In 2020, KOMNAS-HAM conducted capacity building programs for Provincial State
Bodies and for visit to schools and universities. Campaigns and constructive dialogues
with agencies to discuss findings and solutions on preventive mechanisms to torture
were also held. Presently, 60 percent of inhabitants of jails are drug abusers, hence
there is a need to repel the Penal Code of Indonesia related to drug abusers and a
need to reform the criminal justice system. Negotiations with the Ministry of Social
about the issue of mental disabilities and torture in prison has also been conducted
by KOMNAS-HAM, including the private mental health care rehabilitation in
Indonesia using the method ‘pasung’ to detain mentally instable people. In addition,
KOMNAS-HAM has been working on improving the capacity of law enforcement
agencies and law makers.
5.2 Commissioner Jerald Joseph, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Role of SUHAKAM in Prison Reform as an Oversight Body on Human Rights
While Government agencies always state that SUHAKAM is always finding fault with
them. However, it is pertinent to note that it is the mandate of SUHAKAM to
advocate for the protection of human rights. SUHAKAM is advocating for both prison
staffs and prisoners.
The stigmatisation of prisoners after they are released leads them to poverty, and
they might return to their previous path. Therefore, prison reform is an important
agenda and is a discussion for the whole society. We should be looking at why prison
staff are stressed as this might be one of the factors that may lead to the torture of
prisoners.
SUHAKAM has received many complaints relating to death in custody where the
families of the prisoners had wanted to ascertain whether the death was by natural
cause or negligence. SUHAKAM is happy to work with the prison department which
has been very open to complaints brought by SUHAKAM, and some of the prison
staffs expressed similar concerns with us. There are improvements in prisons for
example the installment of washing machines in Taiping Prison, and a satellite prison
in Kuala Kangsar;manner of food serving by contractors; prisoners are given a casing
with toothbrush, slippers, and sanitary items.
In addition, prisoners were given telephone Wartel and there are issues related to
long ques while using Wartel. On the other hand, the budget for maintenance of
prisons is very important. A study by SUHAKAM on the right of health in prison in
2014 had been conducted which included recommendations such as guidelines for
Tuberculosis, budget for renovation in prisons and necessary resources.
5.3 Commissioner, Leah C.Tanodra-Armamento, Commission on Human Rights of the
Philippines (CHRP)
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