RIGHTS BEHIND BARS A Study of Prison Conditions In Zimbabwe 2018 Unfortunately, prisoners in other jails experience graver challenges than having lice or bathing without soap. For instance, there was no toilet in the cells at Tabudirira Satellite Prison. There was one bucket in the cell which inmates used to relieve themselves and the bucket was now in a dilapidated State.60 However, there was only one blair toilet with 5 halls that were then almost full. There were inadequate detergents to clean the toilets. The provision of soap and other washing material largely came from the relatives of the inmates, not the State, although it could sometimes be provided by government.61 There is no doubt that these cell conditions are inconsistent with every detainee’s right to be treated in a dignified way and to be provided with ablution facilities that foster personal hygiene as stipulated in the Constitution. They also violate the right to an adequate standard of living as stipulated in various international human rights instruments. 5.3. Bedding There were variations in the provision of bedding at different institutions. At Connemara Open Prison, each inmate had as many blankets as they needed and each had to wash their own blankets but there were no laid down intervals for washing them.62 At Whawha Young Offenders prison, ‘inmates slept on the floor as there were no beds and inmates were said to receive six blankets each which were rolled on the floor. The responsible officer highlighted that only ‘Class A’ inmates received mattresses’.63 Generally, many prisons provide blankets that are arguably sufficient enough to keep each detainee or prisoner, with or without a bed, sufficiently warm even during the winter season. However, at Mutare Farm Prison, it was reported that there were inadequate blankets, jerseys, knee high stockings and closed shoes. Bedding and blankets were mentioned as one of the areas that needed serious attention.64 At Tabudirira Satellite Prison in Mutoko, there were no beds for prisoners. The inmates slept on the floor but were provided with a minimum of four blankets per inmate. Inmates also washed their own bedding at their own volition, but when they were provided with soap, washing at that particular time became mandatory.65 To comply with international and domestic standards, the State must take the necessary steps to improve on the provision of adequate bedding to all inmates at all prisons. This is particularly important in light of the fact that moderate respiratory infections are caused by the bad sleeping conditions (sleeping on the floor, inadequate blankets) were reported to be an enduring challenge at some prisons.66 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 ZACRO and the Forum, Tabudirira Satellite Prison Visit Report, 2. ZACRO and the Forum, Tabudirira Satellite Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 2. ZACRO and the Forum, Connemara Open Prison Visit Report, 5. ZACRO and the Forum, Whahwa Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 4. ZACRO and the Forum, Mutare Farm Prison Visit Report, 2 and 6. ZACRO and the Forum, Tabudirira Satellite Prison Visit, 2. ZACRO and the Forum, Bindura Farm Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 2. 25