2.6.11 System-related problem areas – barracks 2.6.11.1 Sanitary facilities in military inmate cells During visits to barracks, the commissions occasionally addressed the question of the standards for equipping military cells and detention areas. For example, the NPM suggested that the Federal Ministry of the Interior transfer the standards for which it is responsible to the Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports. In particular, military cells and detention areas should be equipped with integrated sanitary facilities (toilets, washing facilities and showers). Sanitary facilities in inmate cells There are no binding (international) standards regarding such an “upgrade” to military cells and detention areas. Redesigning the sanitary facilities throughout Austria would be impossible for budgetary reasons. The NPM finds it indisputable that there is unequal treatment with persons in police detention. On this basis, the NPM sought to clarify this with the Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports. As a result, the Ministry assured the NPM that equipping military cells and detention areas with integrated sanitary facilities would be taken into account when planning large-scale renovations or any new construction.  Matter to be taken into account in renovations and new construction To the extent possible, military detention areas should be equipped with separate sanitary facilities in the future. 2.6.12 Positive findings Even though visits to barracks make up a very small part of the work of the NPM, it should be mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports and the commanders and employees on site are open to the commissions and do not question their mandate to inspect places of detention operated by the military, which has existed since 1 July 2012. 136