The Human Rights Training Integrated HRTI a Nigerian Prisons Service NPS and PRAWA project focusing on human rights and best prison practices supported by British High Commission BHC took the human rights training to the prisoners in Nsukka Prisons in Enugu State of Nigeria.

Using the PRAWA produced and published PRISONERS’ INFORMATION BOOKLET already translated into four major languages in Nigeria and donated to the headquarters of Nigerian Prisons Service Abuja as resource guide the lead Lecturer Assistant Controller of Prisons Innocent Odezulu took over 60 participating prisoners made up of Awaiting Trials Persons ATPs and convicted prisoners through the whole segment of the booklet.

ACP Odezulu gave an overview of Human Rights (HR) and explained that Human Rights does not begin and end with the Prisoners alone but also extends to Staff. He mentioned that HR was given a voice through some philosophers. It was also stated that the Natural Human Rights mostly favored the Elites. In his discussion it was noted that HR is an essential in nature so as to guarantee the proper growth and civilization of man.

He went further to discuss briefly the history of Human Rights stating that HR is to be applied in every country of the world. It was also emphasized that many countries became signatories to the treaties on Human Rights including Nigerians. He gave an example of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, mentioning that section 33-46 talks about Fundamental Rights and that this was the ground norm.

In respect of the Treatment of Prisoners, he referred to in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules (UNSMR). He stated that it was the duty of a Corrections Officer to verify the health status of the inmate before putting in such a person in a cell, especially a single cell. He also made the students to understand that the HR and the UNSMR are provided to guide the Correction Officers in their dealings with the inmates so as to provide a humane way or system in meeting out correction. He further advised them to marry the HRs laws in the standing order with the UNSMR but should not compromise their jobs.

In addition to this, ACP Odezulu went through the Prisoners’ Rights which include: Rights not to be detained unlawfully, Right to be informed of their rights and responsibilities, Right to Legal Representation, Right to Appeal, Right to Food, Right to Daily Exercises, Right to Medical Services, Rights to Receive Correspondence and Visit, Right to Training and Rehabilitation, Right to suitable bedding, Right to have safe custody of own property, Right to have babies less than 18 months stay with their mothers, Rights to freedom of religion, Right to access prison library books and Right to Daily Exercise.

In a very interactive style ACP Odezulu took the prisoners through their required responsibilities which include: Cleanliness, Notification of ill health, Wearing of Prison Uniforms, Orderly Behavior, Prison Work, Prison Awaking Time, Bathing, Liquor and Tobacco, Inspection of all received items, Offences against Prison Disciplines and Punishments for violation of rules.

Many of the prisoners asked questions and sort clarifications on many areas of their rights and responsibilities. Some of the gray areas include right to food and right to receive visitors. The prisoners complained of some kind of high handedness of the Prison Armed Squad PAS to their visitors and lack of variety in their food menu. The HRTI team promised to make representations to the prisons authority on their complaints. ASP Odezulu advised that the Correction Officers should ensure that each complaint passes through the right authority. Every request should be promptly dealt with unless it is groundless or frivolous.

Highlights of the training exercise were the distribution of translated version of prisoners’ information booklet to participating prisoners and prison officers. The HRTI team made a suggestion on how to go about teaching the prisoners’ rights by the prisoners to their fellow prisoners. He suggested that it can also be done on weekly basis. This was commended and PRAWA’s efforts on production of the Prisoners booklets in four different languages.

PRAWA team made up of Chris Maduka, the Senior Communication Officer and Godwin Ugbor Assistant Project Officer took turns to explain to the HRTI project goals and benefits to the participants. They also explained the role and interest of PRAWA as an Organization in securing a humane prison environment for all prisoners and prison officers alike by ensuring that basic human rights and United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for Prisoners are followed in all Nigerian Prisons.