Call for prison drug treatment

File photo

File photo

Published Sep 26, 2014

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Pretoria - Providing drug treatment campaigns in prisons will benefit prisoners and society, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in Pretoria on Friday.

“Providing drug treatment services works, it achieves results,” the UNODC's Jason Eligh said.

“Prison treatment helps prevent re-offending and drug dependency. It benefits prisons and society as a whole.”

Eligh was taking part in a discussion on building sustainable and humane correctional systems in Africa, at the Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria. The event was held on Africa Corrections Day and formed part of Corrections week.

Eligh said other crimes and a high rate of illnesses and diseases, such as HIV/Aids, could be linked to drug use.

“Drugs are widely available in prisons throughout the world. Addressing the availability of drugs in prisons requires ongoing action,” he said.

Sapa

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