OTTAWA, December 12, 2014 –
The Canadian Human Rights Commission regrets the decision by Correctional Services Canada to reject changes to the practice of solitary confinement, contrary to recommendations of the Coroner's Inquest into the death of Ashley Smith.
Solitary confinement, known in the correctional system as “administrative segregation,” has been described by the United Nations and by the Canadian Medical Association Journal as “cruel and unusual punishment.” It is inconsistent with human rights law, particularly when mental illness is involved.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission joins the Correctional Investigator of Canada in calling for greater limits on the use of solitary confinement, including an absolute ban on its use on inmates who are suicidal, self-harming or have other significant mental health problems.
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