Accommodation and facilities

Detainees are held in a safe, clean and decent environment. They are offered varied meals according to their individual requirements. The facility encourages activities to promote mental well-being.

14. Detainees are held in a safe, clean and decent environment which is in a good state of repair and is fit for purpose.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • The environment of the facility is not oppressive and is suitable for a detainee population. Access to fresh air is limited only by the requirements of safety.
  • The facility is properly ventilated, kept at a comfortable temperature and provides a separate no smoking area, or is no smoking.
  • Detainees have access to single sex sanitation and washing facilities that are clean and in working order, and that afford privacy.
  • Detainees have free access to basic toiletries and sanitary products and there are nappy changing facilities for babies.
  • All detainees can easily and quickly gain staff attention in an emergency.
  • Detainees’ property is stored securely and is properly accounted for.
  • Sufficient comfortable beds and seating areas are provided for the number held during the day and overnight and are suitable and in a good state of repair.
  • Families are normally held together even in cases when individual family members are over 18.22 Families are able to eat together as a unit and are located in shared or adjoining rooms.

22The term ‘families’ is used here in a broad sense and may, for example, include unmarried and same sex couples.

15. Detainees are offered a suitable range of food and drink which meets their individual needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • Those detained for several hours are offered a hot meal.
  • Food is healthy, varied, balanced and suitable for the detainees’ diverse needs.
  • Snacks and hot and cold drinks are freely available.
  • Detainees are able to register any food complaints in their own language and complaints are regularly checked by a manager.
  • All areas where food is stored, prepared or served are properly equipped and well managed.

16. Detainees have access to activities and facilities that meet their needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • There are sufficient activities and facilities to enable detainees to occupy themselves.
  • Detainees have access to books, newspapers and dictionaries in a range of languages, as well as TVs and DVDs.
  • Detainees held for several hours have access to exercise in the fresh air.
  • Suitable recreational activities are provided for children, which include exercise, play opportunities and access to the fresh air.

Human rights standards

Accommodation and facilities
In relation to expectations 14–16 above: Human rights standards require that detainees be housed in accommodation that respects their human dignity and privacy. Accommodation should be clean, adequately ventilated and lit (by both natural and artificial light) and provide sufficient living space. See EPR 18, 19, 21; SMR 12–21; UNHCR–DG 8[48(x)]; CPT 4. See additionally in relation to women, BR 5, and children, HR 31–34.

Standards require that detainees be provided with nutritious food that takes into account their personal needs (such as religion, age, health and culture). See EPR 22; SMR 22; UNHCR-DG 8[48(xi)]; CPT 4.

Standards also require that detainees be allowed to participate in activities that allow social interaction and meet their welfare needs. See EPR 25; SMR 105; CPT 5. Detainees must have access to educational and recreational books and other media. See SMR 63, 64; EPR 28.5; UNHCR–DG 8[48(xii)]. They should be able to safely undertake adequate exercise and maintain their fitness. See SMR 23; EPR 25, 27; UNHCR–DG 8[48(viii)]; CPT 5. In relation to children, see HR 41 (library provision), 47 (recreation); CRC 31 (rest, leisure and play); CPT 10 (activities and centres catering specifically for children).

Children have a right to family unity. In the exceptional circumstances in which children are detained, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them. Children should therefore be accommodated together with their family members unless this would not be in their best interest. See CPT 10; CRC 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 37(b), HR 2; UNHCR–DG 9.2.