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Israel: an ICRC prison visit, step by step

20-08-2012 Photo gallery

Photo gallery showing the work of an ICRC team inside an Israeli detention centre. The ICRC has visited prisoners held by Israel since 1967; currently, it carries out visits each year to some 10,000 people held by Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the authorities in Gaza. Its working methods are the same here as everywhere else in the world where this activity is conducted. The aim is to ensure correct treatment and decent conditions of detention and to help provide the detainees with a link to the outside world.

  • In the early morning, five ICRC delegates arrive in Ramon, a detention centre in southern Israel. They are received by the Israeli Prison Services (IPS) staff. To ensure neutrality, the delegates are never Israeli or Palestinian. Very often, a medical delegate takes part in the visit.
    • In the early morning, five ICRC delegates arrive in Ramon, a detention centre in southern Israel. They are received by the Israeli Prison Services (IPS) staff. To ensure neutrality, the delegates are never Israeli or Palestinian. Very often, a medical delegate takes part in the visit.
      © ICRC / G. Kavalerchik / il-e-02572
  • The visit begins with a discussion with the prison director. The delegate in charge of the team explains the objectives and programme of the visit. It is essential for the ICRC to work transparently, to listen to the authorities but also to follow up on problems or issues that may have been raised during previous visits.
    • The visit begins with a discussion with the prison director. The delegate in charge of the team explains the objectives and programme of the visit. It is essential for the ICRC to work transparently, to listen to the authorities but also to follow up on problems or issues that may have been raised during previous visits.
      © ICRC / G. Kavalerchik / il-e-02571
  • After the initial talk with the authorities, delegates split into three groups. The aim is to be able to visit all sections of the detention centre during the day.
    • After the initial talk with the authorities, delegates split into three groups. The aim is to be able to visit all sections of the detention centre during the day. The delegates check that the facilities are clean and functional and that the material conditions are adequate. They speak with detainees about issues of concern and follow up on any pending cases. The information collected will form the basis of a final discussion with the director at the end of the visit.
      © ICRC / G. Kavalerchik / il-e-02573
  • Detention places are normally divided into sections. In each section, detainees appoint a shawish, a representative who acts as a link between the detainees and the prison administration. The ICRC delegates always meet the shawish, who may raise issues that need to be checked during the visit.
    • Detention places are normally divided into sections. In each section, detainees appoint a "shawish", a representative who acts as a link between the detainees and the prison administration. The ICRC delegates always meet the "shawish", who may raise issues that need to be checked during the visit.
      © ICRC / G. Kavalerchik / il-e-02575
  • Private talks held between a detainee and an ICRC delegate are the best way to find out about the conditions of detention and the treatment of detainees. A private interview gives a detainee the possibility to speak freely about issues of concern and constitutes a break from the prison routine.
    • Private talks held between a detainee and an ICRC delegate are the best way to find out about the conditions of detention and the treatment of detainees. A private interview gives a detainee the possibility to speak freely about issues of concern and constitutes a break from the prison routine.
      © ICRC / G. Kavalerchik / il-e-02577
  • The courtyard where detainees are allowed to gather for a few hours each day is empty during the month of Ramadan, apart from those who come to pray.Normally, the courtyard is a place where detainees meet, talk and engage in activities such as basketball or table tennis.
  • The ICRC distributes Red Cross Messages, which contain brief news from the detainees’ families. Detainees can write back. Delegates pass on verbal messages between families and detainees who do not receive family visits.
  • At the end of the visit, delegates share their findings with the director. They also inform the authorities about the ICRC’s upcoming yearly assistance to detainees such as books and games, following an assessment of their needs.

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