Table of contents I The Parliamentary Ombudsman's prevention mandate 7 II Summary 8 PART 1 Method and knowledge base 10 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Method Preparations for visits Execution of visits Analysis and follow-up Collection of information for this special report 12 12 12 14 14 2 Definition of solitary confinement 16 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 Human rights standards What are human rights standards? The prohibition against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Solitary confinement and association with other inmates 20 20 20 22 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Solitary confinement is an intrusive measure and detrimental to health Harmful elements of solitary confinement Health effects of solitary confinement Harmful effects in particularly vulnerable individuals Delayed injuries and rehabilitation after solitary confinement 24 24 27 28 29 PART 2 Findings 30 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 Lack of reliable information about the use of solitary confinement Failure to correctly register administrative decisions Sources of error in day surveys Uncertain figures on the use of security cells 32 32 34 35 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Extensive use of solitary confinement and restrictions on association with other inmates De facto solitary confinement Solitary confinement as a control measure Solitary confinement by choice Prolonged solitary confinement 36 38 43 44 45 7 7.1 7.2 Prisons' follow-up of inmates in solitary confinement Lack of meaningful human contact Limited offer of activities for inmates in solitary confinement 48 50 51 8 8.1 8.2 8.3 Particularly vulnerable inmates Inmates who chose solitary confinement (self-isolation) Solitary confinement of inmates with mental disorders and a low level of functioning Lack of medical assistance to inmates with severe functional impairments in prolonged solitary confinement 54 56 56 8.4 Solitary confinement of minors and young inmates 9 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Solitary confinement in security cells or restraint beds Intrusive form of solitary confinement Follow-up of inmates in security cells and restraint beds Use of security cells in connection with mental crises Use of restraint beds Control of the use of security cells and restraint beds 60 61 64 66 67 68 10 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 The health service's follow-up of inmates in solitary confinement Organisation of prison health services Notification of medical personnel Medical follow-up of inmates in solitary confinement Need for more knowledge and staff training 70 72 72 73 75 11 11.1 11.2 Supervision and complaints mechanisms Supervision Complaints procedure and the possibility of getting administrative decisions reviewed 76 76 79 12 12.1 12.2 Prevention of solitary confinement The responsibility of governing authorities The responsibility of prisons 82 84 85 PART 3 Recommendations 57 59 88