Restraints 1.3 FIXED CUFFS Key Technical Features Single or double lockable cuffs, usually attached to a metal chain, designed to be bolted or otherwise anchored to the floor, wall, ceiling, or other fixed object. Use of fixed cuffs can help facilitate torture or other ill-treatment (especially when used in stress positions). Human Rights Concerns Their use fulfils no legitimate law enforcement purpose that cannot be achieved through less harmful or less degrading means. The use of this equipment can be considered inhuman and degrading treatment. Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies Examples of Existing Controls CPT: “The practice of handcuffing a person to a fixed object – especially within a secured area (such as a “designated area”) – is particularly inappropriate and may be considered as amounting to degrading treatment”. 38 Nelson Mandela Rules: “The use of ... instruments of restraint which are inherently degrading or painful shall be prohibited.” 39 The EU Anti-Torture Regulation prohibits the trade in this equipment. The US CCL controls the export of this equipment. Manufacture should be prohibited. Proposed Control Transfer should be prohibited. Use should be prohibited. CoE: CPT, Report to the Government of the Slovak Republic on the visit to the Slovak Republic carried out by the CPT from 19 March to 28 March 2018, 19 June 2019, CPT/Inf (2019) 20, para 15. 38 39 Nelson Mandela Rules, 2016, Rule 47 15