France: CAT flags concerns over prison overcrowding and excessive police force
During the 82nd Session of the Committee Against Torture (CAT), on Wednesday, 16 April, and Thursday, 17 April 2025, the CAT reviewed the 8th periodic report of France under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The country rapporteurs were Mr. Abderrazak Rouwane and Mr. Jorge Contesse.
The French delegation was led by Ms. Isabelle Rome, Ambassador for Human Rights at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.
Main Issues Discussed
The Committee expressed serious concern over France’s failure to include a specific legal definition of torture and to remove the statute of limitations for this offence in its domestic law, despite repeated recommendations. This gap undermines legal clarity and accountability.
Committee members addressed harsh detention conditions, including severe overcrowding, infestations, poor hygiene, lack of medical and psychiatric care, violence among detainees and an increased number of suicides in prisons. Concerns extended to prolonged police custody periods, inadequate custody facilities and reports of ill-treatment in police stations, including excessive handcuffing.
The Committee also highlighted the excessive use of force by police, especially during protests and identity checks, disproportionately targeting minorities. It criticised the 2017 law on public security, allowing the use of firearms against civilians believed to pose a significant threat, and the rise in deaths caused by the police since then. Specific attention was given to the situation in New Caledonia, particularly following the Spring 2024 unrest during which excessive use of force by French security forces, deaths of Kanak protesters, and allegations of police violence against detainees were reported. They also raised serious questions regarding the transfer of detainees to mainland France.
The Committee further raised concerns over France’s asylum system, the risk of violations of the principle of non-refoulement and deteriorating conditions in administrative detention centers. Additional concerns included gender-based violence, child protection in incest cases, and insufficient training for law enforcement and prison staff.
The CAT’s recommendations are available here.
Follow-up Recommendations
The State party should provide information by the 2nd of May 2026 on the implementation of recommendations regarding:
- Define and fully criminalise torture in national legislation.
- Strengthen protections for asylum seekers and uphold the principle of non-refoulement.
- Improve detention conditions and address the excessive use of force by police and gendarmerie.
Watch here the video recordings (part one and part two), of the dialogue with the CAT.