Prison Visits
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is mandated by the Geneva Conventions to visit prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian detainees who are interned as a a result of armed conflict.
The ICRC visits prisoners to ensure that their basic rights are respected, such as the access to food, water, fresh air, health care and family messages. The prison visits are also aimed at preventing or putting an end to disappearances, extra-judicial killings, torture and ill-treatment and improving conditions of detention.
In 2003, the ICRC visited about 470,000 detainees in almost 2,000 places of detention in around 80 countries. These visits are carried out under a strict policy of confidentiality to ensure access can be maintained with a view to improving conditions where necessary. When possible, the ICRC also arranges for families to stay in touch with those detained.
Iraq: ICRC explains position on detention report and treatment of prisoners
Guantanamo Bay: Overview of the ICRC's work for internees
Iraq: What the Geneva Conventions say about the future of persons deprived of their freedom
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