181. In addition, in the rehabilitation centres for minors, a package of health services, education
and psychosocial care is provided. Vocational training projects are also organised (life
project with minors) for minors admitted to these centres. Leisure activities and psychosocial
care are organised for children and women in detention facilities.
c) Children of imprisoned mothers
i. Special treatment for prégnant woment and mother of infants and Young children who have
been found guilty by the law
182. There is still no alternative solution in Burundi for detention of pregnant women and
mothers with young children. But provisions have been made in the prison environment to
provide special rations while waiting for a sustainable solution for this category of children.
Under the auspices of the General Directorate of Penitentiary Administration, UNICEF and
BINUB supported the development of terms of reference for a qualitative study on this
phenomenon. This study will serve as a basis for a national reflection workshop to propose
solutions adapted to this category of children.45
183. At present, some organisations are taking ad hoc actions for the different forms of care
through:
(i) intervention in the medical care of pregnant mothers with HIV;
(ii) participation in the preparation of reintegration of children in their family of origin;
(iii) timely intake of nutritional support and clothing; and
(iv) the initiation of a crib equipped with various toys at the MPIMBA central prison.
(v) In the same vein, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender in
partnership with UNICEF, BNUB, International Organisations and Civil Society have defined a
strategy on the phenomenon of children living in prison with their incarcerated mothers.
ii. Prohibition of imprisoning a mother with her child
184. There are still no alternatives to the placement of pregnant women and mothers with young
children. Act No. 1/016 of 22 September 2003 on the penitentiary system recognises the
imprisonment of a woman with her young child until the age of three. However, there are no other
clear legal provisions on the protection and supervision of these children.
45
United Nations, Committee on the Rights of the Child, Written Response of the Government of Burundi to CRC / C
/ BDI / Q / 2, on the consideration of the second periodic report of Burundi (CRC / C / BDI / 2), Geneva, 14 September
2010, page 6.
42