The CPT highlights shortcomings in Norwegian prisons, immigration centres, and mental health facilities

The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) released a report on Norwegian prisons, the immigration detention centre at Trandum, and mental health care facilities following a May 2024 visit. While the report highlighted skilled and motivated staff as a positive aspect, it also identified significant shortcomings requiring attention such as: budget and staffing constraints, inadequate facilities, insufficient use of interpreters, limited outdoor time, and inadequate human interaction for isolated inmates. Concerns were raised about the handling of suicide risks and the use of helmet and body cuff in Trandum. The CPT also criticized Norway for failing to implement previous recommendations, such as ensuring legal access for detainees and discontinuing security beds. Norwegian authorities have six months to respond. Parliamentary Ombud Hanne Harlem acknowledged the findings, noting alignment with their own observations and emphasizing the report's importance in improving conditions for detainees, patients, and inmates.