Monitoring detention conditions the focus of meeting with National Preventive Mechanism representatives co-organized by OSCE/ODIHR in Vienna

Discussing new standards for detention conditions and the treatment of prisoners, and elaborating on existing and potential new tools for monitoring places of detention were the key objectives of a meeting with representatives of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) from the OSCE and Council of Europe regions held in Vienna on 3 October 2017.

“National Preventive Mechanisms and other monitoring bodies are at the forefront of assisting states with the implementation of new international and national standards with respect to conditions for the detention and treatment of prisoners,” said Stephanie Selg, Adviser on Torture Prevention at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “In order to effectively prevent torture and other ill-treatment, it is crucial to take into account a number of aspects. These include material conditions, as well as aspects such as contact with the outside world, access to medical care, regulations concerning disciplinary sanctions, the conduct of searches and the use of force and restraints, complaint mechanisms, staff recruitment and training, and internal and external mechanisms for monitoring detention facilities.”

As part of the event, NPM representatives discussed elements relevant to determining whether detention conditions amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, such as insufficient living space or time outside the cell, as well as the use of solitary confinement.

The event participants explored the potential for creating a new comparative table on national and international standards and practices to be used by NPMs and other monitoring bodies. They also discussed challenges related to this process.

"A comparative table of standards and national practices would be of great benefit for our country and the Italian NPM in developing existing standards and improving conditions of detention," said Alessandro Albano, Head of the National and International Networks Unit at Italy’s Office of the National Guarantor for the Rights of Persons Detained or Deprived of Liberty.

The event was co-organized by ODIHR, the Council of Europe, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Commission.