détenus

Détenus are persons deprived of liberty by public authorities. The term covers individuals held in prisons or detention facilities who are either awaiting trial, under pre-trial detention, or serving a sentence after conviction. The exact terminology and organization vary by country, but detention generally denotes a state-imposed loss of liberty as part of criminal or administrative justice.

Detention can occur at different stages of the process. Pre-trial detention (détention préventive) is used when there are concerns about flight, risk to public safety, or potential interference with an investigation. After a verdict, individuals may be imprisoned, or released under conditions such as probation or parole. Some detainees may be held in specialized facilities for migrants, remand centers, or secure care settings, depending on the legal framework.

Rights and standards: International human rights law and national constitutions guarantee humane treatment, access to legal counsel, timely information about charges, the right to challenge detention, medical care, nutrition and hygiene, and contact with family. Detention should be justified by law and subject to periodic review to prevent arbitrary deprivation of liberty, with mechanisms to prevent torture and ill-treatment.

Facilities and oversight: Detention is administered in prisons and other secure facilities, with regimes and programs that vary by jurisdiction. Oversight bodies and independent inspectors monitor conditions, while international and regional bodies provide guidance and complaint mechanisms to promote compliance with human rights standards.