WILLEMSTAD - Minister Shalten Hato of Justice states that discussions have commenced for the construction of a new prison in Curaçao to better comply with the international standards of CPT and CAT. These are two international bodies working against torture and other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The current infrastructure of the SDKK prison dates back to the 1990s and no longer meets contemporary standards. Justice is currently in talks with UNOPS, a United Nations organization involved in the process of a new prison in St. Maarten.
In a letter to the Dutch Minister of Justice Weerwind, Curaçao has drawn attention to the situation in both the SDKK prison and the Youth Institution JJIC, leading to further deliberations.
Positive Developments
Minister Hato emphasizes the positive developments occurring in the prison in 2024, despite the lack of sufficient funds for rehabilitation in the current budget. Financial resources are needed for the purchase of materials and machinery for rehabilitation projects.
Funds have been allocated in 2023 and 2024 for the Learning Inside Out project through the Crime Fund. This project includes an educational program where detainees can pursue and complete various practical studies, obtaining a recognized diploma to assist them in reintegrating into the job market or furthering their studies. The reopening of the kitchen in the SDKK has also created new opportunities for inmates aspiring to work in the kitchen.
The probation service has entered into agreements with various companies to assist ex-convicts in finding employment. Additionally, this year, as part of the national package, vacancies will be opened to recruit more staff for the correction unit for rehabilitation programs.
Privacy Concerns
Finally, Minister Hato has emphasized the privacy of detainees when making recordings. Currently, there is no protocol governing this. Recordings must be made with the consent of the individual involved.
In the near future, a policy will be developed that takes into account international and local human rights and privacy regulations, and this will be communicated to anyone directly or indirectly responsible for capturing and disseminating images of detainees.