The recent findings from the Custodial Inspector’s damning report into the inhumane treatment of prisoners in dry cells highlight appalling conditions that are not just unacceptable but tantamount to state-sanctioned torture. Prisoners should not be subjected to conditions that violate their dignity or their fundamental human rights.
‘The report reveals that prisoners in Tasmania have been held in constantly lit cells with no running water, no window to the outside world, and no way to call for medical assistance for up to 10 days. This practice, which breaches the United Nations Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, is a shocking indictment of the treatment of incarcerated people in our country,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘While it is crucial that these abuses have come to light, it is essential to recognise that similar conditions exist in prisons across the country,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘Prisons are inherently violent and cruel environments, and these extreme forms of solitary confinement exacerbate this cruelty,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘The National Network call for the use of dry cells to be ceased immediately. These cells, devoid of basic necessities and used to retrieve internally concealed contraband, represent the most degrading, austere, and restrictive imaginable forms of confinement,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Their use breaches prisoners’ human rights and dignity. The arbitrary and punitive nature of dry cell confinement, coupled with its inconsistent and capricious application, underscores the urgent need for its immediate abolition,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Particularly egregious is the impact on people with vaginas, who can be subjected to indeterminate dry cell placements,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Evidence shows that dry cells are less effective for women, as objects are not expelled from the vagina, potentially leading to longer confinement periods. This highlights the urgent necessity for the immediate cessation of dry cell use,’ said Tabitha Lean.
The Custodial Inspector’s report documents numerous abuses, including:
- Constant lighting in cells, which is inhumane and violates basic standards of decency.
- Lack of access to entertainment, windows, or adequate exercise, leading to severe psychological distress.
- Inconsistent and unreliable camera monitoring and in-person checks, posing significant health risks.
- Denial of basic hygiene products and access to soap, compromising prisoners’ health and dignity.
- Correctional officers being forced to process faeces in unsanitary conditions, risking their health and safety.
‘The report’s recommendations, including limiting dry cell confinement to 72 hours, excluding women from dry cell placement, and providing reasonable entertainment, are necessary but insufficient steps,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘The complete cessation of dry cells is the only humane and just response,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Corrections Minister Madeleine Ogilvie’s acknowledgment of the issues and the proposed introduction of body scanners is a possible step forward but without a commitment, timeframe and banning of dry cells, it’s all conjecture,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘Fundamental human rights principles and upholding the dignity of prisoners must guide all decisions, ensuring that torture and degrading treatment are never tolerated,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
The National Network call for the immediate cessation of dry cell use in all prisons. It is time to prioritise human rights and dignity over punitive measures that serve no purpose other than to degrade and dehumanise.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226
