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News Myanmar: ICRC ready to assist detainees affected by cyclone Nargis 7-5-2008 News release 3-5-2008 News release Section Strengthening protection and respect for prisoners and detainees This section explains how the ICRC strives to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners of war and other detainees held during war or situations of internal violence. It includes position papers, documents on how the ICRC works in this area, testimonies from former detainees and ICRC publications on detention and related subjects. The ICRC is mandated by the international community, under the Geneva Conventions, to visit prisoners of war and civilian internees to verify whether they are being treated according to relevant international standards. In addition, it also seeks to visit those held in situations of internal violence.
In 2006, the ICRC visited 478'000 detainees in 71 countries.
ICRC detention visits aim to ensure respect for the life and dignity of prisoners of war and other detainees and to prevent torture, ill-treatment or abuse which violate essential rights and the basic principles of humanity, breed hatred and feed a cycle of violence. Regular visits enable the ICRC to track prisoners' whereabouts and make recommendations to the authorities concerned about any improvements to conditions that may be necessary.
See also on this site:
 Key document11-4-2007 Visits to persons deprived of their freedom: the experience of the ICRCThe ICRC deploys considerable efforts to bring a minimum of humanity to places of detention and to ensure that the dignity of detainees is systematically respected. This is a complex task and one that calls for unfailing determination. Visits to people who are deprived of their liberty as practised by the ICRC also call for great adaptability and are thus a core issue in an extremely wide field of activities. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) 25-7-2006 Abuse grows hatredTorture is a worldwide, insidious practice with no geographical, social or economic boundaries. In recent years, a variety of considerations, including threats to State security and the allegedly dangerous nature of certain people, have been invoked in an attempt to justify the use of coercive methods of interrogation. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) 30-6-2005 Procedural principles and safeguards for internment/administrative detention in armed conflict and other situations of violenceThe commentary to the procedural principles and safeguards outlined in this text mentions the different legal sources governing deprivation of liberty for security reasons in international armed conflicts, non-international armed conflicts and other situations of violence. (Info resources\International Review\2005 - No. 858) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-3-2005 Protection of detainees: ICRC action behind barsThe protective effect of the ICRC’s activities will depend above all on its ability to intervene on behalf of detainees by approaching the responsible authorities and, more generally, to overcome indifference. (Info resources\International Review\2005 - No. 857) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF Visiting people deprived of their freedom15-6-2004 ICRC: on the frontline for the humane treatment of persons deprived of libertyThe ICRC's policy of not publicly reporting on visits made to persons deprived of liberty during the course of international armed conflict and internal strife has been the subject of much debate recently but ICRC spokesperson, Antonella Notari, argues that the approach is well-founded. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) 27-2-2004 ICRC visits to persons deprived of their freedom: an internationally mandated task, implemented worldwide Topics: Why visit prisoners? - The role of the ICRC - Purpose of the visits (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) Torture24-6-2005 Torture: the need to move forwardThe 1984 UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment entered into force on 26 June 1987. But even though torture is strictly prohibited, it remains common in many countries. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) 25-6-2004 Torture : “…the first step is to break down the wall of silence”Comment by Alain Aeschlimann, head of the ICRC’s Central Tracing Agency and Protection division, on the occasion of the UN's international day in support of victims of torture, 26 June. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) Testimonies31-12-2005 ICRC detention visits: ex-detainees share their experiencesVisits by ICRC delegates to those deprived of their freedom during armed conflict have been made to people all over the world since the height of the First World War. Here, former detainees express their thoughts and feelings about the ICRC's role in letters, interviews, speeches and other written testimonies. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) 13-8-2004 Visiting detainees: "The results don't happen overnight..."In 2003 the ICRC visited almost 470,000 prisoners and detainees in about 80 countries. Or rather, a few hundred ICRC delegates, men and women, went to more than 1,900 places of detention and, through their work, tried to ensure decent conditions, stop any mistreatment, and provide a link between the prisoners and their families. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) 18-7-2003 Nelson Mandela: Red Cross a "beacon of humanity" for political prisonersJust a week before his 85th birthday, the former South African leader heaped praise on the work of the Movement for victims of war - and for those afflicted by HIV/AIDS. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) Annual Report1-6-2007 Protection and central tracing agency: extract from ICRC Annual Report 2006ICRC protection activities seek to ensure that the parties to a conflict meet their obligations and that the rights of individuals under IHL and other fundamental norms are respected. (ICRC Activities\Protection) Annual Report FAQ15-2-2005 What is the definition of torture and ill treatment? International humanitarian law prohibits torture and other forms of ill treatment at all times and demands that detainees be treated according to the rules and principles of IHL and other international standards. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ 15-2-2005 What is the ICRC's position on torture and ill treatment?The ICRC rejects the use of torture and other forms of ill treatment under any circumstances. It believes the respect for human life and dignity precludes any justification for ill treatment. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ 19-12-2003 Why does the ICRC visit POWs and interned civilians?Prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian internees (CI) are protected by the Geneva Conventions, which also give the ICRC the right to visit them. The ICRC has been mandated by the international community, under the Geneva Conventions, to ensure that international humanitarian law is applied fully. Among the ICRC's tasks are visits to prisoners, both military and civilian. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ 3-4-2003 Why does the ICRC visit prisoners? Which prisoners does it visit? People who are taken prisoner or detained in a conflict are regarded by their captors as the enemy, and therefore need the intervention of a neutral, independent body to ensure that they are treated humanely and kept in decent conditions, and that they have the possibility of exchanging news with their families. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ 15-11-2002 ICRC doesn’t publish its reports on prison visits - how can working confidentially be effective in preventing torture?ICRC believes that the best way that it can prevent or halt torture and ensure decent conditions of detention is by getting repeated and unrestricted access to prisoners, talking to them about their problems, and urging the detaining authorities to make any improvements that may be necessary. The price of this is a policy of confidentiality, taking up the problems only with the people directly concerned. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ 15-11-2002 When ICRC visits suspected terrorists, doesn’t this give them some special status?No. ICRC is mandated by the international community to check the treatment and conditions of anyone detained in relation with armed violence, and to seek improvements where necessary. Such visits do not condone the actions or beliefs of those detained or confer any status on them. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ Feature2-5-2008 Afghanistan: video calls provide vital link to families of detaineesEarly in 2008, the ICRC and American authorities set up a system to enable individuals held at the US detention facility in Bagram to communicate with their families via video-teleconference calls. The ICRC's tracing field officer in Kabul, Haji Abu Sayed, tells the story of Janan, a nomadic herdsman who travelled long and far to see his son. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 17-3-2008 World Water Day: overcrowding in prisons poses global water and sanitation challengesThe rising number of detainees and prisoners in many conflict-affected countries is putting a major strain on the coping capacity of detention centres to meet inmates' water, sanitation and overall public health needs. In many societies, prisons are forgotten or neglected, causing them to become breeding grounds for disease due to a lack of clean water, limited access to latrines, inadequate waste management, poor hygiene and overcrowded living quarters. (ICRC Activities\Assistance\Water and habitat) Feature Includes Photo 26-2-2008 Iraq: Latifa visits her son, detained at Camp BuccaAs well as visiting people held by international forces in Iraq, the ICRC makes it possible for families to come to see their loved ones. Each time is a special moment for Latifa, the grandma from Mossul. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo 28-8-2007 Central African Republic: prison garden keeps detainees out of doorsIn the Central African Republic (C.A.R.), the planting season for food crops is already well underway. An ICRC-supported prison garden programme is helping to feed prisoners, as well as giving them hope and valuable training for the future. Jessica Barry reports. (The ICRC worldwide\Africa\Central African Republic) Feature Includes Photo 25-6-2007 Southern Afghanistan: Red Cross messages reunite hundreds of detainees with their families every monthIn Southern Afghanistan, ICRC delegates regularly visit detainees in places of detention throughout the region. As part of this work, the ICRC offers detainees the opportunity to maintain contact with their families their through Red Cross messages. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature 11-7-2006 Namibia: a long journey to prisonThe provincial town of Katima Mulilo in Namibia's northern Caprivi Region is the starting point of a very long journey for many families – a 1,300 kilometre trip to visit detained relatives. (The ICRC worldwide\Africa\Namibia) Feature Includes Photo ICRC film6-7-2006 Abuse grows hatredTorture is an affront to humanity and a crime. In addition, it feeds a cycle of violence, often engendering hatred not only among those who suffer directly but among entire communities. In places of detention ill-treatment and abuse is prevalent in many countries. The ICRC has produced a new TV spot and print ad to support its efforts to prevent torture and other forms of ill-treatment. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Films\Protection) ICRC film Includes Video 31-12-1993 Remembering the silenceIn this enlightening film, former political prisoners from various countries describe their conditions of detention and tell of the positive effects that visits by ICRC delegates have on the lives of detainees. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Films\Protection) ICRC film ICRC Publication20-9-2005 Protection of detainees: the ICRC's action behind bars An insight into the ICRC and its unique approach to protecting those deprived of their freedom. This article, originally published in the International Review of the Red Cross, highlights the importance of ICRC visits to detainees as the starting point for a wide range of activities on their behalf. In light of the recent debates surrounding detention, the article explains the historical and legal basis of the ICRC's position and discusses its objectives in this field. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Publications\Protection) ICRC Publication Includes PDF 30-4-2004 Ensuring respect for the life and dignity of prisonersThis revised leaflet tells of intolerable situations of insecurity and violence, accompanied by summary executions, disappearances, arbitrary detention, etc. It also describes the activities of the ICRC as a neutral intermediary between the detaining authorities and the victims, and the organization's struggle to ensure respect for human dignity. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Publications\Protection) ICRC publication Includes PDF 31-12-2002 Deprived of freedomA comprehensive overview of the specific ICRC techniques and procedures used to assess living conditions and treatment of prisoners in places of detention. Presented in a modern, clear format, the brochure describes how the ICRC addresses issues of concern such as torture, ill-treatment and forced disappearances and seeks to improve the conditions of detention, restore contact between detainees and their families and provide medical assistance. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Publications\Protection) ICRC publication Includes PDF 31-12-2002 HOTLINE: assistance for journalists on dangerous assignmentsThis brochure is intended for families and professional associations of journalists missing or detained in conflict situations. It describes what the ICRC can and cannot do for them, and the means it has available. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Publications\Protection) ICRC publication Includes PDF International Review of the Red Cross4-2-2008 International Review of the Red Cross, 2007 - No. 867 Special issue : Torture. This issue of the International Review deals with historical, legal, social, psychological and political questions relating to torture. It includes a discussion on the legal interpretations of the notion of torture, cruel or inhuman treatment and psychological torture, and analyses the context in which torture occurs and has occurred in the past. (Humanitarian law\IHL in brief\IHL and human rights) International Review of the Red Cross 31-3-2005 Special issue : Detention The first issue of the International Review of the Red Cross in its new format is devoted to one of the core activities of the ICRC: the protection of detainees. The combination of torture and ill-treatment in detention, the sealing of avenues for legal redress, and the silencing of public information about clandestine detention abuses has created an increasingly hostile environment for detainees in many countries. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) International Review of the Red Cross Interview18-2-2008 Humanitarian situation worsens as Afghan hostilities spreadThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. As armed hostilities spread and insecurity grows, more and more people are being forced to flee their homes. It is also becoming increasingly difficult for the ICRC to access displaced people throughout the country. In addition, freezing temperatures and blizzards have affected several areas, killing hundreds. Interview with Franz Rauchenstein, ICRC deputy head of delegation in Afghanistan. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Interview Includes Photo 13-12-2007 ICRC visits to detainees in AfghanistanIt is well-known that the ICRC visits detainees worldwide. But to whom exactly does it report? Interview with Pierre Kraehenbuehl on ICRC visits to detainees in Afghanistan (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Interview Includes Photo 22-3-2007 The tuberculosis epidemic breaks through prison wallsTuberculosis is a disease associated with poverty. Prisons, where the number of people suffering from tuberculosis is particularly high, have very limited means available to fight the disease. Interview with Dr. Francisco Duda, coordinator of the ICRC’s work on disease control in prisons. (ICRC Activities\Assistance\Health\Health in prison) Interview Includes Photo 19-10-2006 Developments in US policy and legislation towards detainees: the ICRC positionIn an interview for the ICRC website, the organization's President, Jakob Kellenberger, talks about the recent developments in US policy and legislation towards those detained in the fight against terrorism. (Humanitarian law\Reaffirmation and development) Interview Official Statement1-11-2007 The ICRC prepared to resume visits to detainees in Myanmar The ICRC, in line with its strictly humanitarian mandate, has officially asked the government of Myanmar for access to all persons in detention and, in particular, those arrested in relation with the events of August and September. Statement by Pierre Krähenbühl, ICRC director of operations. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Myanmar) Official Statement 6-2-2007 Ending enforced disappearances: a matter of urgency for the sake of humanity and justiceSpeech by Mr. Jakob Kellenberger, President of the ICRC, Official ceremony to mark the opening for signature of the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance, Paris - 6 February 2007 (Humanitarian law\Missing persons) Official Statement 19-10-2006 Challenges faced by ICRC and international humanitarian law (IHL)Speech delivered by Dr. Jakob Kellenberger, President of the ICRC, at Georgetown University, Washington. (Humanitarian law\Reaffirmation and development) Official Statement Operational update10-12-2007 US detention related to the events of 11 September 2001 and its aftermath – the role of the ICRCThis document explains the purpose of the ICRC visits to US places of detention in Bagram BTIF (Afghanistan), Guantanamo Bay (Cuba) and Charleston, South Carolina (USA) and its procedures. (The ICRC worldwide\The Americas\United States) Operational update Photo Collection1-6-2006 Listening to detainees A collection of photographs that gives an impression of the ICRC's work in the field of detention, including images of visits to those deprived of their freedom in different parts of the world. (Info resources\Photos) Photo Collection Includes Photo Press article31-8-2006 War crimes and punishment The repression of war crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia is principally the remit of the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague, which focuses on the most high-profile cases. For several years, however, national war crimes tribunals have been set up in Croatia and Serbia to complement the work begun in The Hague. The ICRC regularly visits individuals charged and sentenced by these courts and, in certain cases, arranges for the families to visit their detained relatives. – Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 2, 2006 (Humanitarian law\International criminal jurisdiction) Press article 31-3-2006 Behind barsIn any situation of armed conflict or internal violence, individuals are captured and detained, and are at risk of brutal treatment, disappearance and extrajudicial execution. For decades, the ICRC has striven to visit prisoners and detainees behind prison walls where its action can make a difference - Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 1, 2006 (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) Press article 31-3-2006 Mental Health in prisonsPeople with mental illnesses are especially vulnerable during war and its immediate aftermath. Red Cross Red Crescent explores this little-known theme through the experiences of Jean Rey-Bellet, who has been on several missions for the ICRC, notably in Yemen and Bosnia and Herzegovina - Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 1, 2006 (ICRC Activities\Assistance\Health\Health in prison) Press article 31-7-2004 Prisoners and visitorsThere has been extensive media coverage of the situation of prisoners in Iraq, notably following the publication of photos of detainees tortured and the leaking of a confidential ICRC report published in the Wall Street Journal. These revelations have prompted many questions and commentaries in the press and among the general public, making this a good opportunity to recall some of the fundamentals of the ICRC's work on behalf of prisoners - Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 2, 2004 (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) Press article 19-5-2004 Protecting life and dignity: "No war is above international law"Jakob Kellenberger, ICRC president, says the organization condemns indiscriminate terrorist attacks unreservedly, but insists that the response to them must remain within the framework of the law. Article published in the Financial Times (UK) on 19 May 2004 and reproduced here with the FT's kind permission. (Humanitarian law\Reaffirmation and development) Press article More in this section30-9-2006 Body searches in place of detentionBody searches should be used only after all other means of investigation have been
employed. Doctors have no role to play in strip searches. In exceptional cases, when
requested by the authorities or the prisoner for a valid reason, their participation in
body-cavity searches may be justified. In such cases, the doctor’s role will be that of
medical expert, which should not compromise his role as care provider. (ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention) Includes PDF 6-8-2001 What should you do if a member of your family has been arrested(ICRC Activities\Protection\Detention)  |
