Detainees receive food, Quran for Ramadan

The International Committee of the Red Cross is distributing food and other items including Qurans during Ramadan to more than 5,000 detainees throughout Somalia.

“The holy month of Ramadan is significant for all Muslims and gives us an opportunity to remember that this period is also important to detainees in Somalia,” said Ahmed Zaroug, the ICRC’s Protection Coordinator in Somalia. “We hope this assistance will help detainees observe the fast with dignity.”

Goat meat, milk powder, tea leaves, sugar and dates are being distributed. Some detainees will also be receiving a copy of the Quran. The Ramadan distribution, now in its third year, is happening in 29 places of detention.

ICRC teams visit prisons, police stations and state security agencies in countries around the world in an effort to secure humane and dignified treatment for persons deprived of liberty. Between January and March 2016 more than 3,000 detainees were visited across Somalia.