RIGHTS BEHIND BARS A Study of Prison Conditions In Zimbabwe 2018 5.5. Food provision Some of the few prisons were able to supply adequate basic food items to inmates. Even then, it can hardly be said that these prisons fully complied with international and national standards on the provision of adequate food. At Tabudirira Satellite Prison in Mutoko, there were sufficient starches in the form of rice and maize meal. Vegetables were also in abundant supply such that the prison even supplied Mutoko main prison. There was adequate supply of tomatoes and onions as these were farmed at the prison. There was no meat protein. Cooking was done using firewood. As there were 24 inmates, there were adequate plates and cups. The shortage only arose when the prison is at full capacity.72 Whawha Young Offenders Prison had a garden and was able to supply adequate vegetables to inmates. Inmates also had beans, but rarely had meat. They also produced tomatoes and onions now and again. They emphasised that they had plenty of mealie-meal and vegetables and had managed to preserve some by drying them for use when vegetables were scarce. Inmates had gone a while without meat, but they obtained their protein from beans which was said to be enough. At the time of the visit, however, the prison had gone for a week without cooking oil and they were not sure when they would receive the next supply since the supply was irregular. Sugar was also in short supply. Whawha Young Offenders prison also had challenges for those on special diet since they could not carter for their needs due to scarcity of special meals.73 Similar challenges were reported at Harare Remand Prison; Mutare Farm Prison and Mlondozi.74 At Mlondolozi, the diet did not address the needs of those on medication especially given that the prison houses mental health patients who take tablets on a daily basis. The prison administration could not remember when they last received protein products ie meat/beans. It is evident that while the prison administration has made significant strides to ensure access to sufficient food, there are still persistent shortages of certain food items and this violates the international and domestic standards governing food provision. The food shortages amount to a violation of article 11(2) of the ICESCR which recognises everyone’s right to be free from hunger and section 77(b) of the Constitution which recognises everyone’s right to sufficient food. In addition, food shortages are also inconsistent with General Comment No. 12 of the CESCR which outlines that the realisation of the right to food requires all persons to have ‘physical and economic access to adequate food’. There is need for considerable improvement in the provision of food items if the majority of the prisons visited are to comply with international and domestic standards on access to sufficient and nutritious food. In an attempt to curb food shortages, many prisons permit relatives of inmates to bring food items for inmates during visits. However, supplementary food provisions only work for those who receive visitors and have supportive relatives; thereby leaving the majority of prisoners confronting hunger and malnutrition. Unfortunately, some prisoners have poor relatives who cannot afford to purchase food items or visit them regularly. The situation becomes worse with foreigners who are detained in 72 73 74 ZACRO and the Forum, Tabudirira Satellite Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 2. ZACRO and the Forum, Whawha Young Offenders Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 3. ZACRO and the Forum, Harare Remand Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 1 and 3; Mutare Farm Prison Monitoring Visit Report, 2. 27