Coronavirus: UNHR 'alarmed' over prison conditions in Syria; urges release of some inmates

United Nations Human Rights raised alarm over prison-conditions in Syria, amid Coronavirus outbreak across world. human rights body expressed its concern over situation and warned of exceptionally high-risk of infections in crammed prisons of ear-battered Middle Eastern country. 

Bashar al-Ass Syrian regime and armed groups were urged by UN body to take "urgent actions" and follow suit of or countries to release prisoners. It also raised concerns over prisons in Egypt.  UN humanitarian chief warned on Monday that n recorded 10 cases of COVID-19 and one death confirmed in Syria are just “ tip of iceberg,” and judging from or countries “a devastating impact” can be expected on vulnerable communities. Syria recorded its first Coronavirus death on March 30. 

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Despite downplaying issue, Bashar-al Ass-led Syria government, following suit of or Middle Eastern countries banned all movements between provinces until April 16 on Sunday. Countries across Middle East have imposed sweeping measures to prevent spre of Coronavirus, including closing ir borders, canceling flights and in some cases imposing round--clock curfews.

Prisoner release 

In a bid to control spre of disease, Iran set free 40% of entire prison population by releasing approximately 100,000 inmates. Ar war-torn country, Yemen started releasing low-risk prisoners on Friday. Yemen has t recorded a single case of Coronavirus yet, however, release to prisoners was a preventive measure. 

Afghanistan government on Thursday decided to release up to 10,000 prisoners in wake of Coronavirus scare. Prisoners, including women and children, will be released on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's decree. Taliban or Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists are t included in this list. 

World Health Organisation on April 3, asked Middle East to act fast to limit spre of pandemic. "New cases have been reported in some of most vulnerable countries with fragile health systems," WHO's director for Eastern Mediterranean region said.  "We still have a window of opportunity, but this window is slowly closing day by day," he ded. Out of all countries in Middle East, war-battered Yemen and Syria are particularly vulnerable to outbreak and lack medical infrastructure to with vel Coronavirus. 

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