Report to the Maltese Government on the visit to Malta carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 26 to 30 September 2011

Abstract

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) is first and foremost a mechanism designed to prevent torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment from occurring, although it may also in special cases intervene after the event if this is important for future prevention. Underlying the CPT's activities is the notion of co-operation and assists to find ways and means create acceptable treatment within detention centres. CPT is guided by the following considerations: that the prohibition of ill treatment is absolute; that ill-treatment is repugnant to the principles of civilised conduct, even if used in milder forms ; and that ill-treatment is not only harmful to the victim but also degrading to the person inflicting it and ultimately harmful to the national authorities in general. The main objective of the visit was to examine the current situation in the prison system, having regard to the recommendations made by the Committee after its 2008 visit to Malta. For this purpose, the CPT’s delegation carried out a follow-up visit to Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF). In addition, the delegation once again examined conditions in the detention centres for foreigners at Lyster and Safi Barracks. It also paid a brief visit to Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital, in order to interview patients in the forensic ward and the irregular migrants’ ward. In this report CPT have given an overview of the conditions and the treatment of detainees and provided the authorities with suggestions on the running of these facilities in accordance with the rule of law.