Children in prison in Benin: causes and consequences
The incarceration of children is a major human rights issue in Benin. This phenomenon raises concerns about both the causes of this situation and the consequences for the young people concerned.
Causes of children’s incarceration….
Children end up in prison for a variety of reasons, mainly linked to socio-economic and environmental factors. These include: lack of financial resources, which leads some children to commit petty crimes to survive or help their families; lack of family support, as children from dysfunctional families, where abuse or neglect is present, are more exposed to criminal behavior; peer influence due to pressure, which can encourage some children to take part in illegal activities; conflicts with the law resulting from accusations of offenses such as theft, drug use or acts of violence can lead to their incarceration.
Typical profiles and consequences of child incarceration….
The majority of incarcerated children are aged between 12 and 17. They often come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with limited access to resources. Many have not completed their primary education, and some have never attended school at all. Many children face a family history of violence, alcoholism or drug abuse. Incarceration has profound consequences for children, both in the short and long term.
Psychologically, these children can develop mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and behavioral problems, due to the stress and stigma associated with incarceration. Socially, they often face isolation, stigmatization and difficulties in establishing social relationships, which can hinder their reintegration into society.
Future prospects….
Incarceration seriously affects children’s future prospects in terms of education and social reintegration. Indeed, limited access to education in prison reduces their chances of obtaining a diploma, which has an impact on their future employment opportunities.
The absence of rehabilitation programs increases the risk of recidivism, and children often find it difficult to find their place in society once they have been released. Incarcerated children carry a social label that can follow them throughout their lives, increasing the chances of marginalization.
Prison conditions and violence management
Children incarcerated in Benin are often held in precarious conditions that fail to comply with national and international children’s rights standards. Prisons are often overcrowded, poorly equipped, and lack access to adequate health care. However, the main violations of children’s rights in prisons include unsanitary living conditions and physical and psychological abuse. Children have little recourse to denounce these abuses, and protection mechanisms are often ineffective.
Rehabilitation and prevention initiatives…
Some initiatives exist to support the reintegration of children after their release from prison, but these remain insufficient. NGOs and organizations are trying to set up education and employment programs, but the lack of funding and resources reduces their effectiveness, confirms Dominique SOUNOU, of the DAPI Benin organization, which provides care and support for prisoners awaiting release. Similarly, prevention strategies include awareness-raising programs in schools to prevent juvenile delinquency. However, these strategies need to be improved by integrating holistic approaches that take socio-economic factors into account. The justice system is faced with a high rate of recidivism. The lack of appropriate rehabilitation programs prevents the successful reintegration of young people into society. Innovative solutions and training for legal professionals are needed to address this issue.
Studies and testimonials….
According to the study on the situation of children and women in prison in Benin, conducted by Cabinet LGS thanks to the program for the protection of vulnerable strata and published in 2017, “Nearly 95% of incarcerated minors are boys, while the few underage girls are placed with adults in women’s wards.
Only 3% of incarcerated minors have been convicted and are serving their sentence, while 97% are on remand. According to Benin’s Children’s Code, extrajudicial protection measures must be given priority in all cases involving minors, with arrest, detention or imprisonment to be considered as a measure of last resort and of the shortest possible duration (Art. 15). However, in reality, these provisions are not really applied, leading to an abuse of pre-trial detention, with harmful consequences for the development of incarcerated minors”.
A poignant testimony from a former inmate who requested anonymity states that “prison is not a place to learn or grow. It’s where you lose your youth and your dreams”. This testimony underlines the devastating impact of incarceration and the urgent need for action to improve conditions and opportunities for these children.
The situation of children in prison in Benin is alarming and requires immediate attention. It is imperative to implement effective policies to prevent their incarceration, protect their rights in detention, and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Acting in favor of youth is essential to building a better future for all. In Benin, several NGOs work in prisons, including Fraternité des prisons, ACAT, ESAM, DAPI Benin, as well as religious denominations.