Penology in Mozambique
Penology in Mozambique is undergoing significant reforms aimed at addressing overcrowding, enhancing rehabilitation, and ensuring equitable treatment within the prison system. Here's an overview of the current state of penology in Mozambique:
🏛️ Overcrowding and Infrastructure Challenges
Mozambique's prison system faces severe overcrowding, with facilities designed to house approximately 8,000 inmates currently accommodating over 25,000. This situation has led to conditions where prisoners are forced to take turns lying down due to limited space. (HOME - COMMUNITY OF SANT'EGIDIO)
In response, the government launched the "One District, One Penitentiary Establishment" initiative, aiming to construct 63 district-level prisons nationwide. By July 2023, construction had begun on 10 new facilities, with an investment of 2.7 billion meticais (approximately US$42.2 million). (Mozambique, Mozambique)
⚖️ Legal Reforms and Alternatives to Imprisonment
Mozambique's 2015 Penal Code introduced alternatives to imprisonment, such as community service orders (CSOs), for sentences between two and eight years. However, implementation has been inconsistent due to challenges like lack of procedural guidelines, understaffing, and insufficient resources. (Dullah Omar Institute, REFORMAR - Research for Mozambique)
Despite these challenges, the government has granted pardons to thousands of inmates, including 809 in December 2022, as part of efforts to alleviate overcrowding and promote rehabilitation. (360 Mozambique)
👩⚖️ Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation
Mozambique has a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre that serves as the final phase before reintegration into society. The centre offers education, vocational training, and psychosocial support to minors. However, challenges persist, including limited child-friendly resources and a lack of coordination among agencies working with children in conflict with the law. (unicri.eu, UNICEF)
⚖️ Human Rights and Equity Concerns
A constitutional petition was filed in May 2023 challenging a provision in the Sentence Execution Code that allows inmates to secure more favorable conditions of detention upon payment. Critics argue this creates a dual system of justice, favoring the wealthy and undermining the principle of equality. (Home - Southern Africa Litigation Centre, Decriminalize Poverty Status)
🤝 Civil Society Initiatives
The Community of Sant'Egidio has been actively involved in humanizing prisons in Mozambique. Their "Free the Prisoners" program provides food, clothing, legal assistance, and supports infrastructure improvements, such as constructing infirmaries and water tanks, to enhance living conditions for inmates. (HOME - COMMUNITY OF SANT'EGIDIO)
📌 Conclusion
Mozambique's penological system is in a phase of transformation, focusing on reducing overcrowding, implementing alternative sentencing, and ensuring equitable treatment for all inmates. While challenges remain, ongoing reforms and civil society involvement indicate a commitment to improving the prison system and promoting rehabilitation.
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