were the NMPT thematic visits verifying the implementation of the CPT recommendations in remand
prisons and juvenile correctional facilities. According to the NMPT conclusions, the CPT
recommendations had been either not implemented or implemented only in part. In October 2020, the
CPT published a report on the ad hoc visit to Poland and on the implementation of the CPT
recommendations on the treatment of persons detained by the police. The report underlines the lack of
any progress in the field of respecting anti-torture guarantees. The related violations are systemic and
demonstrate the existence of risks for detained persons.
This report of the NMPT describes the situation in places of detention at the time of the
pandemic. The NMPT has indicated areas where violations take place, and presented relevant
international standards that should be fully respected by Polish institutions. The educational value of
this report should also be emphasized: it has been drawn up as part of the NMPT campaign „State
without Torture". The following publications constitute integral parts hereof: "Juveniles with mental or
intellectual disabilities in places of isolation"; "Report of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of
Torture on ad hoc visits to the rooms for detained persons or persons brought for sobering up within the
units reporting to the Warsaw Police Headquarters"; and "Report of the National Mechanism for the
Prevention of Torture on ad hoc visits to the rooms for detained persons or persons brought for sobering
up within the units reporting to the Warsaw Police Headquarters and to the Voivodeship (i.e. Regional)
Police Headquarters in Radom", which provide a comprehensive picture of the situation of people in
places of detention.
Hanna Machińska, Ph.D.
Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights
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