MPs Call For Resumption of Visits to Prisons and a Review of Immigration Detainees

London: MPs called for a resumption of visits to prisons and a review of immigration detainees. The joint committee on human rights have published a report on how the government’s COVID-19 measures were restricting movements, gatherings and how closing schools affected other rights. While acknowledging the response was to protect lives, a right protected in Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the committee noted the need for a public inquiry. It suggested the Government undertake ‘some form of swift lessons-learned review as soon as possible in order to fulfil its human rights obligations and to prevent future unnecessary deaths’. ‘This is an unprecedented and uncertain time for everyone, and the Government must act in a justifiable, fair and proportionate way,’ said the chair of the committee, Harriet Harman QC. ‘As we approach the Coronavirus Act’s six-month review, there are a number of concerns that the Government must urgently address.’

The Children’s Commissioner for England raised the issue that children remanded to custody were effectively serving time in prison without a sentence and, in particular, those awaiting trial who are close to turning 18: ‘If they are not tried before their 18th birthday they will be tried as adults,’ the commissioner told MPs. ‘These children will not benefit from the youth justice system, which is more rehabilitative. They will be given adult sentences which are much longer despite having committed the crimes as children.’ The MPs called for those who turn 18 between the commission of the offence and sentencing ‘should be dealt with as children in the youth courts’.

Read more: Ellie Williams-Brown, Justice Gap, https://is.gd/oHUd9L