Inmates are transported to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in January. Hong Menea
Among the approximately 38,000 inmates held in the nation’s 28 jails and correction centres, 54 per cent are incarcerated for drug-related offences, with the General Department of Prisons (GDP) working to reintegrate them into society upon their release to prevent reoffending.
According to the law, the term “inmate” refers to accused, charged or convicted individuals for whom an order of detention has been issued by the court.
To ensure inmate safety, security, health and rights – in accordance with the laws and international principles and UN measures to protect minors who have been deprived of their freedom – the GDP has implemented minimum standards for the provision of services to inmates, including daily health services, drug rehabilitation courses and vocational training.
GDP spokesman Nuth Savana told the Post that in all prisons and correctional centres throughout Cambodia, the government provides 3,500 riel ($0.85) to each inmate per day for food. In addition, prisons allow inmates’ families to bring extra food.
Some prisons also grow vegetables in their compound for additional supply, he said, adding that although the price of food has increased, prisoners receive the same standard of food they had previously.
“The inmates receive a calorie-based diet, which is set by a food control team. Food inspection teams regularly carry out checks of prison kitchens,” he said.
Besides providing food, the GDP allows prisoners time to exercise and play sports. They can also read books from the prison library or meet with their families, providing permission has been granted.
“There are also additional services, such as mental health education and vocational training, among others. Sometimes, if clients need work done, inmates can make some money from their labour,” he said.
Savana added that those whose verdicts had already been delivered by the court can acquire new skills, such as electrical wiring, air conditioner or motorcycle repair, panel beating, sculpting or agriculture.
“Most inmates committed crimes because they had no livelihood and ended up associating with the wrong people. We are trying to give them a direction in life, so that when they are discharged they will be able to make an honest living,” he said.
The spokesman noted that there are regular health checks, and if an inmate needs medicine, permission would be given for it to be sent into the prison. If an inmate fell critically ill, further arrangements would be made.
Am Sam Ath, deputy director of rights group LICADHO, said prisons are overcrowded, which makes the number of officers disproportionate to the number of inmates. This in turn affects the provision of services to them, he added.
“From what I have seen, inmates are not receiving the services which the GDP is trying to implement. We see many released inmates reoffending, which is a clear indicator that current rehabilitation services are ineffective. As a human rights organisation, we want to see a solution to overcrowding. This would give prison officials a chance to offer a full range of services and meet its own standards,” he said.
