Senate decries human rights failure as prison officers use own salaries to feed babies behind bars in Zimbabwe

Critics say relying on individual compassion violates children’s rights to adequate nutrition and development

ZIMBABWE’S Senate heard that prison officers are using their own salaries to feed babies living with incarcerated mothers, as state facilities fail to meet basic nutritional needs. Senators described the situation as a human rights concern, arguing that children in state custody should not depend on charity for food, medicine or care.

A motion has been tabled calling for government-funded nutrition, healthcare and gender-specific facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Critics say relying on individual compassion violates children’s rights to adequate nutrition and development. The motion insists that a prison sentence should deprive an offender of liberty not a child of childhood.

Source: Senate decries human rights failure as prison officers use own salaries to feed babies behind bars in Zimbabwe