The Council of Europe warned Thursday, May 6 against the
budgetary "
austerity measures
" at work in several countries which, combined with the economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, threaten to worsen conditions even further. detention in prisons.
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This pandemic "
comes within the framework of a budgetary crisis which has already existed for a long time in the penitentiary systems of several member states of the Council of Europe
", which brings together 47 countries, notes in its annual report for 2020 the Committee for the prevention of torture (CPT), one of the organs of the Council. "
During the numerous visits it has made over the years, (the CPT) has observed a lack of respect for the basic needs of prisoners in certain establishments
", points out the Committee, which notes that the "
significant cuts
" in budgets prison administrations affect “
the quality of life of prisoners
”.
The CPT warns against the “
probable long-term economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic
” which would exacerbate the already “
negative
effects
of pre-existing austerity measures on detainees
”, for example by pushing countries to take
measures
“
Even greater budget cuts
”. "
If this happens, there will be even more serious effects on the very poor and vulnerable prisoners, who constitute a significant proportion of the prison population throughout the geographical area of the Council of Europe
", the CPT warns.
"
It is crucial to stress that some of the fundamental economic and social rights of these people are indivisible from their right to be treated humanely,
" insisted the chairman of the anti-torture body, Alan Mitchell, quoted in a statement. "
A decency threshold should be respected in prisons at all times, including in the context of austerity measures triggered by economic crises,
" he added. All detainees "
should have, at a minimum, free access to a sufficient quantity of potable water, adequate food (...), decent living and sleeping conditions and the means to stay clean
" , insists the CPT.
A pan-European organization created in 1949 and based in Strasbourg (eastern France), the Council of Europe has 47 member states. He works in favor of the rule of law, democracy and human rights.