The ICRC, through its delegation in Rabat, is donating hygiene and protective equipment for the benefit of prison staff and inmates in order to contribute to prevention efforts in the prisons under the responsibility of the DGAPR, according to a joint statement issued by the two bodies.

"In the current global health crisis caused by the spread of Covid-19, the International Committee of the Red Cross, as a humanitarian agency, is particularly concerned about the health of people deprived of their liberty around the world. The ICRC therefore wishes to contribute to the preventive efforts being made in prison establishments, in particular by strengthening the application of basic hygiene and protection rules," said the head of the ICRC delegation in Rabat, Rania Machlab, quoted in the statement.

As soon as the first cases appeared in Morocco, the DGAPR took a series of emergency measures to deal with this medical danger, which affects both persons deprived of their liberty and prison officials, the same source said.

 "The DGAPR is aware of the need for the correct and effective application of these provisions and is making every effort to spare residents and staff," insisted Mohamed Salah Tamek, delegate-general of the DGAPR, quoted in the statement.