Table of contents
I
The Parliamentary Ombudsman's prevention mandate
7
II
Summary
8
PART 1 Method and knowledge base
10
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Method
Preparations for visits
Execution of visits
Analysis and follow-up
Collection of information for this special report
12
12
12
14
14
2
Definition of solitary confinement
16
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
Human rights standards
What are human rights standards?
The prohibition against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Solitary confinement and association with other inmates
20
20
20
22
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Solitary confinement is an intrusive measure and detrimental to health
Harmful elements of solitary confinement
Health effects of solitary confinement
Harmful effects in particularly vulnerable individuals
Delayed injuries and rehabilitation after solitary confinement
24
24
27
28
29
PART 2 Findings
30
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
Lack of reliable information about the use of solitary confinement
Failure to correctly register administrative decisions
Sources of error in day surveys
Uncertain figures on the use of security cells
32
32
34
35
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Extensive use of solitary confinement and restrictions on association with other inmates
De facto solitary confinement
Solitary confinement as a control measure
Solitary confinement by choice
Prolonged solitary confinement
36
38
43
44
45
7
7.1
7.2
Prisons' follow-up of inmates in solitary confinement
Lack of meaningful human contact
Limited offer of activities for inmates in solitary confinement
48
50
51
8
8.1
8.2
8.3
Particularly vulnerable inmates
Inmates who chose solitary confinement (self-isolation)
Solitary confinement of inmates with mental disorders and a low level of functioning
Lack of medical assistance to inmates with severe functional impairments
in prolonged solitary confinement
54
56
56
8.4
Solitary confinement of minors and young inmates
9
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
Solitary confinement in security cells or restraint beds
Intrusive form of solitary confinement
Follow-up of inmates in security cells and restraint beds
Use of security cells in connection with mental crises
Use of restraint beds
Control of the use of security cells and restraint beds
60
61
64
66
67
68
10
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
The health service's follow-up of inmates in solitary confinement
Organisation of prison health services
Notification of medical personnel
Medical follow-up of inmates in solitary confinement
Need for more knowledge and staff training
70
72
72
73
75
11
11.1
11.2
Supervision and complaints mechanisms
Supervision
Complaints procedure and the possibility of getting administrative decisions reviewed
76
76
79
12
12.1
12.2
Prevention of solitary confinement
The responsibility of governing authorities
The responsibility of prisons
82
84
85
PART 3 Recommendations
57
59
88