(WARRAP) – Severe overcrowding, lack of clean water and the absence of basic sanitation facilities have turned Liet-Nhom Central Prison into a place of deep humanitarian concern, according to a recent report following a visit by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Prison officials say the facility is in such poor condition that it barely qualifies as a functioning detention centre.
“We literally do not have a roof over our heads,” said Bedaj Bandak, a prison officer, during discussions with UNMISS representatives.
He also highlighted the absence of running water, forcing inmates to rely on nearby rivers for their daily needs. The lack of toilets and bathrooms has further exacerbated the situation, creating unhygienic and unsafe conditions.
These physical deficiencies are not only a threat to the health and dignity of prisoners but also present serious security risks. With high inmate movement due to overcrowding and the limited number of guards, maintaining effective control is a constant challenge.
Particularly vulnerable in this environment are juveniles and women serving their sentences. The lack of 24 hour supervision leaves them exposed to additional risks.
Cells at Liet-Nhom prison are overcrowded, with more than 20 inmates packed into each one. Due to the poor hygiene and lack of space, many prisoners spend most of their time outdoors, exposed to the elements and separated only by open air. There is no privacy or protection.
“We live in constant fear of everything, including getting sick, as there is no healthcare available at the prison,” said one female inmate.
Medical attention is only provided when local transport and staff are available, which is not always guaranteed. This leaves many inmates untreated when they fall ill, an increasing likelihood as the rainy season brings heightened risks of disease, including malaria.
UNMISS has been consistently advocating for improved support from state authorities. UN corrections officer Precious Chinamasa, who regularly visits the facility, said the conditions in Liet-Nhom are part of a wider trend in South Sudan’s correctional facilities.
“Similar conditions prevail in many prisons across South Sudan,” she said. “It is heartbreaking to witness these struggles, and we will continue pushing authorities to strengthen their support to the prison system.”
She stressed that without humane treatment and improved conditions, there is little hope for genuine rehabilitation or reintegration of inmates into society.
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