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Joint Submission To The U.N. Committee Against Torture Concerning The United States’ Mistreatment Of Immigrant Detainees In Violation Of The Convention Against Torture And Other Cruel, Inhuman Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment In Relation To The United States 5th Periodic Report On The Convention Against Torture (2014)
UIC Law White Papers
  • Sarah Dávila-Ruhaak, John Marshall Law School
  • Steven D. Schwinn, John Marshall Law School
  • Jennifer Chan
  • John Marshall Law School International Human Rights Clinic, John Marshall Law School International Human Rights Clinic
Document Type
White paper
Publication Date
9-1-2014
Abstract

This report relates to the mistreatment and abuse that adult immigrant detainees suffer in United States detention facilities. It is submitted in response to the United States’ periodic report relating to the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and specifically addresses the deplorable conditions of detention, the use of solitary confinement, the problem of sexual violence in detention and the lack of investigation of such acts, the refoulement of detainees who face risk of torture, the enforcement of the non-derogable prohibition of torture, and the prevention of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This report discusses current practices of the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement detention and the impact they have on immigrant detainees as it relates to the United States’ obligations under the CAT. It urges the United States to comply with the CAT by providing humane detention conditions, exploring alternatives to detention, taking steps to prevent sexual assault in detention facilities, providing access to legal counsel, and actively screening for asylum eligibility.

Citation Information
Sarah Dávila-Ruhaak, Stephen Schwinn, & Jennifer Chan, Joint Submission To The U.N. Committee Against Torture Concerning The United States’ Mistreatment Of Immigrant Detainees In Violation Of The Convention Against Torture And Other Cruel, Inhuman Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment In Relation To The United States 5th Periodic Report On The Convention Against Torture (2014)