2023-07-18 08:00:00
We also try to alleviate the suffering of families, in particular by restoring communication between detainees and their loved ones. In some cases, we also help former detainees to reintegrate into society.
We have been assisting people in detention since 1870, traditionally focusing on people captured in connection with armed conflict or other situations of violence, such as prisoners of war and civilian internees. We act as a neutral intermediary, especially in large-scale prisoner release operations.
Detainees may be in the custody of non-state armed groups. Whenever possible, we try to establish a dialogue with these groups so that the people under their control receive humane treatment and have access to all the rights recognized by international norms and standards.
Where possible, we also visit people detained for other reasons, particularly the most vulnerable, if we believe that our visit could improve their treatment and conditions of detention. Our work also includes visiting detainees under the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals.
While we pay special attention to people detained in connection with armed conflict, our interventions – for example, providing technical assistance and advice to the authorities of a place of detention, building a modern kitchen or renovating a system of drainage— benefit the entire population of the places of detention where we operate.
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