was given to the prisoners with mental health problems. The Public Defender emphasised that the approach to the prisoners inclined to self-harm and other behavioural disorders had to be therapeutic and not punitive. The prevalence of mental health problems among prisoners is mostly caused by the problems related to substance abuse and excessive use of psychoactive agents in the penitentiary system. In 2016, 351 prisoners were involved in methadone detox programme, and 315 in 2015. In 2014 and 2015, the Public Defender recommended to the Minister of Corrections of Georgia to ensure the implementation of opioid dependence treatment through   replacement maintenance therapy. However, this recommendation has not been fulfilled. According to the response received from the Ministry, opioid dependence treatment through replacement maintenance therapy is envisaged by the State Action Plane for 2016-2017, among others, for the penitentiary system as well. However, the correspondence of the Ministry of Corrections fails to show the process underway and the steps taken in this direction. The Public Defender commends the introduction of the psychosocial rehabilitation programme Atlantis for the convicts in penitentiary establishments nos. 2 and 5. This is a therapeutic model for the convicts suffering from alcohol, narcotics and other psychoactive substance abuse. It is noteworthy that the infrastructure for the rehabilitation programme Atlantis is also provided in penitentiary establishment no. 6. However, the programme is not implemented in these establishments. The Public Defender observes that the psychosocial rehabilitation services tailored to the needs of prisoners suffering from mental health problems and substance abuse should be accessible in all penitentiary establishments. In the process of mental health care, it is important to protect the interest of a person, respect for his/her dignity and provision of care in a maximum humane environment. The UN Human Rights Committee has stipulated in its General Comment316 that the use of prolonged solitary confinement may amount to a breach the prohibition of torture, other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) pointed out that prolonged solitary confinement may amount to an act of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and recommends that the State Party should severely restrict the use of solitary confinement as punishment for persons deprived of their liberty. Solitary confinement should not be used in the case of minors or the mentally disabled.317 According to the Istanbul statement of 2007 on the use and effects of solitary confinement,318 the use of solitary confinement should be absolutely prohibited for mentally ill prisoners. In the Parliamentary Reports of 2014 and 2015, the Public Defender recommended to the 316 CCPR, General Comment 20/44, April 3, 1992. 317 UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (2010), report on the visit of the subcommittee on prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment to the republic of Paraguay (par 184). 318 International Psychological Trauma Symposium (2007), The Istanbul Statement on the use and effects of solitary confinement. 148 HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN CLOSED INSTITUTIONS