SWEDEN HAS RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL CRITICISM OF THE CONDITIONS FOR INMATES HELD ON REMAND 5 on the use of restrictions makes it impossible to conduct proper oversight of the use of restrictions.1 The SPT additionally recommended that Sweden takes measures to prevent the negative effects which can occur from prolonged isolation. In the opinion of Subcommittee, all staff working with inmates in remand prisons must be trained to be able to recognise the stress symptoms due to isolation. Furthermore, inmates must be provided with greater opportunities for work, exercise and other activities. Inmates’ right to one hour of daily outdoor exercise (chap. 2, § 7 HäL) must be regarded as a minimum amount of time that all inmates are guaranteed. Finally, the SPT recommended Sweden takes measures to increase the opportunities for inmates to receive visits from voluntary groups.2 In the most recent review of Sweden’s compliance with its commitments under the Convention against Torture in 2014, the CAT expressed concern regarding the high percentage of inmates subject to restrictions in Swedish remand prisons. The Committee also expressed concern regarding the widespread and – in some cases – prolonged use of solitary confinement of inmates. For this reason, Sweden was urged to use restrictions only as an exceptional measure and only when strictly necessary for investigative reasons. Furthermore, Sweden was urged to abolish the solitary confinement of minors.3 Other UN committees have also made statements regarding the conditions for inmates and the risks with isolation. In 2015, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child called on Sweden to ensure that all children are removed from solitary confinement and to review its legislation in order to end solitary confinement of minors.4 The UN Human Rights Committee – which monitors the UN Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – called on Sweden in 2016 to ensure that all restrictions all restrictions on inmates held on remand are timebound and are necessary and proportionate. The Committee also called on Sweden to take appropriate measures to mitigate isolation, in particular for young inmates.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 See CAT/OP / SWE1 para 112 and 121–123. See CAT/OP / SWE1 para 127. See CAT/C/SWE/CO/6–7 para 8. 5.3 Criticism from the Council of Europe The CPT visited Sweden in 2009 with inspections of the remand prisons Gävle, Göteborg and Kronoberg. During the visit, the Committee noted that there were shortcomings in the work performed with the use of isolation-breaking measures. Following the visit, the Committee stated, inter alia, the following: ”The CPT calls upon the Swedish authorities to redouble their efforts in developing activities for remand prisoners with a view to ensuring that all prisoners, including those under restrictions, are able to spend reasonable part of the day outside their cells, engaged in purposeful activities of a varied nature. The target of association time should be reviewed accordingly. The Committee would like to stress that a lack of physical activity and intellectual stimulation can be especially harmful for young prisoners. The CPT recommends that the Swedish authorities develop programmes of activities designed specifically to meet the needs of young prisoners.”6 – 29 – See CRC/C / SWE / CO / 5 para 26. See CCPR/C / SWE / CO / 7 para 29. See CPT/Inf (2009) 34 para 54