KOROR, Palau — Palau’s current prison facility in Koror does not meet international standards for overcrowding and hygiene, according to a report released by the Legal Gap Analysis of Gender Equality.
The report, part of a broader effort to assess gender equality in Palau, identified “gaps in the prison facilities” that prevent proper separation of inmates based on sex and age. Additionally, it noted the absence of any rule requiring male or female correctional officers to supervise specific groups of prisoners.
However, the report also highlighted a new prison facility under construction in Ngchesar slated for completion this year. This facility reportedly addresses the identified concerns, offering capacity for separate housing of male and female inmates and adults and juveniles.
The need for improvement is underscored by recent incidents: a 2023 sexual assault on a minor inmate in juvenile detention by a convicted murderer and a separate murder by another inmate that same year.
Responding to these concerns, the report recommends that upon completion of the new facility, the government prioritize establishing and enforcing procedures for the protection of female prisoners.