ANKARA-Pointing out that prisons are a place of threat for children, ATO Human Rights Commission member Dr. Ayşe Uğurlu said, “Children aged 0-6 who are in prison with their mothers cannot access milk, formula and diapers.”

The pressure, violence and barriers to access to health in prisons are increasing day by day. Children are among the groups most affected by these violations. According to the data of the Ankara Medical Chamber (ATO) Human Rights Commission; As of December 31, 2021, there are 1,941 children in prison. Children between the ages of 0-6 are kept with their mothers, while children between the ages of 12-18 are kept in prison because of their own trial files.

ATO Human Rights Commission member Dr. Ayşe Uğurlu said that children aged 0-6 are forced to live in places where there is pressure and authority.

'SHOULD BE UNDER DOCTOR'S CONTROL'

 Stating that the children in prison cannot see their peers and cannot access toys and goods suitable for their age, Uğurlu noted that children have to grow up with the oppressive attitude of the prison and become like adults. Saying that children aged 0-6 could not get this chance during their kindergarten period, Uğurlu said, “The chances of being free, walking and running are very low. On the other hand, they may face some obstacles when they need to go to health institutions. It is very important that children are regularly under the control of a doctor.”

THREAT PLACE FOR CHILDREN

 Pointing out that prisons are a place of threat for children, Uğurlu stated that the laws in the penitentiary system should be rearranged. Uğurlu said, “The conditions for entering prison are a socio-political issue. As the chamber of doctors human rights commission, we are working with human rights organizations on this issue. It is not a problem that only human rights organizations can solve alone, but also the political authorities, the executioners of the penal system, and the ministry of justice must take responsibility. We are trying to reach them on this issue, we are making a petition.”

(fk/