on alert.6 shelters in Baja California had decided to not accept anyone but only the people that were already in the shelter to prevent coronavirus.Other shelters have decided to only accept women and children.
The OIM (Organización Internacional de Migraciones) announced measures that should be included in migrant shelters which includes testing for Covid-19, extreme hygiene measures and an increase in emergency shelters; however, these recommendations have not yet been fully complied.The children are the most vulnerable group said Mexico World Vision. Regarding shelters or migrant centers, in the event that deportations increase, these spaces will operate above their normal capacity, so overcrowding conditions will be exacerbated.
Civil associations and governmental entities have declared that Mexico has no plan to prevent children that are living on the street from contracting Covid-19. Also, there is no clear number of children who live on street. The latest figures available from the capital’s government, from 2018, count 207 minors out of a total of 6,754 homeless people. The Mexican government has decided to suspend all non essential activities but it is a purely sanitary and essential decision, it does not take into account other needs of children.
International help arrived to refugees for migrants in Mexico, from Unicef.This help includes hygiene kits, with antibacterial soap and other elements for 29 shelters for Mexican and Centro-American kids. This help also includes women and senior adults.This help is part of the plan of human response from Unicef aimed to protect childhood with support of $500,000 dollars to continue activities along with the Ministry of Public Education in shelters.
Decree 513: This decree suspends all administrative processes within the various governmental institutions.
Cameroon’s prisons are notoriously overcrowded, making social distancing and self isolation challenging to implement. In the wake of the epidemic, Cameroonian authorities are limiting prison visits and asking visitors to wash their hands. However, local lawyers argue that these measures are insufficient and that authorities should release individuals who are in pretrial detention on public safety grounds.
Jalisco’s government announced a program with 30 million pesos aimed to support Non Governmental Organizations that work to shelter and care for the groups of people must vulnerable to COVID-19.The Ministry for the Social Assistance System in Jalisco declared that the time to request the support is from April 2 until September. This money must be used to purchase food, medicines and basic medical equipment, hygiene and sanitation materials, and clothing and mattresses.The Government request shelters not to close and continue to protect the vulnerable groups in this pandemic situation.The groups that may request the support are: shelters for children, the elderly, people with disabilities or the immunocompromised and those on the streets.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most vulnerable groups or people are (i) elder people; (ii) prostitutes; (iii) women that are violence victims; and (iv) children that live in prison. This, because they do not receive help from authorities.As a result of this pandemic, a group called “#MiBarrioMeRespalda” (translation: My Neighborhood Supports Me) requests help for people in the same area to obtain health support.In prisons, the higher risk are for kids that live along their detained mothers, and that if they get the virus they might not have access to health services.Normally family visitors are responsible for providing them with the basic basket and hygiene supplies, but as visitors have been reduced and corruption is on the agenda, they have difficulties providing these supplies to the children.They are requesting donations through Non Governmental Organizations, such as Integra, in order to receive these hygiene supplies to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The migrant shelters located in Tijuana, Baja California lack medical and economical resources to keep on functioning.It is almost impossible to carry out the isolation recommendations issued by authorities because children, women and men all share bathrooms and sleep in big rooms with mattresses.They are currently operating at closed doors, without letting in new migrants or letting out people that are currently staying there.People are scared that these shelters may close due to a COVID19 infection that may be spread between people in the shelter.Some kids have shown symptoms, and people are moving away from them with fear it might be COVID-19. Administrators of the Center informed there are twins of four months with respiratory problems.
The article notes that Sri Lanka’s overcrowded jails and tensions resulting from the threat of COVID-19 entering the jails has raised anxiety to a new level and placed jailors and inmates on edge. These tensions resulted in two deaths when jail guards opened fire on inmates to quell a riot that grew out of an inmate protest.The incident began because of the restrictions the jail placed on visits to the inmates by close relatives as a measure to control the spread of COVID-19. It is often alleged that due to corruption in the prisons, the quantity of food that the Department provides inmates is grossly insufficient and it requires food from home to keep the inmates adequately fed.Sri Lankan prisons also generally suffer from overcrowding. Presently, the premier jail, Welikada houses over 5,000 inmates in a space built during colonial times to accommodate 850. In Kegalle, there are 800 inmates in a facility meant for 300. Therefore, it is impossible for prisoners to practice social distancing and if someone who is infected is detained, then the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions could cause to coronavirus to spread quickly. As a result, on March 16th, the Committee to Protect the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) submitted a paper to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa calling for the release of certain groups of prisoners to ease the overcrowding. These groups included those who could not pay a small fine, those who could not afford to post bail or meet other bail conditions and others who were ill or over 72.
Along with the National Youth Advocacy Service and a group of care-experienced people and leaders of charities and organizations working with care-experienced children and young people across England, Just for Kids Law and Children’s Rights Alliance for England wrote to the Education Secretary, The Rt Hon. Gavin Williamson MP, and Vicky Ford MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families setting out our concerns about care-experienced children during this period. The full letter sets out their concerns and requests, as addressed to the Secretary for State. (30 March 2020)
The Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings is an organization that operates schools in the New Orleans detention center and adult jail, assists in the educational transition of youth coming home and partners with systems around the country to improve education in facilities. David Domenici, the founder, wrote in an email to colleagues that has since been re-published that: Children in detention are afraid and at a high risk of exposure. Each passing day increases trauma, risk and long term mental health scars. The institutions in which they are held are not designed to support individuals facing a Covid-19 infection.The organization is delivering curriculum to schools and facilities that will work for students even with staff shortages and limited technology access.At a policy level, suggests that nearly all juvenile held pretrial in an adult jail or juvenile detention center should be released.On a personal level, children and teens in confinement need to know they are not alone and that society cares for them. They have started a month long note card and letter writing campaign. Join here: https://form.jotform.com/200824983946062?mc_cid=f153fb7536&mc_eid=b10cd0ed54
Child Protective Services are feeling the effects of Covid-19: -Grandparents are unable to care for a relative because of particular risks to serious complications of Covid-19 – Parents are unable to comply with required classes are part of their service plan because the classes have been put on hold due to the risk of congregation in groups. – Face-to-face visits have been limited in an effort to curb the spread of the disease – Older foster parents are asking for children to be removed from their homes based on the risk of contracting Covid-19; also, with schools and other providers currently closed, providing care 24/7 is a bigger burden than some can carry.
There are 160,000 – 250,000 children detained in prisons and pre-trial detentions centers, globally. Many of these children are in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions, rendering any attempt to slow the spread of infection nearly impossible. The inevitable spread of the virus will effect staff working in these facilities, leaving them understaffed and unable to maintain education and healthcare services. In addition, the ability of the children to leave their cells to exercise and socialize will be extremely limited. Solitary confinement for children is recognized as a form of cruel and unusual punishment under international human rights law and is not a means to prevent the spread of infection.Reducing the number of children in detention is the only viable solution for managing the detention facilities in a safe manner. Releases should be organized before an outbreak takes place, first focusing on younger, non-violent offenders who can be safely released and managed in the community. Pre-trial detention should be reduced and community sentences should be emphasized to reduce the number of children entering detention. With these reductions, staff will be better equipped and services will be accessible for those children that do remain in detention.
Depicts conditions and measures taken in US juvenile detention facilities amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Some of the measures taken have included eliminating in-person family visits, classes (replaced with packets for children to complete on their own), social worker and religious staff visits, etc. Doctors, former probation juvenile detention officials and youth right advocates argue that the most effective way of preventing an outbreak in these types of facilities is to release children who are not safety risks from juvenile detention. An estimated 16,000 children are held in detention centers across the US – another 4500 minors are in adult jails and prisons. The article also raises some state specific responses.
Latin America has been considered slowed regarding the implementaton of measures to address COVID-19.El Salvador, barred entry to nearly all foreigners, required a 30-day quarantine for Salvadorans arriving from other countries, suspended schools for three weeks, and halted gatherings of 500 people or more – all before it had registered a single positive case.Some people consider that the measures are strict and extreme, and therefore thy restrict some constitutional rights, like freedom of assembly.The President, has threatened citizens that if they violate the quarentine, they will be taken into “containment centers’ for at least 30 days.
Measures being taken to provide seminars in order to convey information on coronavirus and teams that can through videoconferences, provide communication with legal counsel.
I have not encountered measures to release minors, rather, there are measures that are aimed at reducing sentences of those that have chronic illnesses, over 60 years old and have a good record.
Communication of Temporary Measures Against COVID-19 in the Penitentiary System.Instructions for Technical Boards to process expeditiously prisoners who are pregnant or are mothers of dependent children to liberate them.
The General Direction of Criminal Centers has requested the Supreme Court of Justice in El Salvador to grant conditional release to 557 prisoners who are over 60 years old and have a chronic disease. This request, according to the Supreme Court is justified to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among the prison population in El Salvador.
This article discusses the decision of Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewede to pardon 4,011 prisoners in an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the country. The directive from the Ethiopian leader was limited to the release of only prisoners given a sentence of three years for minor crimes and those with impending release dates. At the orders issuance, Ethiopia maintained a small infection rate, with only 12 confirmed cases according to the WHO. However, the decision can be understood as both a part of Ethiopia’s developing social distancing policies and attempts to conserve funds and non-financial resources.
Statement from the Commissioner for Human Rights to review the situation of rejected asylum seekers and irregular migrants in immigration detention. Notes that immigration detention facilities generally provide poor opportunities for social distancing and other measures required to protect against COVID-19 infection. The Commissioner calls for the release of immigration detainees in the wake of the pandemic. Also notes that European Members should ensure that those released from detention are given appropriate access to accommodations and basic healthcare services.
Press release from Human Rights Watch warns of unaccompanied migrant children being deprived of essential services in Marseille and Gap. Among other things, child protection authorities in affected Regions are struggling to provide shelter and other social services to unaccompanied migrant children, who in many cases live in precarious conditions without access to essential services. Because of certain containment measures taken by the French government on March 16, 2020, combined with precarious conditions that are prevalent with unaccompanied minors, migrant children cannot follow containment measures imposed by the French government and are therefore at greater risk. Local lawyers are calling on the departments to provide shelter for these at risk youth, regardless of their legal status and age. Furthermore, Human Rights Watch documented instances of court orders for the temporary placement of unaccompanied minors that are not enforced.
The article depicts the poor and deteriorating health conditions that are prevalent in certain French prisons. the article also details some of the factors that are exacerbating contamination within prison facilities (e.g., no protective masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, overcrowding, unprotected prison officials,…). Describes a complaint filed by lawyers representing prison detainees targeting the justice minister and prime minister and alleging a “failure to assist a person in danger”. Early release is also raised as a potential measure for curbing the spread of the virus within detention centers.
In view of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture issued a list of actions to prevent inhuman treatment for vulnerable people:1. If personal visits are restricted, inmates must be compensated with use of digital media or telephonic communication; 2. Include people in detention centers to create measures, protocols or guidelines to prevent and treat COVID-19; 3. Establish concrete actions for the treatment of the population in a situation of vulnerability; 4. Develop specific protocols and action plans to implement health measures in places of deprivation of liberty; and 5. Design specific spaces for people detained that are suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The article is an overview of the current status of advocates for detainees in light of COVID-19. In summary, advocates across Canada are calling for the release of non-violent offenders (including releasing detainees awaiting trial, granting some inmates early parole, as well as releasing all youth, asylum seekers and immigrants in custody) and the creation of a unified plan to deal with the health and safety of inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic.Additionally, the article notes that the Canadian Prime Minister has acknowledged that detainees are at a higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus, but federal officials did not disclose any nationwide plan. Further, while the federal Correctional Service of Canada is taking preventive measures to keep staff and inmates safe, they have not provided specifics on this points. However, the article suggests that the government may want to consider invoking a section of the Canadian Criminal Code that allows the federal cabinet to grant prisoners who are not deemed a public safety threat a conditional pardon and immediate release.
Any prisoner or detainee in a prescribed place of detention with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature should be placed in protective isolation for 7 days.Prisoners or detainees who have a new, continuous cough or a high temperature but are clinically well enough to remain in prescribed places of detention do not need to be transferred to hospital.Confirmed cases of coronavirus should be notified by prison or immigration removal center healthcare teams as soon as possible to local Public Health England Health Protection Teams.
Since self-isolation has begun, French lawyers have been advocating for the freedoms of detainees and seeking interim measures for the release of persons held in administrative detention centers. Authorities are urged to completely empty these facilities because of the heightened risk of infection for staff and detainees; however, release orders are being delayed, in part because of the understaffing of judges making these types of decisions. In some cases, contradictory decisions have also been rendered by judicial bodies on the conditions and standards for release. notwithstanding, Orders are slowly reducing the number of individuals held in administrative detention centers.
L’Institut du Bien Etre Social et des Recherches and UNICEF have provided 5,500 hygiene kits for distribution in 754 orphanages, shelters and residences for children in Haiti to fight the spread of COVID-19.
It has been proved that the first COVID-19 at the borders were imported by people with the means to travel abroad, specifically Spain and New York City.Nowadays, migrants are forced to be kept in Mexico until the contingency is solved.Camps and shelters at borders lack medical attention and medical supplies to face this disease. They are usually full and in precarious conditions.However, the NGO Global Response Management (GRM) has started the construction of a hospital in Matamoros’ Camp that will be ready the first week of April 2020 with 20 beds ready to treat patients with COVID-19.Also, the medical team installed more than 50 hand washing stations as well as 150 bathrooms.This group has also designed an action plan to respond in case hospitals are up to the maximum capacity. They will also be supplying medicine from Texas, to help vulnerable people in the migration camp.
More than 1,000 children and underage youth are retained at the Office of Refugee Resettlement in Los Angeles.In this facility, children have little or no ability to practice social distancing or to carry any means to avoid contracting COVID-19.In light of these conditions, the National Center for Youth (NCYL) filed a motion to request the judge put in place a temporary restriction to the ORR aimed to protect the children.
There are thousands of refugees from all over Africa living in Libya waiting to attempt to migrate to Europe. Many refugees live in cramped detention centers with limited food where coronavirus could easily and rapidly spread. Also, due to the dangers of the civil war and the more recent coronavirus fears, some international organizations, such as the UNHCR have reduced their support and activities in the country. Though Libya does not yet have any cases of coronavirus, some fear there could be a backlash against refugees if the country does see the spread of COVID-19.
This article compares tuberculosis (TB) with COVID-19 and notes that the lessons learned from fighting TB in Philippines’ jails could help inform the fight against COVID-19 inside prisons. These lessons include infection control protocols (proper entry screening and mass screenings inside detention facilities); and creating isolation units for infected patients to halt the disease’s further spread. Additionally, masks are a must for inmates, visitors and jail staff inside the infirmary facility. The article also notes the importance of pursuing immediate treatment if symptoms are shown, as early detection is key in preventing the spread of disease.Finally, preparation is key to stopping the spread. The Philippines leadership saw that inmates in congested jails were more vulnerable to TB. As such, they set up a facility to better treat inmates with TB and to stop the further spread of TB in jails. There, they are attended by jail health staff and receive medicine, and their chances of recovering are much higher. The article highlights that just because they are in jail, it does not mean that they should receive a lesser standard of health care as compared to those in the community. This same lesson can be applied to COVID-19, in that it is key to create isolation units for those that are infected.
India’s state social justice department issued guidelines for juvenile justice institutions, including care homes and orphanages, functioning under the department, which must be strictly followed by the inmates and employees in these institutions in the wake of increasing confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the state.The guidelines stated that if children in care homes could be safer with their parents at their own homes, the child welfare committees (CWCs) should take necessary measures to send them home.The department will also conduct regular awareness classes on prevention and control of Covid-19 spread for children and workers in these institutions with the help of the health department.Among other directions are strict maintenance of hygiene, proper use of sanitizers and hand wash, use of bleaching solutions for washing clothes and immediate medical attention for inmates in case of symptoms of fever, cough, cold and other respiratory ailments. Direct contact with children showing these symptoms should be avoided while seeking medical attention.The department has also directed to restrict visitors at these institutions and to strictly avoid picnics and leisure trips. The employees should be made aware of the preventive methods and they should stay away from public events and other functions.
France continues to return migrants back to Ventimiglia, on the Franco-Italian border, one of the most affected regions in the world. Once these migrants are returned to Italy, their medical care is difficult because most of the local NGOs have stopped their activities due to the coronavirus pandemic. On the French side, a medical unit continues to provide medical care to migrants.Similarly, migrants trying to enter the French territory are now turned away if they do not have a legitimate reason to visit France. France now also denies entry to migrants at the Italian border if they cannot provide a legitimate reason for their visit.On the Italian side, because of the Pandemic, most NGOs have suspended their activities in Vintimille. New migrants are thus left on their own. The only camp that remains is the one by the Red Cross, which houses 250 people outside of Vintimille, but with reduced teams, and only 1 doctor and only providing care in the morning only. Policemen on site 24/7 control access to the site. The French teams of NGOs are not allowed to cross the border into Italy to provide care.To make matters worse, free healthcare clinics were closed in bordering regions, although a mobile unit was created.
Open letter from the Cercle belgo-Africain pour la Promotion Humaine (CEBAPH) to the Cameroonian Minister of Justice urging the release of persons in pre-trial detention to curtail the progression of COVID-19 in Cameroon’s overcrowded prison system.
Human rights advocates are demanding the closure of administrative detention centers in France. They argue that there is no legal basis, given the current health crisis, for detaining individuals who have no prospect of being removed from the country in the short term. Any attempt to remove these individuals would further promote the spread of the virus, which would contradict advice issued by the WHO regarding best practices for containment.
Article 39 is a UK based charity advocating for the rights of children living in state and privately-run institutions (children’s homes, boarding and residential schools, mental health inpatient units, prisons and immigration detention). The organization takes its name from Article 39 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which entitles children who have suffered rights violations to recover in environments where their health, self-respect and dignity are nurtured. Article 39 understands that the Government must take all necessary action to protect our population at this time of crisis. However, in their view, the state must continue to do all it can to provide care and support to vulnerable children and their families. It considers the removal of local authority duties in the Coronavirus Bill to be disproportionate, and this has the potential to cause great harm to those who are least able to cope. This Brief sets out three proposed amendments to the Coronavirus bill, adding further safeguards and protections for children.
Physician advocates urging governors, juvenile court systems and state/local juvenile detention and correctional departments to implement recommendations in order to limit potential exposure to Covid-19, including: – Immediate release of youth in detention and correctional facilities who can safely return to the home of their families/caretakers, with community based supports and supervision; – Halt new admission to detention facilities to mitigate the harm from the pandemic; – Establish and public sharing of a Covid-19 safety plan for all youth who remain in facilities, ensuring proper access to cleaning and sanitation supplies, resources, support and contact with loved ones.Continued incarceration of juveniles during the pandemic increases fear and anxiety among families and these juveniles. Allowing these children to shelter in place with their families can potentially reduce the negative impact on their current well-being and long term adjustment.
Just for Kids Law, Children’s Rights Alliance for England and the Youth Justice Legal Centre wrote to the Home Office setting out their concerns about children coming into contact with the police during this period. In their letter, Just for Kids Law express concern about the safety of children and young people who may be exposed to COVID-19 as a result of arrest or detention. In their letter they urge the Home Office to issue immediate guidance to the police asking them to refrain from arresting children and exposing them to greater risk of contracting COVID-19, unless absolutely necessary. Arrest should only be used as an absolute last resort, they argue, in relation to only the most serious crimes and maintaining public order, in line with the Government Coronavirus action plan.
Caram Asia, a coalition of 42 member organizations across 18 countries in Asia, are urging that migrant workers, refugees and their families be included in the national Covid-19 response. Conditions such as ventilation, lack of access to clean water and soap, limited mobility and the fear of authorities as well as the loss of wages all contribute to their vulnerability during the pandemic. Caram Asia goes on to claim that social distancing for this population is simply not possible since they live in packed urban areas and crowded slums.Advocates are urging the government to include migrants and refugees in their financial and health planning of the pandemic response. They are also urging safe repatriation of all migrants in immigration detention centersUNHCR have advocated to the Malaysian government to not arrest and detain anyone with: an expired UNHCR document; in the process of registration with UNHCR; or are undocumented.While official notification on this has not yet been received, UNHCR have been informed by authorities that during this public health emergency, no refugees or asylum-seekers will be arrested should they present themselves at hospitals for screening and treatment.
Amid the lockdown in India, a city-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has appealed the Telangana government to provide adequate food for the children in the orphanages. The women and child welfare department has asked all child care institutes (CCI) to hand over the children to their guardian or relatives.An official from the Hyd Children Aid Society for Girls stated that only children who have nowhere else to go are staying in their orphanage. The organization has already stocked up for the 25 children currently staying, but if any other CCI needs essentials, the government should come forward to help.The President of Balala Hakkula Sangham, a child rights NGO, stated that “after the decision of lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, however, we appeal the government to provide food for the children in orphanages.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic currently taking place, we usually forget to talk about the situation lived by the most vulnerable population, being migrants or detained persons.People refuse to go to medical services because of fear of having their visas retained.The program “Stay in Mexico'” is aimed to leave people requesting asylum to remain in Mexico, has more than 60,000 people stopped.There is not cleaning as there should be, people cannot keep their distance as recommended, and is therefore at a greater risk of spreading the virus. This is also happening within jails, where they have restricted visits. There is a call for empathy and support to those people that require it the most.
Save the Children, a NGO, is requesting the Mexican government to design a plan aimed to protect children and teenagers from coronavirus, in order to guarantee their right to health, development, education and protection against violence.According to the NGO, in Mexico more than 5 million children do not have access to health services.The NGO also announced that they will be delivering hygiene kits for children and teenagers in migration context, juvenile centers, foster home, social services and other detention centers to prevent the risk of COVID-19.
ICE has faced intensifying pressure to release immigrants with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, detainees over the age of 60 and those seeking humanitarian protections who don’t pose a threat to public safety. The agency announced it would stop arresting most undocumented immigrants in the U.S. who don’t pose a threat to the public during the pandemic. The move is a significant shift in enforcement priorities, but doesn’t address the growing calls for ICE to release many immigrants. An asylum seeker currently detained in northeastern Louisiana has said he and other immigrants at the detention center have not received any instructions related to the pandemic. Access to hand soap is very limited and the sanitary conditions are subpar, he added.In response to the pandemic, ICE has implemented new internal procedures, including: – plans to screen new detainees and isolate those with symptoms related to COVID-19. – the suspension of visits by family members and friends at detention centers.An ICE spokesperson declined to answer directly when asked about calls to release immigrants, saying only that “no announcements have been made regarding the current detainee population.”
OYA Communications set up a blog to provide updates on OYA’s response to Covid-19. Actions include: -review of plan for maintaining care of youth in the event of widespread staff illness; -cancellation of visitation at all OYA facilities; -symptomatic youths have been placed in medical isolation; -closure of all schools in OYA facilities.
Taking precautions to keep staff and clients safe and healthy and to reduce or minimize the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.The Juvenile Services building is currently only open for scheduled court hearings. Requesting that people do not come to a scheduled court hearing if they are ill or exhibiting cold systems – the hearing will be rescheduled or will allow telephonic appearance. Request to wash hand and practice social distancing.
The National Office for the Prevention of Torture issued 13 recommendations:1. Provide persons deprived of liberty and administrative personnel within the prisons with drinking water, soap, medicines and minimum prophylactic kits. 2. In relation to new people entering the prisons, they must be subject to constant monitoring for a period of 12 days, contemplating the incubation period of Covid-19. 3. Optimize the prison’s open spaces in order to mitigate overcrowding of people deprived of liberty. 4. Consider the implementation of an isolation area within each detention center for the isolation of possible contagions with the necessary resources. 5. Non-essential visits should be limited only to one family member, who will undergo extreme health control measures and he/she must not be a senior citizen. 6. Maintain constant monitoring by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance to the custody staff, managers and nurses of each detention center. 7. Provide training to sector monitors on symptoms to detect possible cases of Covid-19. 8. Place gel alcohol dispensers in all areas of detention centers. 9. Instruct on the mandatory use of masks in population with respiratory symptoms. 10. Implement an exclusive area where the elderly and / or with chronic diseases such as diabetes, bronchial asthma, heart problems and others are located. 11. Make the necessary coordination with the judicial authorities and the National Institute of Forensic Sciences to establish the mechanism for the immediate transfer of the patients with symptoms of Covid-19. 12. At the time of finding a person deprived of liberty, custodian or center staff with symptoms of Covid-19, the immediate transfer to the healthcare centers established by the Ministry of Public Health should be arranged. 13. Request a special area in the Temporary Hospital installed in the “Parque de la Industria”, as well as in the National Specialized Hospital of Villa Nueva, Guatemala, for the isolation and care of persons deprived of liberty.
Former and current heads of juvenile agencies have warned that the 43,000 young people currently in custody are among those at the highest risk of contracting Covid-19. Correctional administrators and juvenile justice advocates are calling for the immediate release of youths in detention facilities. Advocates are writing to governors and other officials calling for the release of children facing juvenile court proceedings, removing those who already have Covid-19 symptoms and, with the exception of those determined to pose a substantial safety risk to others, eliminating any form of detention or incarceration for youth. Juvenile justice chiefs have said all currently incarcerated youth who can be safely cared for in their homes should immediately be release and also recommended: ending probation supervision for youth who have displayed no behavioral issues; creating a coronavirus safety plan that would include procedures to protect medically vulnerable young people; and, facilitate family contact for those who continue to be incarcerated through videoconferencing and other means.
Practice and procedures have been put into place in response to Covid-19 in order to assure safety of youth and staff and to prevent the introduction of Covid-19 into the facility and to prevent the spread of the virus into the community. NORCOR is taking direction from North Central Public Health, the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s Office. Practices and procedures include: -Closure of facility to all visitors with limited exceptions (attorneys); -Anyone entering the facility is screened prior to entry; -Providing more phone calls for youth and working to provide opportunities for video visitation if possible; -Increased cleaning and disinfecting in the facility; -Youth and staff are washing hands more frequently; -Closely monitoring anyone who reports not feeling well; -Consult with medical staff regularly.
The St. Catherine of Siena School and Orphanage, a key place for poor and abandoned children in Bandra (Mumbai), temporarily closed the school because of the coronavirus outbreak. The orphanage remained open, with reduced staff. These measure were taken “to prevent the spread of the pandemic.”The St. Catherine of Siena School for Destitute Children in Mumbai is part of the Welfare Society for Destitute Children, founded by the Dominican Fr. Anthony Elenjimittam in 1957.The school has more than 250 pupils this year, while the orphanage has 75 children aged 5 to 18.The school was closed and the administrative work was halted. A skeleton staff of three is taking care of the children, poor and orphans, keeping them safe. An official at the school noted that the people at the school wash their hands, talk about the virus, and pray for the world and the mothers who live in the streets.Everyone who comes to the orphanage “is seen by doctors year-round, every week. A mobile clinic comes every Thursday for check-ups. There is also a non-Christian doctor, Dr. Prakash Jain, who provides emergency treatment free of charge.”Given the current emergency, the school will continue to provide updated information with photos and videos via social media, so that the usual visitors and benefactors need not come to the school.
Tax exemption for Excise Tax on the sale of health products and equipment for the treatment of Covid-19.Tax exemption will reduce the price of the equipment and products.
Migrants must be seen as both potential victims and as an integral part of any effective public health response; migrants are particularly vulnerable (poor living and working conditions, language and cultural barriers; cost; a lack of migrant-inclusive health policies; legal, regulatory and practical barriers to health), all measures must be implemented in a non-discriminatory manner and prioritize the protection of the most vulnerable, States must urgently establish non-custodial alternatives to detention, importance of an inclusive approach leaving NO ONE BEHIND
This is an open letter to the Ministry of the Interior from Organizations working detention centers, requesting the closure of these facilities in view of the COVID-19 health crisis. The letter Calls out poor conditions in administrative detention and the absence of protocols for safeguarding the health of detainees and individuals working in these facilities. The letter raises the serious public health concerns with maintaining detention centers operative during the COVID-19 health crisis and calls for the closure of centers, the suspension of decisions and release of detainees.
Masks, gloves, sanitizers and chlorine have been distributed in the Guatemalan prisons, to be able to disinfect all environments and avoid any type of situation that puts those deprived of liberty and system workers at risk.Prisoners are being evaluated on a daily basis with a thermometer, based on what has been suggested by the health authorities, and, if someone has a temperature above 37.5, a more exhaustive review by other doctors will be done. If the prisoner has COVID-19 he/she will be transferred immediately to a healthcare center.
More than 1,500 migrant are kept in a Camp along the southern border in Matamoros, Mexico, across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas, as a result of Trump’s “Remain in Mexico Policy”.Most of these people are families with small children, that fear that they are both invisible to the Mexican and the American Government.Most parents are looking at the possibility of sending their children across the border, as they will be welcomed if unaccompanied by adults.The Camp has started many virus prevention activities, such as teaching migrants to wash their hands regularly and avoiding personal contact. However, people are scared that NGO’s will stop coming to help as a result of the fear of spreading COVID-19.The organization “Globar Response Management” (“GRM”) keeps attending to the Camp, seeking to provide additional hand washing stations and testing kits.
Amid warnings from medical experts that overcrowded prisons could help spread of the coronavirus, the Nepalese government has decided to release on bail or without bail all prisoners who have already served half their time (except for those that committed “heinous crimes” or those that were sentenced to less than a year in jail. These steps will reduce the spread of the coronavirus by reducing congestion in prisons across the country.Additionally, a few government officials have written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to request the invocation of the presidential powers of pardon to commute the sentences of convicts who have already completed half of their jail term.
Oregon’s criminal justice system is enacting sweeping changes temporarily to combat the spread of Covid-19. Those changes include individual sheriff’s offices attempting to curb the possibility of an outbreak of the virus in jails and restrictions on in-person court proceedings. How the measures are enacted can vary from county to county but efforts include: – holding conference calls with a variety of organizations as a way for sheriffs to discuss plans and share information; – carefully evaluating who gets booked into jail facilities in order to limit intake; -get low risk offenders out of jail as soon as possible; -environmental precautions; -social distancing; -screening of individuals being taken into custody, with any answer being indicative of a virus triggering a jail nurse for further assessment; -allowing deputies to issue citations to appear in court at a later date for lesser offenses; -suspending social visits; -checking the temperature of arrested persons prior to entry and potentially not admitting the person if they have an abnormally high fever and/or cough; -increase in cleaning of the jail
Refer to “Protect people in custody and in institutions” section. This section provides a summary of COVID-19 related issues in various jurisdictions, as well recommendations for detained persons. This includes: – appropriate supervised or early release of low-risk detainees (e.g., those scheduled for early release, those who are in pre-trial detention for non-violent and lesser offenses, or whose continued detention is similarly unnecessary or not justified); – release of people with underlying health conditions; and – public release of plans of action to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in their facilities;.
The article details the plight of children in ORR facilities. Some are foster homes, but others are large dormitory-style detention centers that pose much larger risks for contracting COVID-19.Discusses how children in ORR centers are less likely to be screened for preexisting conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications. Advocates increased screenings, adherence to CDC guidelines, and halting immigration hearings.
This article accounts some of the shortfalls and risks of operating administrative detention centers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Detainees are confined in suboptimal sanitary conditions, exacerbated by shortages of critical PPE. Furthermore, police officers and detention staff are not able to adequately enforce the health rules necessary to limit the spread of the virus. Government directives mandate that detainees exhibiting symptoms should be immediately placed in isolation in a single room and be subject to a medical examination. If the detainee is found to be infected, they are immediately removed from the facility and placed under house arrest (if there are accommodations) or taken in medical care. Detention orders are being challenged under appeal by refugee and human rights lawyers.
The authorities of the Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra, a children’s home in Yerawada, have decided to prevent minors who are with them, from coming into contact with coronavirus through contact with outsiders.As a preventive measure, the authorities suspended all programs organized for them. “We have also obtained 50 masks and sanitizers for the minors and staff members,” superintendent Padghan told TOI.Padghan said the security guards at the outer gate of the home have been told not send any person inside without applying sanitizers. “We take efforts to reform these boys who are in conflict with the law so that they can lead a good life after their release. We organize different programs like meditation, yoga and motivational talks by speakers and we invite many outsiders to the home,” Padghan said.They have stopped these activities for the protection of the children inside the home from Monday. “We will continue with these activities once the situation is normal,” Padghan said. Padghan said he has provided soaps at all barracks in the home. “We have been requesting the inmates to wash their hands regularly. “We have started lodging a limited number of boys in one barrack as a precautionary measure,” he added.He said the home has a facility for visiting doctors. “These doctors check the inmates regularly. I have also told the staff members that if they notice an inmate with any symptoms, they should immediately take him to the hospital,” Padghan said. Another official from the Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra told TOI, “At present there are 33 minor inmates. They have been kept in six barracks inside the home,” he added.
Jeonnam Province has decided to offer a monthly subsidy of approximately USD 300 to all adolescents exiting child custody centers due to exceeding the age limit (18 years old). The subsidy applies to any child who has stayed and exited a child custody center in the last 2 years. Approximately 400 individuals are expected to receive the subsidy.
This article provides an account of the conditions in French administrative detention centers, for detainees who are required to leave the country, but are neither released nor expelled. Containment measures have created a state of limbo for these detainees. Given the measures in place, they have no prospect of removal and have no direct access to lawyers or any outside people. Sent detainees have resorted to hunger strikes.
Open letter to Minister Maggie De Block (Belgium) by NGOs concerning emergency measures intended to stem the spread of COVID-19 within migrant groups in Belgium. The letter provides an overview of circumstances and conditions that can render migrant populations more vulnerable to Covid-19 and that is surely exacerbated measures taken by many European states to close national borders.
Visits are not allowed in the prisons and they are only accepting people that bring food to the prisoners, with the condition of wearing a face mask.
The CDMX prison system will maintain a protocol that will include the reduction of family visits to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. The Mexico City Government began the Protocol to act in face of the COVID-19 by reducing the visits from family members (children and elder people) that average approximately 10,000 persons daily.These measures will be applied in 13 correctional facilities, 11 for men, 2 for women and 6 for teenagers. This protocol is to prevent the spread of the virus. All prisons have been provided with cleaning and hygiene supplies.
This article highlights statements made by the Bureau of Corrections (“Bucor”) spokesperson concerning the steps taken to protect and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on prisoners.The spokesperson stated that inmates are urged not to congregate and have been provided with hygiene kits and protective masks. Additionally, all facilities are off-limits to visitors except for food deliveries, which are screened. The Bucor has also purchased personal protection equipment (PPEs) and misting machines to disinfect areas, personnel, and equipment. Finally, they are conducting an information drive for prisoners’ education in personal hygiene in order to fight the spread of disease.
Defense attorneys are working to expedite the release of juveniles in custody citing the Covid-19 virus’ ability to spread in congested areas and that the suspension of family visits could dangerously isolate the children. Detention operations including the state Division of Juvenile Justice have suspended family visits due to the coronavirus.LA County Sheriff had announced that it was: – releasing inmates from its jails; and – cutting down on how many people it books into custody to protect those housed in close quarters.LA County Probation Department said that it was currently: – screening all youth admitted to facilities for risk of infection at the time of admission; – collaborating with attorneys so that children are not sent back to juvenile hall for first-time probation violations – which decision is ultimately at the discretion of the court; – working on holding first time violations in abeyance, – working on other options for families to communicate with their youth, such as video conferencing; – posting additional signs, – ensuring restrooms and staff quarters are clean and well stocked, – bringing in more staff to regularly clean and disinfect common areas.
In an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett on Monday took steps to reduce the jail population. The measures included:– identification of about 60 inmates it considered eligible for early release due to their medical condition or the nature of their sentences; – people serving short sentences or nearing the end of a sentence were considered for release; – expansion of the use of home detention bracelets; – requests to local police chiefs to ask officers to issue citations when possible instead of booking suspects into jail.These measures are being taken to prevent virus infections, to protect everybody in the jail facility and to maintain the long-term viability of our jail operations according to the sheriff.Work crews made up of people who are incarcerated will focus their efforts on the cleaning the jail instead of outside assignments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned governments who do not prioritize prevention, screening, and medical assistance programs for asylum seekers and refugees confined to camps where sanitary conditions are alarming, and overcrowding increasingly worrisome, the potential for the spread of an epidemic like Covid-19 is increased.The potential for an epidemic like Covid-19 to spread in these camps is obvious. The contagion is increased when the underlying health of those confined to it is already compromised. If the epidemic enters a refugee camp, it is imperative to intervene quickly in order to isolate the cases. Managing the spread of the disease requires action on three priorities: the design of the camp, the space in the camp, and hygiene.The situation is dire in several camps and for asylum seekers around the world such as in Greece, Bosnia, France, and Switzerland.
Tax exemption for Import Tax for the importTax exemption will reduce the price of the equipment and products.
Declares a State of Economic, Social and Ecological Emergency throughout the national territory. Due to considerations of public health, economic effects and the international health emergency, a State of Economic, Social and Ecological Emergency is decreed throughout Colombia to be able to issue legislative decrees that help to ward off the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic
Several associations are asking for the urgent release of some 900 people present in administrative detention centers in France, places they deem unsuitable for government-sponsored coronavirus protection measures. More than 900 individuals were still being detained in various centers throughout France.Because of the situation, various judges have started releasing individuals whose detention extension had been requested, because keeping these individuals detained would have contravened the health guidelines. Twelve people in Bordeaux were freed. The Mayotte enter was closed. The centres of Mesnil Amelot and Vincennes have not released anyone.The Ministry of the Interior has not responded to the inquiries of various non-profits.
This publication includes the measures that has taken the President of Salvador, including the activation of the Expanded Health Cabinet (Gabinete de Salud Ampliado), with daily meetings and monitoring to analyze the situation and take the appropriate measures. Since February, the government created the Expanded Health Cabinet and allocated $ 8.5 million to treat the pandemic. Efforts have been made between the Ministry of Health and the mayors, as well as the Municipal Civil Protection Directorates. The national emergency declaration unifies all measures and are still in progress.The Expanded Health Cabinet is the public organism in charge of the surveillance and handling of the pandemic in the country.Another measures includes the cancellation of all kind of events, meetings of more than 50 persons, mandatory quarantine for people older than 60 years, pregnant womens and persons with chronical diseases.
Healthcare workers in Daegu are helping to fill the void in caring for inmates vulnerable to the coronavirus in Daegu’s prison and detention centers. Two doctors share their story of being deployed to Daegu’s correction facilities and the requisite cautions and protocols to reduce the fear and proliferation of the coronavirus in prisons. Notably, both doctors note the shortage of medical resources being deployed to prisons.
The authorities of the Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra, a children’s home in Yerawada, have decided to prevent minors who are with them, from coming into contact with coronavirus through contact with outsiders.As a preventive measure, the authorities suspended all programs organized for them. “We have also obtained 50 masks and sanitizers for the minors and staff members,” superintendent Padghan told TOI.Padghan said the security guards at the outer gate of the home have been told not send any person inside without applying sanitizers. “We take efforts to reform these boys who are in conflict with the law so that they can lead a good life after their release. We organize different programs like meditation, yoga and motivational talks by speakers and we invite many outsiders to the home,” Padghan said.They have stopped these activities for the protection of the children inside the home from Monday. “We will continue with these activities once the situation is normal,” Padghan said. Padghan said he has provided soaps at all barracks in the home. “We have been requesting the inmates to wash their hands regularly. “We have started lodging a limited number of boys in one barrack as a precautionary measure,” he added.He said the home has a facility for visiting doctors. “These doctors check the inmates regularly. I have also told the staff members that if they notice an inmate with any symptoms, they should immediately take him to the hospital,” Padghan said. Another official from the Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra told TOI, “At present there are 33 minor inmates. They have been kept in six barracks inside the home,” he added.
Jeonnam Province has decided to offer a monthly subsidy of approximately USD 300 to all adolescents exiting child custody centers due to exceeding the age limit (18 years old). The subsidy applies to any child who has stayed and exited a child custody center in the last 2 years. Approximately 400 individuals are expected to receive the subsidy.
In summary, the article advocates creative solutions with detainees. It advocates for house arrest, promises to appear in court, phone check-ins, intermittent sentences (i.e., weekend jail) and other creative solutions to decarcerate. For those remaining in custody, the article recommends implementing unlimited abilities for detainees to call their families for free, access to free sanitation products, suspending court dockets and dropping charges wherever possible.
Jails in various States within Mexico have begun to implement sanitary measures to avoid the infection of COVID-19 among inmates and their families.Many Centers have suspended any visits from families until April 20.The NGO “Reinserta a Un Mexicano, A.C.”(Reinsert a Mexican), has provided kits with milk, medicine, vitamins and other basic supplies for children part of this group (who have parents in Jail).They also provide with activities to promote the integral development to be carried out with their mothers.For adolescents in detention centers, didactic manuals will be provided for self-care, integration and reflection activities, and others for recreational and artistic dynamics.
Contingency planning for all countries must include vulnerable communities inside their borders. There must be flexibility from donors so that humanitarian organizations can scale up water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, improve the health response and take other necessary actions to help avoid a catastrophe.
In summary, the article advocates creative solutions with detainees. It advocates for house arrest, promises to appear in court, phone check-ins, intermittent sentences (i.e., weekend jail) and other creative solutions to decarcerate. For those remaining in custody, the article recommends implementing unlimited abilities for detainees to call their families for free, access to free sanitation products, suspending court dockets and dropping charges wherever possible.
Egypt’s prisons are known to be overcrowded, dirty and unhygienic putting the health and lives of prisoners at risk. There is little to no information released by the government as to the demographics of prison populations. The severe overcrowding and unhealthy conditions mean that the system is unprepared for a pandemic such as COVID-19. Releasing prisoners detained for non-violent protest, ending excessive pre-trial detention and releasing prisoners near the end of their sentences or with severe and terminal illnesses could alleviate health problems and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The General Director of the Criminal System in Guatemala, issued the order to implement Covid-19 prevention protocols.The objectives of this plan is to provide guidelines to prevent the spread in prisons, diagnose and treat appropriately the cases of coronavirus in the prisoners and in the kids under 4 years that live in the prisons.
The General Direction of the Criminal System prepares isolation areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the 21 prisons in Guatemala, which must be at most for six inmates.The agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) support with the transfer of the suspects of the new coronavirus to isolation centers and also to provide perimeter security to families who are under house quarantine.In addition, he said that they distributed masks to the officers as part of the sanitary measures, although he clarified that not everyone has them because they were not prepared, but they will buy them to protect everyone.
This interim guide was created to assist countries in developing specific plans and/or consolidating further action for prisons and other places of detention in response to the international COVID-19 outbreak. It identifies preparedness plans, prevention and control strategies, and contingency plans.The document offers guidance as to: – protect the health and well-being of people detained in prisons and other closed settings, those who work there (custodial, health-care and other staff), and people who visit prisons and other places of detention (legal visitors, family and friends of prisoners, etc.); – support the continued safe operation of prisons and other detention settings – reduce the risk of outbreaks which could place a considerable demand on health-care services in prisons and in the community; – reduce the likelihood that COVID-19 will spread within prisons and other places of detention and from such settings into the community; – ensure the needs of prisons and other detention settings are considered in national and local health and emergency planning.
An opinion piece advocating for the depopulation in Canadian prisons as a necessary lifesaving response. The author argues that if “jails become a hotspot for infections and prolonged quarantines are required, what could have been manageable chaos will become an extended and unworkable quagmire that could last well into next year”.
Interim guidance from WHO/Europe on how to deal with COVID-19 in prisons and other are places of detention. Provides information to staff and healthcare providers working in these places, as well as to prison authorities, on best practices. Outlines prevention guidelines and addresses related human rights issues.
Immigration enforcement operations, and widespread detention of asylum seekers and other migrants awaiting immigration hearings, may conflict with other public interest imperatives during this crisis. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for example, has wisely decided to temporarily suspend most non-urgent enforcement actions (committing not to arrest people at health-care facilities, for example). However, lingering fear and mistrust within unauthorized communities, and contradictory messaging from government authorities, may still keep people from seeking care.
The Head of the General Direction of Criminal Centers mentioned that they will have a control at the entrance of each prison with medical personnel, which will make an assessment of the custodian and of the administrative staff. Also, he mentioned that the visits will be allowed only to guarantee access to justice and the hearings of the prisoners will be virtual.
The prison system began the distribution of 45,000 face masks in the 21 prisons in Guatemala, as part of the sanitary measures imposed by the Federal Government. They will also distribute information regarding hand washing and will provide conferences to the prisoners so they will know the official information about COVID-19.Another measure was the suspension of the visits for seven days in the Guatemalan prisons. They will also enable isolation areas in the cells as well as places of coexistence within the prisons, to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) announced the cancellation of all visitation (visitors and volunteers) to its juvenile detention centers and other facilities, effective March 14 to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. The ban will be in place for up to 30 days and will be re-evaluated regularly. The OYA considers the measures necessary for everyone’s health and safety.
The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) had been open with immigration attorneys visiting with their clients and representing them at hearings and families were visiting.ICE says they have been: – screening new arrivals at all of its facilities; – reviewing guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a daily basis to update its protocols as needed.On Friday evening March 14th, ICE announced it was temporarily suspending social visitation at all facilities as a precautionary measure. It is also actively working with state and local health partners to determine if any detainee requires additional testing or monitoring to combat the spread of the virus. They can also isolate and quarantine individuals if they determine such protocols are required. A GEO Group spokesperson, the private company contracted by ICE to run the facility, says they have issued guidance to their facilities in line with the CDC and WHO on best practices to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. They also claim to have updated their policies and procedures to include the prevention, assessment and management of the coronavirus. They will continue to monitor and evaluate in conjunction with their government partners and local health agencies to ensure the health and safety of all those in their care.GEO Group did not offer any specific examples of any health protocols implemented. Immigration lawyers who visited the facility this week say that the only changes they’ve noticed are signs at the front entrance telling people in multiple languages not to come into the building if they’re feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms of the virus. The immigration lawyers have noticed hand sanitizer at some locations within the facility, but not at others. The guards at the facility, when asked if they knew of any precautionary measures, did not appear to be receiving any sort of active communication about what precautionary measures are being taken .
Detention centers must have everything for preventive hygiene, liquid soap, alcohol, face masks, vitamin C, chlorine, among others.Important to mention that these are guidelines / proposals and are not mandatory for the State.
This article provides an early account of concerns within prison administrations of the risk that COVID-19 will rapidly spread within the prison system in France. It raises concerns related to prison overcrowding and some of the measures taken, including limiting visitations and prisoner transfers, as well as closing canteen areas . Containment practices to limit physical interactions are encouraged; for example, telephone interviews and document exchanges by email.
First, President Bukele banned visitors from high – risk countries to El Salvador, then by he declared “Alerta Naranja” (orange alert) which meant a quarantine for at least 30 days.The President is not afraid to being criticized, but he informed that he does not want to be in Italy’s positition, as their health system is not of the same level.At least 1/3 of the population in El Salvado lives in poverty, having a higher risk at the virus spreads.El Salvador earlier banned travelers from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, France, Spain and Germany, countries with the most confirmed cases of the virus.El Salvador had no confirmed cases of COVID-19, however the President is willing to take authoritiarian steps.
Health authorities must have a plan that includes measures for infection prevention and control, health promotion, rapid identification of cases, isolation and management of mild cases, as well as the treatment of severe and critical cases.With none of these in place, the evacuation of the camps on the Greek islands is critical.Forcing people to live there as part of Europe’s containment policy was always irresponsible but it is on the verge of becoming deadly if no action is taken to protect people.
Provides a short account of the various measures implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in prisons.
John McGrath, the jail-services liaison for the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC) has said, in response to the coronavirus, officials in all of Washington’s county, city and tribal jails are: – increasing health screenings of incoming inmates; – more frequently cleaning intake areas and common rooms; – stockpiling surgical masks and other protective gear; and – putting plans together to respond to a potential outbreak of the virus in the jails’ “closed environments”.Courts are also allowing, in some criminal cases, for hearings to be conducted by phone and is expediting a project that was already in the works to allow both in-custody and out-of-custody criminal defendants to make appearances by video.Containing the virus is far greater for jails, where people are brought in from the streets, compared to prisons, which house people convicted of felonies and tend to have more stable populations. A UW affiliate professor distributed a memo to WASPC members last week, outlining best practices based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He’s also part of a recently-established WASPC work group with representatives from all the state’s jails, who are participating in weekly conference calls and sharing information through WASPC’s member server.At King County Jail in Seattle and RJC in Kent, jail staff already have taken steps to prevent the virus’ spread. They include: – increased cleaning; – enhanced health screenings at intake for people exhibiting symptoms before they’re assigned to housing units; and – directing staff who are able to telecommute to do so.Jail staff have worked with the Snohomish Health District to establish a process to screen, identify, isolate (if necessary), and treat any inmate who presents at the jail with symptoms.
Two Ottawa high schools cancelled a humanitarian trip to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. On this trip, students intended on volunteering at the orphanage and helping to renovate a local school. The students also intended on donating money, toys, books, clothing and other goods to children at the orphanages.It is unclear from the article if the students were still able to donate the goods to children in the orphanage or if renovation projects would be put on hold due to lack of volunteers.
This article depicts the hardships faced by migrant workers and associated risks in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, migrant workers are particularly challenged in that their right to remain in a country is dependent upon their job. The sudden losses of jobs as a result of the economic situation resulting from Covid-19 will leave migrants without status and facing deportation.The article further calls upon authorities to institute a number of measures aimed at protecting this vulnerable population, including: – ending immigration detention – suspension of all return decisions and deportations; – providing emergency support to marginalized populations; – addressing gaps in public health systems – prioritizing health over immigration status – addressing homelessness and food insecurity – ensuring police measures introduced to control population movements are not discriminatory – empower thru information – extend or issue temporary permits
The South Korean Ministry of Justice issued an order to suspend all visits to inmates in correction facilities, juvenile detention centers, and foreigner custody centers. This order applies to all facilities nationwide until further notice. Online visit sessions will be allowed in place of live visits.
As the South Korean government elevated the risk level of the coronavirus as “serious”, correction facilities and detention centers nationwide have been ordered by the Ministry of Justice to suspend visits to all facilities. The Ministry of Justice will allow for virtual visits to such facilities via use of smartphone apps.In addition, all mandatory volunteer services and curricula imposed by correction facilities and detention centers taking place outside such facilities will become suspended indefinitely.
The South Korean Ministry of Justice has ordered juvenile detention centers nationwide to reduce the room capacity from 10 inmates to 4 inmates. It is also in the process of inspecting facilities and has ordered that certain facilities become renovated to accommodate for more inmates in compliance with the new capacity requirements.
The South Korean Ministry of Justice has ordered juvenile detention centers nationwide to reduce the room capacity from 10 inmates to 4 inmates. It is also in the process of inspecting facilities and has ordered that certain facilities become renovated to accommodate for more inmates in compliance with the new capacity requirements.
