Resources listing

Report

Alternatives to the death penalty Information Pack

A short guide to the fundamental issues and arguments linked to introduction of alternative sanctions following abolition of the death penalty. It reviews current trends in the application of long-term and life imprisonment, highlighting relevant international and regional human rights standards and provides examples of good practice. Topics covered include: Current practices worldwide regarding alternatives to […]

Languages: English, French, Russian

Report

Death Penalty Information Pack

This is a short guide to the fundamental issues and arguments linked to the abolition of the death penalty, reviewing current trends towards abolition and highlighting relevant international and regional human rights norms and standards and examples of good practice. Topics covered include: ‘Only the most serious’ crimes Right to a fair trial and administrative safeguards Mandatory death penalty […]

Languages: English, French, Russian

Briefing

Detention Monitoring Tool: Staff working conditions

Prison officers come into contact with prisoners on a daily basis and have almost absolute power over detainees who rely on them for their basic needs. The way prison officers perceive their working conditions how they are treated by managers and colleagues has a significant impact on the atmosphere in detention and the treatment of […]

Languages: English, French, Georgian, Russian, Spanish

Briefing

Detention Monitoring Tool: Instruments of restraint

While they may sometime be a necessary measure to provide security and order in a custodial setting (eg to prevent inter-prisoner violence or escape), instruments of restraint pose a high risk for torture or other ill-treatment due to their highly intrusive nature and the risk of causing injury, pain and/or humiliation. They may even be […]

Languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish

Briefing

Detention Monitoring Tool: Pre-trial detention

Pre-trial detention is a high risk situation for torture and ill-treatment. Pre-trial detention increases the risk of a confession being coerced by torture and confession and exposes detainees – still innocent until proven guilty – to violence and abuse from guards or other prisoners. High rates of pre-trial detention contribute to overcrowding, which in turn […]

Languages: English, French, Georgian, Russian, Spanish

Briefing

Detention Monitoring Tool: Video recording in police custody

CCTV can be important safeguard against torture and ill-treatment in places of deprivation of liberty when used appropriately. However, without policies to regulate it use and proper systems for maintenance and storage, it will not only be ineffective at preventing abuse but can also infringe detainees’ right to privacy and confidentiality. This Factsheet: lists the […]

Languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish

Briefing

Detention Monitoring Tool: Body searches

While a legitimate security measure under certain circumstances, body searches also represent a high-risk situation for abuse, ill-treatment and even torture; they may also be used to intimidate, harass, retaliate or discriminate. This Factsheet: lists the relevant international standards identifies types and situations of risk provides checklists of questions that monitoring bodies can ask for […]

Languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish