Inmate’s death riles NGO coalition
THE NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji says incarcerated persons have the right to available medical services.
In a statement the coalition said it was disturbed by media reports and social media updates about an alleged case of medical neglect that resulted in the recent death of a 60-year-old inmate in Suva.
“Refusing medical services for inmates is a gross violation of their basic human rights,” coalition chairwoman, Shamima Ali said.
“Regardless of legal standing, everyone has the right to available medical services, and this is etched into international human rights laws including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many more.”
She said inmates were under the daily supervision of corrections officers who had to ensure that services such as urgent medical care were provided when needed, especially to members of our society whose liberties were limited.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly states that everyone has the right to a fair, independent and public trial (Article 10) and that torture, cruelty and degrading treatment or punishment are not allowed (Article 5),” Ms Ali said.
“While details of this incident are yet to be confirmed by the Fiji Corrections Services, it is vital that whoever is responsible, be brought to task.
“Acts of torture and brutality have marred the reputation of our corrections officers in the past and we urge everyone employed in this department to uphold the rights of the inmates under their supervision.”
Fiji Corrections Service public relations officer, Jone Sigavou said an internal investigation on the matter was underway.