2018.05PU ENDING ADMINISTRATIVE SEGREGATION / SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN CANADIAN PRISONS
Whereas 1 in 2016 the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to cease using solitary confinement as a disciplinary method in Canadian penitentiaries and ensure sufficient, independent, secure facilities for persons with mental health issues; and
Whereas 2 the United Nations (UN) Mandela Rules adopted in 1955 defines solitary confinement as a period lasting no more than 15 consecutive days, and 60 days in any 365-day period; and
Whereas 3 the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association and the John Howard Society of Canada and their lawyers argue that the practice of administrative segregation/solitary confinement in federal prisons is unconstitutional, increases inmates’ suffering, and discriminates against offenders who are Indigenous or have mental illness; and
Whereas 4 even though the Attorney General of Canada maintains that segregation is a reasonable and necessary tool which protects inmates and staff, it is possible to operate prisons without resorting to sending prisoners to windowless cells where human contact is minimal; and
Whereas 5 solitary confinement causes psychological harm in nearly everyone who endures it, is a factor in several prison suicides, and requires long-term treatment following release; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that ending administrative segregation/solitary confinement in federal prisons is the objective and meanwhile its use be governed by international standards and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and be it further
Resolved 2 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
- End without delay the practice identified as Administrative Segregation/Solitary Confinement in Canadian prisons; and
- Adopt without delay legislation related to administrative segregation/solitary confinement to meet international standards in the United Nations Mandela Rules;
- Appoint immediately independent oversight officers to ensure that prisoners’ constitutional rights are observed and protected at all times; and
- Urge Provincial and Territorial governments to adopt policies and practices aimed at meeting international standards, and ensuring the constitutional rights of inmates are protected.