Adolphe Bitama informed the Delegation that until a few years ago before the
start of the ICRC programme, the clinic is understaffed, not well equipped and
lacked basic drugs. He informed the Delegation that because of the lack of very
basic equipment, they could not diagnosed very simple medical problems. There
is no dentistry or laboratory service at the prison. Some of the inmates
complained of buying their own drugs. The Delegation was told that the
prevalent medical problem is malaria and skin infections – skin infections, being
a direct result of overcrowding.
77. Facilities for vocational training are quite limited in Dar Naim’s Prison. The
facilities also offered limited training in carpentry and tailoring. The Delegation
also learnt that clean and adequate water supply is a problem. Many inmates
complained that there is not enough water for bathing. During a tour of the
kitchen, the Delegation was told that the inmates would normally have bread,
broken cereal and coffee for breakfast, meat and macaroni for lunch, and rice and
stew for dinner. Some of the inmates however complained that the portions were
small and sometimes not cooked properly.
78. There are two categories of cells in the prison. There are the larger cells which
measure about 5m x 17m which holds between 19 – 30 inmates, and the single
cells measuring 3m x 4m which hold one or three inmates. The Delegation
observed that many of the beddings being used were very old and some of the
mattresses, because of years of overuse are nothing more than thin sheets of
foam. Many prisoners bring their own bed coverings. The Delegation observed
that the prison was generally clean and free from pungent smells. Even in cells
where there is overcrowding, the Delegation observed that efforts are being
made to ensure that they are clean and tidy. However, because of the acute water
problem, two of the toilets observed were not clean and could pose a health
hazard.
Women’s Prison, Beyla
79. The Delegation next visited the only all female prison in Nouakchott, where they
were met by the Director Mrs. Oumou, El Khaeiri. After the brief exchange of
courtesies, the Director informed the Delegation that the prison has an approved
capacity of 270, but as of March 2012 held 27 of which 15 were awaiting trial
detainees and 12 condemned inmates. The premises which are located in a 10hectare piece of land comprise 4 big units, housing only female prisoners. There
27 | P a g e
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