RIGHTS BEHIND BARS A Study of Prison Conditions In Zimbabwe 2018 5.4. Adequate clothing Inmates at all correctional institutions are expected to wear uniforms. However, due to the shortage of uniforms most inmates at Harare Remand Prison and Connemara Open Prison wore their own clothes.67 At Harare Remand Prison, the Officer-in-Charge pointed out that there was a shortage of uniforms and that inmates on remand were not forced to wear uniforms.68 The fact that unconvicted prisoners are allowed to wear their own clothes complies with the Prisons Act, the Nelson Mandela Rules and other international standards as such prisoners have the right to do so under these instruments. Particular mention was made on the shortage of jerseys, knee high socks and closed shoes at Mutare Farm Prison.69 This falls short of the requirements of Rule 19(1) of the Nelson Mandela Rules which entitles inmates that are not permitted to wear their own clothing to be provided with clothing. The Mutare Farm Prison Report further outlines that there is a shortage of protective clothing which should be used as inmates carry out farming activities. This contravenes Rule 19(1) of the Nelson Mandela Rules which makes reference to the need for prisoners to be provided with clothing which ‘is adequate to keep them in good health.’ Inadequate clothing was also reported to be an enduring challenge at Connemara Open Prison. Most inmates were in their own personal clothes. The Officer-in-Charge pointed out that there was a shortage of uniforms. Even though the open prison does not prescribe that inmates should wear uniforms, he said that it was necessary for identification purposes.70 At Tabudirira Satellite Prison, it was reported that inmates were normally given one or two set(s) of uniforms depending on the availability. They were also given a second pair only when one of the uniforms was old and torn. Prisoners were also allowed to wear personal plain white clothes.71 The challenge associated with one pair uniform is that when the prisoner washes it, they essentially have to remain naked unless they have their own plain white clothes. The Mlondolozi Prison Monitoring Visit Report indicates that inmates were given two garbs depending on the frequency of supply which was hardly predictable. Prison garbs for the female inmates were in good conditions since the State gives them preference over their male counterparts. However, only the mentally challenged inmates had received clothing in 2017 and the rest had last received their stock in 2015 which points to an undesirable situation. The shortage of clothing at many prisons is a blatant violation of prisoners’ rights and undermines the dignity of the human person. As stipulated in the Mandela Rules and the Beijing Rules, every prisoner who is not allowed to wear their clothing should be provided with clothing which is not degrading or humiliating and which is adequate to keep him in good health. Given that inmates are held at the mercy of the State, the State bears an obligation to provide clothing items to inmates who do not afford to buy such items. 67 68 69 70 71 26 ZACRO and the Forum Harare Remand Prison Visit Report, 8. ZACRO and the Forum, Harare Remand Prison Visit Report, 8. ZACRO and the Forum Mutare Farm Prison Visit Report, 2. ZACRO and the Forum, Connemara Open Prison Visit Report, 6. ZACRO and the Forum, Tabudirira Satellite Prison Visit, 3. EGAP