Italy: CAT raises concerns over violations of the principle of non-refoulement and conditions of detention
During the 84th session of the Committee Against Torture (CAT), on Wednesday 15th April, and Thursday 16th April 2026, the CAT reviewed the 7th periodic report of Italy under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The country's rapporteurs were Mr. Claude Heller and Mr. Erdogan Iscan.
The Italian delegation was led by Minister Plenipotentiary Giovanni Battista Iannuzzi, President of the Inter-ministerial Committee for Human Rights of Italy (CIDU).
Main issues discussed
The Committee expressed concerns over violations of the principle of non- refoulement, reporting allegations of pushbacks at borders, and increased forced returns. Particular attention was given to Italy’s cooperation with the Libyan coast guards whose interception operations reportedly result in thousands of migrants being arbitrarily detained in Libya and exposed to serious human rights violations. The experts also examined Italy’s bilateral agreement with Albania facilitating the transfer of migrants to detention centers in Albania. Referring to allegations of ill-treatment and poor conditions, they requested clarification on which State bears the responsibility for ensuring legal safeguards for the migrants, and which jurisdiction is responsible for investigating and monitoring the centres.
The experts also addressed the high number of deaths in detention, referencing to 254 deaths recorded in 2025, including 77 suicides. They raised concerns regarding access to mental health support, prison overcrowding, and overall detention conditions. The Committee also expressed concern over the use of prolonged solitary confinement, ranging from two months to three years, against detainees convicted of multiple offences, which violates international standards.
The Committee further raised concerns regarding the 2025 and 2026 Security Decrees, which criminalise various forms of non-violent protest, and classify demonstrations or passive resistance in prisons and migrant detention centres as ‘riots’. Experts also expressed particular concern regarding provisions allowing detention for up to 12 hours without judicial authorisation, based on assessments that an individual may pose a threat to public order.
The CAT’s recommendations are available here.
Follow-up recommendations:
The State party should provide information by 1st May 2027 on the implementation of recommendations regarding:
non-refoulement;
externalization of asylum procedures;
conditions of detention;
special detention regimes.
Watch here the video recordings (part one and part two) of the dialogue with the CAT.