Experts urge detention reforms to protect women, children

Women and children held in detention across Africa are exposed to a range of serious risks, from insufficient reproductive healthcare to inadequate mental health support. These vulnerable populations often suffer from the trauma of separation from their children, further compounding their difficult circumstances.

The conditions within detention facilities frequently fall short of international standards, leading to a heightened risk of physical and psychological harm. Experts are calling for urgent reforms to detention practices across the continent, emphasizing the need for specialized care and protection measures for women and children.

These calls for reform highlight a critical gap in the justice system's approach to vulnerable detainees. The current situation not only fails to provide adequate care but also risks perpetuating cycles of trauma and disadvantage. Addressing these issues is seen as essential for upholding human rights and ensuring a more just system.