AN ASSESSMENT OF PRISONERS' RIGHT TO HEALTH IN OROMIA PRISONS ADMINISTRATION: THE CASE OF JIMMA ARJO WOREDA PRISON INSTITUTION

The paper focuses on the assessment of prisoners" right to health in Oromia Prison Institution: the case of Jimma Arjo Prison Institution. The aim of this study is to assess the extent of protection of prisoners" right to health in line with International Prisoners" Rights and the principles enshrined under the FDRE and ONRS Constitutions. In order to identify the problem of prisoners" right to health protection in Jimma Arjo Prison Institution, the researcher applied qualitative methods, and data were gathered through unstructured interviews, personal observations and documents reviews. The key participants were selected by using purposive sampling techniques that one of the non probability techniques. Accordingly, the data gathered through interviews, document reviews and personal observations were analyzed through explanatory and reflective approaches. The study revealed there is inadequate provision of health care services to prisoners. This has been caused by the lack of health facilities, goods and services which significantly undermined the protection of prisoners" rights to health and the provision of appropriate health care and facilities including health promotion, food, water, bedding, clothes, hygiene service, sanitation services, accommodation services and suitable place for physical exercise. As a result, the researcher recommends that state, prison authority and other concerned bodies shall work to improve the protection and fulfillment of prisoners' rights to health by ensuring the implementation of International Human Rights Standards and principles of enshrined in the Constitutions of FDRE and ONRS.