In a commendable humanitarian initiative, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently launched a food assistance programme at Kangbayi prison, located in Beni in North Kivu province. This significant assistance is taking the form of the distribution of 74 tonnes of essential foodstuffs for the prison’s inmates.
Faced with an alarming malnutrition situation identified during a previous assessment by ICRC nutrition specialists, it became imperative to act urgently to prevent a humanitarian crisis within the prison. Indeed, statistics revealed an acute malnutrition rate exceeding the critical threshold of 30% among the inmates in the prison’s various sections.
To counter this worrying situation, the ICRC set up a weekly food distribution plan spread over two months. The food items provided include corn flour, cassava flour, beans, vegetable oil, vegetables and iodized salt. This approach aims to ensure that detainees are detained in conditions that meet international standards and principles of humanity.
Furthermore, aware of the logistical constraints facing Kangbayi prison, the ICRC also provided 200 cubic metres of firewood to facilitate the preparation of meals. Despite these commendable efforts, it is important to stress that the existing kitchen facilities only allow one meal per day per detainee, instead of the two meals per day initially planned.
This ICRC intervention in Kangbayi prison underlines the need for continued mobilization on behalf of detainees in order to ensure their well-being and dignity. By working in concert with the local authorities, the ICRC is once again demonstrating its commitment to the most vulnerable populations, thereby ensuring that detainees are treated in a way that respects their fundamental rights.