‘Environmental conditions’ refer in particular to the sensory environment in places of detention. Four aspects are discussed here: sound, temperature, air and light. ‘Detention’ means any situation in which people are deprived of their liberty. These environmental conditions of detention cover prisons, remand centres, and secure accommodation for children. They are also relevant for other sites of detention, such as asylum reception centres, hospitals and care homes when detention is mandated.
This project seeks to explain why the environmental conditions of detention warrant further consideration under the broader international rules on detention. The project outputs aim to support those who monitor places of detention to consider how environmental conditions of detention shape the detention environment.