LITHUANIA | Ombudsman criticizes authority after visit to Alytus Correction House

There is not enough space for inmates in wheelchairs to move freely within the cells. The bathrooms are too narrow, and the stairs leading to a canteen and library as well as the odontologist, family doctor and psychologist are not adjusted for the use of people with disabilities. The Seimas Ombudsman Augustinas Normantas released these findings after a visit to Alytus Correction House.

Having assessed the human rights situation in Alytus Correction House, the Seimas Ombudsman Mr. A. Normantas noted that there was a noticeable shortage of wheelchairs and other movement-compensation equipment for people with disabilities. Moreover, there were no bathroom safety rails in showers to facilitate the mobility of individuals with disabilities so they could perform their hygiene procedures independently.

The employees of the Human Rights Division of the Seimas Ombudsmen's Office have also established that there was a lack of seats in prison yards for inmates with disabilities. Therefore, prisoners who had mobility challenges and had to move with walkers or walking sticks or crutches did not have a place to sit down and have rest.

Furthermore, Mr. A. Normantas drew attention to the fact that privacy in the hygiene facilities for inmates with disabilities was not ensured in Alytus Correction House.

The Seimas Ombudsman has also placed emphasis on the need to adjust the physical environment of imprisonment facilities to the needs of inmates with disabilities.

Finally, the Seimas Ombudsman recommended to the head of the Prison Department to ensure that the number of health service employees in Alytus Correction House meets the number specified in the Health Care Services Standards.

Press Release

Source: The Seimas Ombudsmen's Office - LITHUANIA