Waikeria Prison stand-off: Human Rights Commission calls for independent inquiry
Wellington: The Human Rights Commission says an independent inquiry is needed into what happened at Waikeria Prison. Sixteen protesters surrendered to authorities yesterday after a six day stand-off. The men had said they were protesting unacceptable conditions at the prison, after complaints about inhumane treatment had not been listened to.
The Department of Corrections has announced two separate internal reviews to investigate how the situation escalated to the extent it did.
But Human Rights Commission chief commissioner Paul Hunt said the Ombudsman should carry out an independent inquiry. “Let’s see what an inquiry establishes, but keep in mind that the Ombudsman’s team of investigators has been telling us for years that conditions in many of our prisons are sub-standard and do not meet basic international human rights requirements.” Last August, the Ombudsman published a report on Waikeria and concluded that the high security complex was no longer fit for purpose. Mr Hunt said there was no shortage of reports and recommendations pointing out failings in prisons, however, progress was glacial.
“There are some very fine staff working for Corrections, but I am sorry to say that not everyone has got the message. For example, during the protest it was reported that the non-supply of water was used as a negotiating tactic. If that proves to be accurate, this was inhumane and unlawful and suggests that some people in Corrections are living in the past.”