Report Launch: Socio-economic impact of pre-trial detention in Mozambique

This report seeks to show that the deprivation of liberty by the state in the attempt to maintain “law and order” has a clear and measureable socio-economic impact on individuals and their dependents which is frequently disproportionate. States which seek to maximise development should minimise the conditions under which deprivation of liberty is lawful, and seek to reduce the total number of instances of deprivation of liberty, as well as their duration. The excessive use, frequently for minor offences and for extended periods, of pre-trial detention has negative consequences and is counter-developmental. This report measures and describes these negative consequences. In Mozambique, it was found that the majority of detainees are of prime income-earning age and their families are highly reliant on their income. Their continued incarceration in many cases more than halves the family income and places additional economic and social burdens on the family, including the cost and burden of visiting the detainee for extended periods.