MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 83 Comments The visiting team should pay particular attention to detainees held, for whatever reason, in a regime of isolation (no contact with other detainees, limited or no contacts with the outside). When isolation is used as a protective measure, it should be less restrictive than when applied as a disciplinary sanction. In any case, placing a human being in solitary confinement is a serious sanction which, if applied for an extended period of time and/or if repeated, can constitute inhuman or degrading treatment or even an act of torture. It must therefore be used as an exception and must be limited in duration; it must be as short as possible. Solitary confinement must be accompanied by a series of guarantees. It should also be noted that juveniles should never be held under solitary confinement. Reference points ■ What is the maximum length permitted? ■ Who decides that solitary confinement is to be imposed? ■ Does the person still have one hour of outdoor exercise each day? ■ Is a medical examination carried out before solitary confinement? How frequently during the confinement? ■ Does the detainee have access to a doctor on request? 1