Contents
Introduction by John Wadham, NPM Chair
4
1. Context
About the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT)
The UK’s National Preventive Mechanism
COVID-19
Political context, policy and legislative developments
Mental health and social care
Prisons
Children in detention
Immigration detention
Police custody
The situation in detention during the year
6
7
8
12
13
15
20
26
31
35
37
2. The National Preventive Mechanism in 2019–20
National Preventive Mechanism objectives
Strengthening the National Preventive Mechanism
Member-specific developments
Joint working across the National Preventive Mechanism
Submitting proposals and observations on legislation
Visit from the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
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63
63
64
71
72
75
3. Looking ahead to 2020–21
78
4. Appendices
80
Appendix I
Glossary
81