Rights in Detention
A person in detention retains human dignity and fundamental protections even while liberty is lawfully restricted.
Overview
Detention should include humane conditions, access to essential care, procedural safeguards, and protection from abuse.
Unsafe, degrading, or seriously inadequate conditions
Denial of essential care, communication, review, or protection from violence
Move to a safe place or seek urgent help where immediate danger exists.
Write down what happened, when, where, and who was involved, if it is safe to do so.
Keep relevant documents or evidence securely and share only what is necessary.
A detained person, relative, representative, or witness may provide relevant information through a safe channel where permitted.
Concerned about a human-rights violation?
The Commission's complaint guidance explains what can be reported and how information should be shared safely.