Country

Luxembourg

Detention issue

Cell space

FRA research findings

View details

Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
‘No legal provisions.’

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2018Regarding special rooms for isolation in the Secutiry unit of the state socio educational centre for minors the Ombudsperson reports: The soft-cell, used in the event of a crisis to allow the minor to calm down in an environment poor in stimulation, is coated with a soft material so as to really prevent the minor from injuring himself. It has two doors, which is supposed to facilitate access in a situation of unrest and opposition from the minor. The Mediator regrets, however, that this room is only equipped with an intercom and not a valve that would allow to speak with the minor while having visual contact, but without having to enter the room. The Mediator also regrets that the chamber is not equipped with a camera. The monitoring team is aware that an application for authorization to video surveillance in this room had to be withdrawn for administrative reasons. The Mediator recalls that he always favours physical visual surveillance, but stresses that video surveillance could in these particular situations usefully supplement the regular checks carried out by the staff, with the aim of preventing self-harm and controlling the victim. state of health of the minor. It is obvious that the space reserved for the toilet should not be visible on the monitoring screen, either by pixelation or by opacification of the area concerned. The Mediator recommends that the CSEE officials take the official steps to request permission to install a camera in the isolation room. It is of the opinion that video surveillance would be useful in this context for the safety of the minor. Video surveillance should complement the regular physical checks carried out by staff members. Report details