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Qatar Stresses Importance of Improving Prison Conditions to Limit Spread of COVID-19

Qatar Stresses Importance of Improving Prison Conditions to Limit Spread of COVID-19

Geneva / Information Office / July 17  

The State of Qatar stressed the importance of improving prison conditions in light of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) through a rapid and firm response aimed at ensuring a healthy and safe incubation and reducing overcrowding.

This came in a speech delivered by HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Austria and the permanent representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri before a meeting organized by the United Nations Office in Vienna on Drugs and Crime on the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day, which falls on July 18 every year.

His Excellency said that all countries should ensure that preparedness and response to COVID-19 in prisons comply with Nelson Mandela Rules.

During the meeting attended by HE Minister of Justice of the Republic of South Africa Ronald Lamola, HE Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Ghada Waly, and accredited ambassadors in Vienna, he added that the State of Qatar is proud to support the Global Program for the implementation of the Doha Declaration, given that the rehabilitation of prisoners through providing education, vocational training and work programs is one of the four main pillars of the program.

In the context of the rehabilitation of prisoners, His Excellency pointed out that the Global Program for the implementation of the Doha Declaration provided technical and medical assistance as well as guidance and other materials to 11 countries to prevent the spread of the pandemic and control it in prisons.

HE Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri concluded by saying that it is the first time in modern history that the international community finds itself united against a common threat, which is COVID-19, calling for turning the challenges of this pandemic into opportunities through strong commitment and solidarity with the most vulnerable groups in the societies, who are prisoners, as well as through the promotion of joint action to ensure an equitable distribution of necessary medicines and medical equipment to all countries.