Aditus and JRS Malta welcomed the recently published report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on detention conditions in Malta.
“The report confirms many of the concerns we have been raising for several years regarding the treatment of detained persons in Malta. The report validates our long-standing calls for urgent reform in Malta’s detention policies and practices, and we urge the authorities to act swiftly and transparently on its recommendations,” they said.
The CPT’s report, based on its visit to Malta in 2023, “paints a troubling picture of the conditions in immigration detention centres. The Committee documented a pervasive lack of meaningful activity for detainees, inadequate access to medical care and legal assistance, and reports of mistreatment by detention staff. The delegation also expressed concern over prolonged detention periods, particularly for vulnerable individuals, including minors, and highlighted deficiencies in safeguards against ill-treatment.”
Particularly alarming were the findings concerning the use of force and means of restraint, the organisations said. “The CPT noted several credible allegations of physical ill-treatment and underscored the need for independent oversight and accountability. It also criticised the lack of proper information being provided to detainees about their legal status and rights, and highlighted the psychological toll of prolonged detention in poor conditions, especially when communication with the outside world is limited.”
“At the same time, we welcome the positive developments noted in the report, particularly the improvements in the provision of healthcare services. The CPT acknowledged efforts to strengthen medical staffing levels and to improve access to mental and physical healthcare for detained persons. These changes, though still in need of further development, represent a step in the right direction and show that progress is possible when there is political will and a commitment to upholding basic human rights.”
“This report reaffirms the crucial role that civil society plays in ensuring the protection of detainees. Only regular presence, which allows for the building of relationships of trust, will allow allegations of ill-treatment to come to light and be addressed. Presence is also indispensable to allow for independent monitoring of detention centres.”
“We have repeatedly called for regular, unhindered access to these facilities, not only to provide legal and psychosocial support to detainees but also to ensure that the fundamental rights and dignity of every person in detention are respected. Transparent oversight and access for NGOs are not optional – they are essential safeguards in any democratic society that claims to uphold human rights.”
“We urge the Maltese authorities to implement the CPT’s recommendations without delay and to establish a framework that guarantees access for independent monitoring bodies, including NGOs. Humane treatment, legal safeguards, and respect for human dignity must be at the core of Malta’s migration and detention policies.”