The Ministry of Home Affairs Juvenile Justice Department, as part of its efforts initiated with the support of UNICEF in February 2020, has taken steps to protect youths in detention from COVID-19 and to ensure access to justice for those who may be awaiting trial.
Homes Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn (centre) handing over Skype recording unit and a quantity of detergents to administrator of the Juvenile Holding Centre, Yvette Sancho – Photo Credit: (The Ministry of Home Affairs)
The Ministry explained that Skype recording units and other equipment would be installed at the Sophia Holding Centre, New Amsterdam Prison, Camp Street, and Lusignan Prisons to allow the remote hearing of cases and connections with the courts, including the Children’s Court, and other facilities deemed necessary for the promotion of telehealth to persons in detention.
In addition to the savings from travel and other related costs for the Ministry, the equipment will have the double benefit of ensuring access to justice while maintaining physical distancing during the COVID-19 era.
UNICEF has also provided support to the Home Affairs Ministry to ensure the promotion of sanitation and hygiene practices for staff and youths in detention to safeguard against the disease.
With UNICEF, the Ministry will also improve its sanitation area in the facility and support the implementation of protocols for juveniles’ safety in detention and hygiene management training.
Based on the global guidelines for the prevention and response to COVID, UNICEF is also supporting the Ministry to ensure that there is access to legal aid, which will also have the desired effect of reducing the number of youths in detention.
These measures precede joint discussions on the draft Juvenile Justice Regulations 2020, which will complement the legislation, aimed at strengthening the overall administration of justice for juveniles.
Meanwhile, for women in detention at New Amsterdam, the Ministry and UNICEF have recommitted efforts to assessing policies surrounding early childhood development and breastfeeding for lactating mothers who may be in prison.
The equipment that will be installed will also help mothers communicate with their children as part of the process of ensuring families’ reintegration during detention.
