The Association for the Prevention of Torture launches Detention Focus – a new database on prisons issues
The Association for the Prevention of Torture has launched a new database on prisons issues. “Detention Focus” is mainly aimed for persons and organisations in charge of monitoring the situations of persons deprived of their liberty by conducting visits to prisons, but also for anyone interested in human rights and prisons in general. It is a dynamic and interactive tool that offers direct access to specific information, as well as easy navigation from one issue to another.
The database is developed from a monitoring and human rights perspective. It offers:
• In-depth analyses of fundamental issues such as solitary confinement, body searches, family visits, employees’ working conditions, or access to a lawyer.
• Relevant international or regional standards (binding or not).
• Practical questions for detention monitors.
• A targeted bibliography on each subject matter.
Who is DETENTION FOCUS aimed at?
The database is intended primarily for people working for independent monitoring bodies, such as National Preventive Mechanisms set up by the OPCAT or National Human Rights Institutions, regional and international monitoring bodies, or civil society organisations. DETENTION FOCUS will also be useful for members of parliament, judges and other stakeholders involved in monitoring activities in penitentiary institutions.
The database is also intended for authorities in charge of detention and employees working in the penitentiary system. The normative framework and the analysis based on good practices can help guide practitioners in the penitentiary field.
DETENTION FOCUS also aims to be a resource for academia, relatives of detainees and any other person interested in detention from a human rights perspective.