afrol News, 22 July - UN has raised concern on increasing number of deaths in DR Congo's central prison due to acute malnutrition and harsh living conditions.

The latest incidence occurred at Mbuji Mayi central prison where four prisoners died of hunger, which increased death toll to ten this month. Since February, a death toll rose to 26, with UN prison inspection staff having reported more 20 inmates on the verge on death.

According to UN Mission in DRC have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Mbuji Mayi authorities about living conditions of prisoners, in which a ward houses 425 inmates contrary to being initially designed to cater for not more than 200 prisoners.

"There are no specific measures being taken to ensure good conditions of detention in prisons despite the high number of deaths. Moreover some detainees are presumed innocent as they have not been convicted due to sluggish judicial system," MONUC reported.

MONUC which has been distributing corn and water twice a week from January to May emphasised that Congolese authorities have a primary obligation to ensure reasonable detention conditions for prisoners in all of the country's prisons.

To tackle emerging food shortages in DRC prisons, including malnutrition in Mbuji Mayi prison, MONUC has suggested that authorities institute a specific food and health-care budget for prisoners.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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