Call for Evidence
5. In our call for evidence we invited respondents
to address the following specific points—
— What
are the main causes of deaths in custody? Are there any common
factors? Are there particular aspects of conditions of detention,
or the treatment of detainees, or the cultural background of prisoners
or prison officers, that contribute to:
- suicide and self-harm in custody?
- other deaths or injuries in custody?
— What
practical steps have already been taken, and what further steps
need to be taken to prevent:
- suicide and self-harm in custody?
- other deaths or injuries in custody?
— What
can a human rights approach to conditions of detention and management
of detention facilities contribute to the prevention of deaths
in custody?
— What can be done to foster a greater
"human rights culture" in prisons and other detention
facilities?
— Are the Article 2 ECHR requirements of
an effective, prompt and independent investigation of deaths in
custody, with effective participation by the next-of-kin, met
by:
- the coroner's jurisdiction,
including the inquest;
- investigations by the Prison Service;
- investigations by the new IPCC;
- criminal prosecutions;
- civil proceedings; or
- any other avenues of investigation?
— If
not, what should be done to satisfy the Article 2 ECHR requirement
of an independent, transparent and effective investigation?
Responses
6. We received responses from a wide range of organisations
and individuals, including evidence from the Home Office and the
Department of Health, from the relevant investigatory authorities
and inspectorates, and from NGOs, academics, lawyers, and relatives
of those who have died in custody. These submissions are printed
as appendices to this report. While the Committee's inquiry into
the complex issues raised by deaths in custody is still continuing,
this report is designed to make available the written evidence
we have so far received in connection with this inquiry.
Progress of the Inquiry
7. We will shortly begin to hear oral evidence in
relation to this inquiry. We would welcome further written evidence
until 30 March 2004. We hope to publish our final report and conclusions
on this inquiry in the later part of 2004.
1 Article 2 Back
2
Article 3 Back
3
Article 8 Back
4
In Jordan v UK Back
5
Death Certification and Investigation in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, the Report of a Fundamental Review, 2003 Back
