France: Anti-torture committee calls for improved conditions and security in immigration detention centres

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CRA no 2 in Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport in southern France, which was visited by the CPT

France should take rapid action to improve material conditions and strengthen security in immigration detention centres in order to prevent acts of violence and intimidation among detainees, according to the Council of Europe's Committee for the prevention of torture (CPT).

The assessment is part of the CPT's latest report on its visit to France, carried out in October 2025, which was published today. The CPT visited six immigration detention centres (Centres de retention administrative or CRAs) and two airport holding areas at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon-Saint Exupéry. The aim of the visit was to examine the treatment of persons detained under immigration legislation.

Detention conditions that exacerbate tensions

The committee deplores the lack of improvement - and even the worsening - of tensions and ill-treatment observed in detention since 2018. Despite its previous recommendations, the findings of the 2025 visit reveal a detention model characterised by prison-like appearance and general austerity of the premises.

Furthermore, the CPT notes dilapidated material conditions, sometimes in a state of serious disrepair, appalling hygiene standards, and shortcomings in healthcare provision. The poor range of activities on offer is totally inadequate given the length of detention for many people, who can be held to the maximum detention period of 90 days.

Several people in detention, particularly at the Paris-Vincennes CRA, alleged that they had been brutalised by police officers operating within the centres. Many people also reported provocations, insults - including of a racist nature - as well as unprofessional behaviour at all the CRAs visited. Detainees indicated that they were reluctant to file complaints for fear of reprisals or out of a sense of resignation.

A lack of resources that affects the safety of detainees

The CPT recognises the human and material constraints faced by officers responsible for supervision in the CRAs. Many police officers felt they lacked the necessary resources or training to deal with the changing profile of detainees, who are often affected by substance use and/or psychiatric disorders.

The scale of violence between detainees has likely worsened in recent years. Nationally, the number of incidents of violence between detainees has almost doubled. Many detainees reported incidents of violence, often resulting in injuries (bruises, trauma, broken teeth), as well as fights, frequent thefts and extortion within the living quarters. The CPT recommends that the French authorities adopt a national strategy and swiftly strengthen proactive security measures to prevent acts of violence and intimidation amongst detainees.

Increase in the average detention period

The CPT also notes that the average length of detention has tripled since its 2018 visit and questions the purpose of the continued detention observed, when actual removal would not appear to be a reasonable prospect. Deprivation of liberty should only be used as a last resort.

With regard to holding areas, the CPT once again expresses serious reservations about the detention of unaccompanied children in such facilities. In principle, children should always receive specialised care and be accommodated in dedicated facilities that respect their best interests.

The report was published today together with the French authorities' response.

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The European Committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CPT) visits places of detention in the states parties to the European Convention for the prevention of torture to assess how persons deprived of their liberty are treated with a view to strengthening, if necessary, the protection of such persons from torture and from inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. These places include prisons, detention centres for children, police stations, immigration detention centres, psychiatric hospitals, and social care homes. After each visit, the CPT transmits a report containing its findings and recommendations to the government concerned.

The CPT and France

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