WILLEMSTAD – On paper, the Sentro di Detenshon i Korekshon Kòrsou (SDKK), the Curaçao prison, has a daily program for detainees, but in practice, it is hardly implemented due to a shortage of staff and financial resources, reports the Council for Law Enforcement. This daily program, designed to keep detainees occupied and assist with their rehabilitation, includes education, work, sports, and recreation.
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) emphasizes that such activities are crucial for humane treatment in prisons. However, in the SDKK, with a capacity of approximately 400 detainees, there are only two activity supervisors, and the educational offerings are limited due to a lack of resources.
Staff Recruitment
The Minister of Justice has indicated that the Council of Ministers has approved a plan to recruit more staff for the SDKK. Nevertheless, the staff shortage, especially in security and the medical service, remains a challenge. This results in limited opportunities for work and recreation for the prisoners. Only half of the detainees have access to jobs, while the rest spend more time outside their cells than legally stipulated.
Medical care also suffers from the staff shortage. New detainees do not always receive the required medical checks within 24 hours, and it is unclear how quickly medical requests are processed.
The Council emphasizes that improving the situation is essential for both the well-being of the detainees and the overall safety within the prison. It calls for action to address staff shortages and improve the quality of the daily program.