European Anti-Torture Body Warns of “Worrying” Conditions and Rising Impunity in Detention Centers

European Anti-Torture Body Warns of “Worrying” Conditions and Rising Impunity in Detention Centers

In response to these evolving challenges, the CPT adopted an updated standard on healthcare services in prisons in late 2025 and plans to publish new standards for social-care homes in 2026.

RMN News Human Rights Desk
New Delhi | April 17, 2026

STRASBOURG – The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has released its 2025 annual report, sounding an alarm over the deteriorating treatment and living conditions of detainees across Europe. While acknowledging some progress, the committee highlights a disturbing trend where ill-treatment is re-emerging in regions that had previously seen improvement, often fueled by a growing sense of impunity for abusive actions.

The Crisis of “Normalized” Overcrowding

One of the most pressing issues identified is the normalization of prison overcrowding, which has steadily worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic. This crisis is particularly acute for individuals in pre-trial detention, who in some countries are confined to their cells for more than 22 hours a day for months at a time.

The CPT warns that these conditions do more than just violate human dignity; they actively undermine prison operations, foster criminal activity within facilities, and increase the risk of violence and mental health deterioration for both prisoners and staff. CPT President Alan Mitchell emphasized that “resolute measures” and political will are required to eradicate these conditions and ensure the reintegration of prisoners into the community.

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Law Enforcement: Professionalism vs. Persistent Abuse

The report notes a nuanced shift in police conduct. While there has been an improvement in the professionalism of law enforcement—leading to fewer allegations of abuse during formal interviews—ill-treatment remains a significant problem during arrests and informal questioning.

To address these gaps, the committee is calling for:

• A strict zero-tolerance policy toward violence.
• Enhanced training in modern interview methods.
• The mandatory use of visible identification, CCTV, and body-worn cameras to ensure accountability.

Concerns Over Migration “Pushbacks” and Vulnerable Groups

The treatment of migrants remains a “serious concern” for the committee. The report highlights credible allegations of violent “pushbacks,” where security forces summarily and forcibly return individuals across borders. Furthermore, the CPT criticized the continued detention of vulnerable populations, such as children and mothers with infants, urging governments to prioritize alternatives to detention for these groups.

Healthcare Shortages and Future Standards

In mental-health and social-care establishments, the committee observed that a critical shortage of healthcare staff is undermining patient care. This shortage often leads to a lack of oversight regarding consent to treatment and the controversial use of mechanical or chemical restraints.

In response to these evolving challenges, the CPT adopted an updated standard on healthcare services in prisons in late 2025 and plans to publish new standards for social-care homes in 2026. Over the past year, the committee conducted 182 inspections across 20 countries to monitor these critical human rights safeguards.