Temperature

Extremes of temperature have been used intentionally as a means of torture. Beyond this, however, extremes of temperature arising from climactic conditions are an issue not merely of comfort but of the right to life: both hypothermia and heatstroke are medical emergencies. Levels of vulnerability to hypothermia and heatstroke are impacted by age and general health, including mobility, as well as the objective temperature. Detention authorities thus have a duty of care to ensure that temperatures are closely monitored, and that contingency planning is in place to address temperature extremes, also through climate change. Contingency measures may include providing access to adequate clothing, sufficient water or warming food, as well as mechanical methods of heating or cooling buildings. These measures are essential not only in buildings but also in transport vehicles.

Beyond the immediate risks associated with extremes of temperature, temperatures that are too hot or cold for comfort impact directly and indirectly on health and wellbeing. They may lead to sleep disruption and exacerbate underlying health conditions including diabetes and arthritis.

Being too hot or too cold can significantly impact the ability to undertake everyday tasks and to think clearly: this can constitute a further assault on individual autonomy and dignity, including e.g. through effectively restricting access to outside space and exercise. Here, too, there are different vulnerabilities: some people are less able to moderate their own body temperature, including some perimenopausal women, and people with conditions that affect blood circulation.

As important as temperature regulation is, some caution is also required, especially for prison monitors. Detention centres may claim to be keeping detainees ‘cool’ when in fact they are being exposed to near-freezing temperatures. The noise created by air conditioning or heating systems can also have a significant negative impact on detainees if it is disruptive enough.