Chad: clarification of ICRC procedures for visiting places of detention

The ICRC has been visiting detainees in the Republic of Chad for nearly 30 years. In 2007 it visited almost 4,000 persons in 71 places of detention there. The aim was to assess the material and psychological conditions of detention and the treatment of detainees.

After reviewing the information gathered and its own observations, the ICRC conveys to the detaining authorities – and to them alone – its findings, conclusions and recommendations. It does this both orally and in writing, in absolute confidentiality, in accordance with its established procedures. It carefully notes comments made by the detaining authorities. This procedure is followed by the ICRC in over 80 countries all over the world.

The ICRC notes that a commission has been formed to investigate what has happened to political activists apparently arrested in Chad recently, and welcomes any initiative that could further the process. Nevertheless, it is not the ICRC’s role to take part in the work of such a body. To do so would overstep its mandate as an exclusively humanitarian and neutral organization. It will, however, carry on its confidential bilateral dialogue with the Chadian authorities with the aim of obtaining access to any person detained in connection with the latest events in Chad, but without revealing the content of this dialogue to third parties.