IPNews-Monrovia-Liberia-20 2018: The Prison Fellowship Liberia, a local non-governmental organization advocating for prisoners in the country has emphasized the need for more attention to female inmates who come in conflict with the law.
The Fellowship’s Country Director, Rev. Kollie noted that access to Justice and fair trial for women remain cardinal in the development of any country giving the significant role women play.
“This program is of great importance because our survey has showed that more women are reported at Police depots for coming in conflict with the law.” The Prison advocate explained.
He wants the voices of women to be heard, noting the promotion of females are not on path with others around West Africa and beyond as rape and other forms of gender based offenses and rights against women are overlooked.
In an effort to help tackle such situation, Rev. Kollie disclosed that Prison Fellowship Liberia has offered a free legal program for women inmates in ten of Liberia’s fifteen counties with the Gbarnga Central Prison in Bong county has been selected as one of the beneficiaries
The program will give the opportunity to be full represented by lawyers to guide them from police stations to the court with the free legal services for them.
The program is supported by UN Women Peace Building Fund, the clergyman stated while commending that arm of the United Nations for their support to see women receive the kind of assistance even when they come in conflict with the law.
According to Rev. Kollie, the program ensures the hiring of lawyers to provide fret legal services at the prison and police facilities in addition to PFL monitors and mediators.
He noted under the Access to Justice program for women, the PFL follow cases from the police stations to court to ensure due process of the law in cases involving women.
Rev. Kollie cautioned security personnel against harsh treatment melted against women such as having them handcuff, beating and among.
He applauded the police for enforcing the law, but noted they must be more civil considering international human rights instruments Liberia sign up to.
The PFL head mentioned as part of its rehabilitation program, female inmates have the opportunity to learn different vocational skills to ensure they are reintegrated into society as productive citizens.
He added that monitors and mediators deployed at the prisons provide sanitary pad and other medical needs for female inmates during regular visitations.
He lamented the situation of unsanitary condition and lack of drugs which inmates are faced in at various prisons and police stations, this he pointed out pose serious health hazard to them.
Rev. Kollie explained further that their monitors and mediators also provide awareness in communities to educate people thus helping to prevent some many cases of less gravity, a factor for the overcrowded of police depots.
According to him, their Legal Aid also form part of the community awareness to teach community leaders and others about the law and how it works.
Rev. Kollie also used the occasion to laud the Ministry of Justice, especially the Bureau of Correction and the Judiciary for the level of relationship that exist, although he pointed to some tough time in getting some issues address.
