PHNOM PENH: Minister of Interior Sar Sokha recommended that national and regional prison authorities consider organizing visits for outside organizations and institutions so that people can see the general situation in prisons and correctional centers for themselves.

While meeting with the leaders and prison officials during an inspection of a local correctional center on January 17, the Minister said that despite some limits on prison infrastructure, the management of the centers’ rehabilitation, education and vocational training is doing well. He recommended arranging similar visits with public and private institutions at least once a year.

He emphasized that organizing visits to prisons and correctional centers is an opportunity for stakeholders, especially national and international organizations, to see and understand the real situation of Cambodia’s prison system, especially when it comes to the efforts of prison leaders and officials. He said that the system implements security measures while also promoting the rights of detainees in accordance with the law, including the right to vocational training, healthcare, nutrition and freedom of religion.

He also recommended using prison visits as a way to educate students on the consequences of illegal actions.

"We can organize in a reasonable way to remind students to see and know more about what a prison or correctional center is, so that they know the consequences of illegal acts and promote [their experience] to their friends and community,” he said.

During his visit, Minister Sar Sokha inspected the prison’s main locations, including the detention building, the education and vocational training building, the library, kitchen, and health exam center. He also saw the gym and places of worship for the prison’s Buddhist, Muslin and Christian detainees. The Minister finished by donating blood.