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Visiting detainees

Visiting detainees

Through the Geneva Conventions, the international community has mandated the ICRC to visit both prisoners of war and civilians interned during armed conflict. Wherever possible, the ICRC also visits people detained in other situations of violence. ICRC detention visits aim to ensure that detainees, whatever the reason for their arrest and detention, are treated with dignity and humanity, in accordance with international norms and standards. ICRC delegates work with authorities to prevent abuse and to improve both the treatment of detainees and their conditions of detention. Read full overview

Highlights

Facts and Figures

In 2010 the ICRC:

  • visited people detained in over 70 countries and under the authority of five international tribunals;
  • conducted over 5,000 visits to some 1,800 places of detention holding more than half a million people;
  • organized family visits benefiting some 18,000 detainees.

 

ICRC visits to detainees are based on certain conditions being met. Its delegates must be able to:

  • tour the premises;
  • talk in private with the detainees of their choice;
  • repeat visits as often as deemed necessary;
  • maintain constructive dialogue with the authorities.

Findings and recommendations are discussed only with the authorities concerned. The ICRC believes that this is the best way to obtain satisfactory results.

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