Diritto al cibo e alla salute negli istituti penitenziari: la gestione del Ramadan per le persone migranti detenute

Health status and nutrition are fundamental determinants of overall well-being among incarcerated populations, who constitute a particularly vulnerable group. The prison environment functions as a microcosm where the rights to health and adequate food must be safeguarded without compromise, given that detainees rely entirely on institutional provisions for their care and nourishment. The cultural specificity of immigrant inmates introduces particular needs, including adherence to dietary requirements during Ramadan for individuals of Islamic faith. This raises significant health and nutritional considerations. Prolonged fasting can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, requiring the use of long-acting pharmacological formulations to ensure therapeutic continuity. Furthermore, the adequacy of food – considering its type, timing of administration, and ritual aspects – represents a central component of the rights to health and cultural diversity, as food carries symbolic meanings beyond mere sustenance. The State, responsible for safeguarding the rights and well-being of detainees, must ensure that nutritional provisions are both nutritionally appropriate and culturally respectful. Food is not only a primary necessity but also an element of identity and psychological well-being: inadequate or culturally insensitive meals can negatively affect psycho-physical health, potentially contributing to self-harm and, in severe cases, suicide, which is unfortunately on the rise within Italian prisons. Implementing a more attentive and inclusive food system can therefore improve detainees’ health outcomes and promote greater emotional and social stability within correctional facilities.