Hope Behind Bars
Better Burma is proud to continue its support of the Hope Behind Bars team, which has dedicated itself to overseeing the welfare of democracy activists and other innocents who have been jailed by the military regime. One of the team leaders of this project describes their work. We invite any readers to earmark a donation towards this important project! (Please note that because of the sensitive nature of this work, the local recipients are not able to provide any photographs, due to safety concerns.)
Myanmar is currently facing a grave crisis, with reports of severe prison hardships emerging from various detention facilities across the country. The conditions inside these prisons are appalling, affecting the physical and mental well-being of inmates. The following prison conditions impact those now locked up by this illegal military regime:
● Inadequate Drinking Water: The lack of access to clean drinking water is a major concern, as it poses a serious threat to the overall well-being of inmates. Prisoners are forced to consume dirty water, which often leads to health issues, such as diarrhea.
● Lack of Hygiene Products: Inmates are deprived of basic hygiene products like soap and body lotion, which results in persistent skin issues and discomfort. The absence of proper hygiene can lead to the spread of skin diseases and infections among prisoners.
● Unsanitary Food: Inadequate nutrition can lead to a host of health problems and exacerbate the already harsh living conditions in prison. And the food provided to prisoners is substandard, often contaminated with insects, dirt, sand, and even stones.
Prisoners are not treated well, either. These are the issues we have been reporting on:
● Political Prisoners: Almost all political prisoners in Myanmar are subjected to harsh and unfair treatment by the authorities. They are often singled out for retribution, including physical and psychological abuse, due to their political beliefs or affiliations. This cruel treatment is a clear violation of human rights.
● Abuse by Fellow Inmates: Prisoners with power, such as murderers and thieves, are given license to scold and physically abuse other inmates. This power dynamic within the prison system leads to a climate of fear and further compounds the hardship faced by detainees.
To address the urgent needs of Myanmar's prisoners and alleviate their suffering, our Hope Behind Bars project team is engaged in providing:
● nutritious, safe food to prisoners, ensuring that they receive adequate sustenance and protection from food-borne illnesses.
● essential hygiene products like soap and body lotion to inmates, improving their overall health and well-being.
● the transportation costs for getting donated goods and essential items to the prisons, ensuring they reach the inmates in need.
In light of the dire situation outlined above, your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of those enduring unimaginable hardships within Myanmar's prisons. The Hope Behind Bars project is committed to offering relief and dignity to these individuals, but we cannot do this without your generous contributions.
Every donation, no matter the size, goes towards providing essential goods and services to the prisoners, giving them a glimmer of hope in their darkest hours. These funds are critical for sustaining the ongoing efforts to improve the conditions inside these detention facilities, ensuring that basic human rights are upheld.