Internees

An internee is a person who is detained or confined by a government or occupying power during armed conflict or security operations, typically outside ordinary criminal proceedings. Internees may be civilians, enemy aliens, or political opponents; detention can be preventive, administrative, or for screening purposes. Internees are distinct from prisoners of war, who are combatants captured in armed conflict and are subject to different legal regimes.

International law prohibits arbitrary detention and provides protections for detainees. The Fourth Geneva Convention and related instruments set standards for humane treatment, access to food and medical care, legal counsel, and the right to periodic review of detention. National laws vary, with some systems offering periodic reviews, conditional release, or compensation for wrongful detention.

Historical context: The most well-known example is the mass internment in the United States during World War II, when more than 110,000 people of Japanese descent were forcibly relocated and detained in camps; the majority were U.S. citizens. Similar practices occurred elsewhere during the war, and in the late 20th century some governments issued formal apologies or reparations for past internments.

Contemporary considerations: Interment remains controversial, balancing security interests with civil liberties. Critics point to potential discrimination and harm to families, while proponents cite public safety concerns. In many democracies, safeguards have been strengthened, but debates over preventive detention and the rights of detainees continue.