“There is a plan to relocate Mile II prison Central Prison from its present location to Jambur, Kombo South, West Coast Region of the Gambia,” according to government of The Gambia in its submission to the 34th session of the United National Human Rights Council Working Group.
The Universal Periodic Review, UPR is a mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States.
“A skills training centre has been established at the Mile 2 prisons where electrical installation, sewing, information technology and carpentry courses are taught.
“There is a library for prisoners at Mile II Prisons and Janjanbureh. Recreational facilities such as volleyball and football areas are available to prisoners at Mile II and Janjanbureh prison, enabling prisoners engage in leisure activities.
“A prison visiting committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior has been constituted and, amongst others, monitors the feeding, health and sanitation facilities at the prisons.
“All prisoners are entitled to three meals daily. There is a system for isolation of persons with communicable diseases.
“There is a clinic facility and a nurse within the prison for the treatment of minor ailments of prisoners.
“Despite the above measures to improve conditions, the Government acknowledges that more needs to be done to effectively address conditions in places of detention.”
The Government said the “Prisons Act, Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Codes are under review to align them with best practices”.
