OVERCROWDING is a disturbing issue as it violates human rights and sensibilities, the ECREA prison research revealed.
It stated that the conditions brought hardened criminals together with the first offenders who might have committed minor offences.
"Remand cells usually accommodate three prisoners per cell leading to overcrowding and inhumane conditions. The overcrowding compels detainees to use sanitary buckets," it stated.
Department of Prisons spokesman Fred Elbourne said there was an influx of remand prisoners at the moment.
"The problem has been taken up for the committee to look into," he said.
He said he would comment further when he viewed the report.
The report stated that during heavy rain, prisoners accommodated at the bottom floor of the building had to be transferred to the top floor, increasing the number of prisoners in each cell from three to six.
"Security risks are thereby increased significantly. Suva Prison also poses a health hazard for both prisoners and prison staff because of the decrepit sewerage system constantly overflowing and there is a fetid stench in the prison," it said.
"The health risks are compounded by regular flooding caused by heavy rain and the blockage of prison drains by the construction of the new road at the front entrance."