NEGLIGENCE OF CHILDREN’S WELFARE TO BABIES ACCOMPANYING THEIR IMPRISONED MOTHERS

Malawi prisons are failing in providing proper medical care to babies accompanying their imprisoned mothers in different prison of Malawi.

This comes as the report findings by Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (Chreaa), Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), Reprieve and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty indicated that children are being raised without proper medical care, food and playing facilities which is threatening their early childhood development.

“The best interests of the child are paramount, and the current situation in Malawian prisons with regards to food and nutrition are severely impacting the growth and development of the many children that accompany their parents to prison.” Reads the report.

Though the report does not give the total of the children in the country, but it said there are a number of them. As almost 10 children are accompanying their mothers at Chichiri Prison. And Reprieve is aware of two children at Domasi Prison.

However, Malawian prisons are failing to provide adequate food and nutrition for detainees this s means that children in prison are not receiving an adequate level of food.

A child should not be subject to a lack of medical care and attention by virtue of their care provider being detained. A lack of proper medication combined with the unhygienic and disease prevalent conditions in the prisons lead to a highly unsafe environment for children.

The report also said the prisons do not offer “adequate areas where babies and young children may safely play or exercise and access to learning and mental health development of young children and babies is impacted severely by the traumatic surroundings and experiences that they witness in prisons.

However, executive director for the Foundation for Children Rights Jenipher Mkandawire has called on the government to designate child friendly prisons.

Mkandawire also added that it is high time for the government to make sure that children are enjoying all the rights that they deserve and should not be convicted alongside their mothers.