Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of (1) a scabies outbreak, and (2) overcrowding, at Jau Prison in Bahrain; the compliance of such conditions with the UN Standard Minimum Treatment Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners; and what representations they intend to make to the government of Bahrain to ensure that prisoners are given (1) appropriate medical care, (2) the provision of adequate personal protective equipment, and (3) the opportunity to socially distance.

The Government of Bahrain has made clear in public statements that access to appropriate medical care for those in detention is guaranteed by the Constitution of Bahrain. These statements stated publicly that, under normal circumstances, any prisoner wishing to see a doctor is taken to the prison clinic, with referral to specialist facilities where required. However as part of COVID-19 precautions, all medical consultations now take place via video calls, ensuring the safety of both patients and medical staff. We welcome these assurances from the Government of Bahrain, urge continued transparency and would encourage those with any concerns about treatment in detention to raise them with the appropriate Bahraini human rights oversight body.