UN expresses concern over continued hunger strike at Bahrain prison

LONDON

The United Nations expressed concern Wednesday over the health of hundreds of inmates taking part in a hunger strike at Jau Prison in Bahrain due to the poor conditions at the facility.

They have reportedly been on a hunger strike for 24 days.

Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a written statement that following the start of the hunger strike, authorities have agreed to improve access to medical care and increase visitation hours.

"We welcome the invitation by Bahrain to the UN Human Rights Office to visit the country. We are ready to conduct an assessment of prison conditions in the country and provide advice to authorities in line with international standards. We are also ready to provide other technical support," she said.