“Across our region, prisons tell stories that touch the conscience of our nations; stories of overcrowding, underfunding, and untold human resilience. They remind us that even behind bars, human dignity must never be lost,” said Hon. Lucas.

Prison Oversight as a Pillar of Democracy and Public Health

The South African lawmaker highlighted that prison oversight is not merely an administrative exercise but a core democratic function.

“Oversight is not just a technical function. It is an act of democracy, compassion, accountability, and public-health protection,” she declared.

She warned that weak oversight can create fertile ground for disease outbreaks—such as tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19—that can easily spread beyond prison walls. Strengthening oversight, she said, can save lives by ensuring adequate facilities, proper ventilation, sanitation, and medical care within correctional institutions.

Linking Oversight to Global Development Goals

Hon. Lucas connected prison oversight to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

“By reducing the spread of TB and other infectious diseases in prisons, we are contributing directly to the SDGs,” she explained.

She reaffirmed that SADC PF’s Model Law on Prison Oversight will be grounded in key international and regional human-rights instruments, including the UN Convention Against Torture, its Optional Protocol, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Building on a Strong Record of Legislative Reform

Hon. Lucas noted SADC PF’s legacy in developing model laws that have shaped national reforms across Member States. Examples include the Model Law on HIV and AIDS, Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage, Model Law on Gender-Based Violence, and the Model Law on Public Finance Management.

“Some may ask why we develop model laws. They are not binding. That is true, but they are powerful. They capture what we, as a region, agree should be the standard; a shared vision of justice, fairness, and good governance,” she said.

She emphasized that such laws are created through extensive consultation to ensure they reflect the lived experiences and needs of the people.

“We believe that laws made with the people, for the people, are the ones that truly endure,” she added.

Ensuring Dignity and Health in Prisons

Hon. Lucas reiterated that human rights in prison are health rights and that access to healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and safety are obligations under international law.

She stressed that parliamentary oversight ensures adequate budget allocations for maintaining decent facilities, healthcare services, TB screening, isolation units, and continuity of care.

Call for Collaboration and Participation

Addressing participants—comprising health professionals, human-rights advocates, and correctional officers—Hon. Lucas urged them to share their expertise to enrich the draft model law.

“We are not here to talk about people. We are here to talk with them. Your experiences, your insights, and your ideas will make the law richer, more practical, and more humane,” she said. “This is your law, a framework that should work for the people of SADC, not just for policymakers.”

She commended the Technical Working Group on Prison Oversight, the Dullah Omar Institute, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), and the SADC PF Secretariat for their ongoing efforts and expertise.

A Call to Parliamentarians

In conclusion, Hon. Lucas appealed to parliamentarians across the SADC region to take an active role in shaping and championing the forthcoming model law.

“Oversight begins with us. We are the custodians of accountability and the bridge between the people and their governments,” she concluded.