Accommodation and facilities

Families are held in a safe, clean and decent environment. They are offered varied meals according to their individual requirements.

19. Families are held in a safe, clean and decent environment which is in a good state of repair and fit for purpose.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • The environment of the centre is not oppressive and is suitable for a detainee population. Access to fresh air is limited only by the requirements of safety.
  • The centre is properly ventilated, kept at a comfortable temperature and provides a separate no smoking area, or is no smoking.
  • Accommodation is fully equipped and properly designed to cater for the residential and domestic needs of families, including those with babies.
  • Families have access to well-maintained sanitation, washing facilities that are clean and in working order, and that afford privacy.
  • Detainees have free access to basic toiletries and sanitary products and there are nappy changing facilities for babies.
  • All detainees can easily and quickly gain staff attention in an emergency.
  • Detainees’ property is stored securely and is properly accounted for.
  • Families are normally held together, even in cases when individual family members are over 18.30 Families are able to eat together as a unit and are located in shared or adjoining rooms.
  • Detainees have keys to their rooms.
  • Families are able to reside in an environment where security is proportionate.

30The term ‘families’ is used here in a broad sense and may, for example, include unmarried and same sex couples.

20. Adults and children are offered a suitable range of food and drink which meets their individual needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • There is at least one substantial cooked meal each day.
  • Food is healthy, varied, balanced and suitable for the diverse needs of families, including children and young people.
  • Baby food and powdered milk are available to mothers with young babies.
  • Snacks and hot and cold drinks are freely available.
  • Appropriate extra food supplies are available for families arriving or being discharged late and for pregnant women.
  • Detainees are able to register any food complaints in their own language and complaints are regularly checked by a manager.
  • All areas where food is stored, prepared and served are properly equipped and well managed.
  • Families are able to eat together.

Human rights standards

Accommodation and facilities
In relation to expectations 19–20 above: Human rights standards require that detainees be housed in accommodation that respects their human dignity and privacy. Accommodation should be clean, adequately ventilated and lit (by both natural and artificial light) and provide sufficient living space. See EPR 18, 19, 21; SMR 12–21; UNHCR–DG 8[48(x)]; CPT 4. See additionally in relation to women, BR 5, and children, HR 31–34.

In addition, standards require that detainees be provided with nutritious food that takes into account their personal needs (such as religion, age, health and culture). See EPR 22; SMR 22; UNHCR–DG 8[48(xi)]; CPT 4. See additionally in relation to pregnant or breastfeeding women, BR 48.

Children have a right to family unity. In the exceptional circumstances in which children are detained, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them. Children should therefore be accommodated together with their family members unless this would not be in their best interest. See CPT 10; CRC 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 37(b), HR 2; UNHCR–DG 9.2.