Absence of COVID-19 Prevention Strategy in the Penitentiary System: Ombudsman

On July 27, representatives of the National Preventive Mechanism of the Office of the Human Rights Defender and experts conducted an unannounced visit to the 'Armavir' penitentiary institution under the Ministry of Justice of Armenia. This was reported by the Public Relations Department of the Ombudsman.

The visit aimed to assess the protection of the rights of individuals deprived of their liberty, the organization of preventive measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-19), sanitary and hygienic conditions, and compliance with required standards. Specific issues related to the 'Armavir' penitentiary, as well as systemic problems, were studied.

According to the findings of the visit and studies, the following main issues were identified:

• The Ministry of Justice’s penitentiary system lacks a strategy or action plan for preventing the new coronavirus (COVID-19), with clear delineation of functions.
• There are no training programs for penitentiary staff concerning their duties amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Individuals deprived of liberty are not provided with special disinfectants and supplies for cleaning cells related to the prevention of COVID-19, nor are there effective principles or rules for using these supplies.
• The penitentiary lacks a general ventilation system, which has been a longstanding systemic issue raised by the Human Rights Defender.
• Sanitary and hygienic conditions in common areas, as well as in disciplinary cells and quarantine departments, are reported to be inadequate.
• Medical assistance and service for individuals deprived of liberty are not organized properly. There are issues with maintaining medical records (e.g., illness histories are not recorded appropriately), and there are serious issues related to maintaining medical confidentiality, particularly when providing medications and conducting medical examinations in the presence of penitentiary staff.
• The assumption that penitentiary staff should only be present during medical interventions upon a doctor's request is not being followed correctly.
• The 'Armavir' division of the Center for Penitentiary Medicine is insufficiently stocked with necessary medications and medical supplies.
• There are bureaucratic inconsistencies that create issues in transporting convicts between the penitentiary and court.
• There are problems related to transporting individuals deprived of liberty to civilian hospitals due to a lack of escorts and transport vehicles.
• Individuals with mobility difficulties face challenges when being transported to court sessions as the transport vehicles are not adapted.
• The working conditions for penitentiary staff need improvement, especially in the sanitary conditions of restrooms designated for employees.
• There continues to be a problem with filling positions within the penitentiary system, with two psychologist positions remaining vacant at the time of the visit.

During the visit and subsequent assessments, some positive developments were also noted, particularly the organization of educational programs and courses for individuals deprived of liberty through online platforms due to the COVID-19 situation. Individuals deprived of their liberty expressed satisfaction with the quality and variety of food prepared by a private company contracted for this purpose. Additionally, the number of individuals using video calls has increased, although some remain unaware of the possibility to use this service.

The visit conducted by the Office of the Human Rights Defender's Prevention Mechanism at the 'Armavir' penitentiary institution was carried out with specific methodology, adhering to anti-epidemic rules. Legal professionals, sociologists, and several doctors, including psychiatrists, were involved in the monitoring.

During the visit, the condition of food, medical assistance and service for individuals deprived of liberty, adequacy of medical staff positions and their working conditions, as well as issues related to communication with the outside world and resocialization of these individuals were examined.

The identified issues have been discussed with the administration of the penitentiary institution and the medical staff of the relevant division of the Center for Penitentiary Medicine. The reported problems will be summarized in accordance with established procedures and presented, along with proposals for their resolution, to the competent authorities in the field.

During the monitoring visit, the administration of the penitentiary institution and medical personnel cooperated appropriately with the representatives of the Human Rights Defender's Office in carrying out their duties, and no obstructions to their work arose.