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 3 to 10 September 2015

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 delegation visited the following places of deprivation of liberty: Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security establishments • Corradino Correctional Facility, including the Young Offenders Unit and the Forensic Psychiatric Units at Mount Carmel Hospital • General Police Headquarters and Lock-up, Floriana • Valletta Lock-up below the Courts of Justice, Victoria Lock-up (Gozo) • Mosta, Mdina, Rabat, St Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta and Victoria (Gozo) Police Stations • Malta International Airport Detention area • Safi Barracks Detention Centre for Immigrants • Dar il-Liedna Open Centre for Young Persons Ministry for Energy and Health (psychiatric care) establishments • Mount Carmel Hospital • Gozo General Hospital Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity establishments • Fejda and Jeanne Antide Homes for Girls • St Joseph’s Home for Boys • Santa Maria project for drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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.