Training of prison staff to respond to COVID-19 in Central Africa

The spread of the novel Coronavirus in Central African Republic (CAR) is a major concern. PRI is working to contribute to the various efforts undertaken to minimise the effects of this disease in the prison environment, alongside the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUCSA).

Training for female prison staff, Bangui, June 2020

Training for female prison staff, Bangui, June 2020

PRI and MINUSCA engaged with the civil society platform, in order to organise a series of activities from May 30 to June 5, in the framework of the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in prisons in CAR.

The organisation of these activities by the civil platform, in addition to demonstrating the involvement of national civil society, which is gradually taking ownership of penitentiary issues, had three main objectives:

  • The training of the members of the platform so that they are well equipped to provide autonomous training to prison staff, both civilian and military, and to conduct awareness sessions for prisoners and prison visitors on preventive and barrier measures;
  • The contribution to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in prisons;
  • The delivery of protection kits (gloves, nose mask, soap and hydro-alcoholic gel).
Training to prevent spread of COVID-19 in prisons in Central African Republic, Bangui, June 2020

Training to prevent spread of COVID-19 in prisons in Central African Republic, Bangui, June 2020

A total of 16 members of the platform were trained with the support of consultants with the required expertise. The trained members in turn conducted training sessions for 18 prison staff (civilian and military) from  Ngaragba prison and 13 prison staff (civilian and military) from the Bimbo women’s prison.

Following these trainings, sensitization sessions were organised for the benefit of the detainees of these two prisons and protection kits were handed out at the end of the sensitization sessions.

These activities have been very well appreciated by the different beneficiaries (members of the platform, prison staff, detainees and prison officials).

PRI, with the support of MINUSCA, intends to extend such activities to certain prisons in the provinces when health conditions permit.