Following FACIAS's efforts to respect the rights of people deprived of their liberty in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic,
In view of the recommendations contained in The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture's Opinion to States Parties and National Preventive Mechanisms, on the Coronavirus pandemic (adopted on 25 March 2020), as well as the invitation to the Member States by European Parliament resolution of 13 November 2020 on the impact of the COVID-19 measures on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (2020/2790(RSP ) on the protection of the rights and health of all persons in prisons, in particular the right to health care, the right to have visitors, the right to spend time in the open air and the right to educational, professional or recreational activities,
According to the official data provided by the ANP, on 15.12.2020, the total number of persons deprived of liberty in ANP custody was 21,789 with an accommodation capacity of 18,245 places according to the standards imposed by the ECHR - which means an occupancy rate of 119% - Romania remains one of the countries in Europe with a high degree of overcrowding among the prison population,
In view of the fact that as of 14.12.2020, a total of 164 prisoners and 139 prison officers were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2, the real danger of the epidemic spreading due to the unavoidable close contact in overcrowded areas, and the fact that in only 10 places of detention no cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been recorded among persons in custody,
Taking into account the urgent measures taken by other countries, mainly the USA, Iran (more than 70,000 prisoners released), Germany but also other European countries (more than 118,000 prisoners were released in 20 countries to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the first month of isolation) - measures consisting of amnesty, early or provisional release or other options to deprive low-risk prisoners serving sentences for less serious offences of their liberty,
Noting with concern the lack of interest but also the inability of the responsible authorities to offer viable solutions to reduce overcrowding in Romanian prisons, especially in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic, when the health of prisoners is in real danger, and in view of the negative effects that could be generated by the spread of COVID-19 among the prison population, with the consequent overburdening of the prison medical system and subsequently the civilian system, as well as with a view to preventing conflicts within prisons
FACIAS SUPPORTS THE ROMANIAN AUTHORITIES and provides them with several legislative proposals, inspired by the measures adopted in other countries of the world, aimed at providing temporary solutions to relieve the prison population but also to give a real chance of life in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic, mainly to vulnerable prisoners.
At the same time, FACIAS asked the Ombudsman and the OMS representative in Romania to support the Romanian authorities in taking urgent measures to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus among prisoners in ANP prisons.
It should be noted that, through the activity as a member of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, member of World Alliance for Citizen Participation and ALDA Association, voting member of CIVICUS and in accordance with the provisions of its statute, FACIAS acts to promote citizens' rights and ensures that they are respected in relations with the Romanian State.