On 21 January, the Council of Europe Committe for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) published a report on its May 2024 visit to Norway, assessing the treatment of foreign nationals in detention.

The report was critical of conditions at the Trandum Immigration Detention Centre, where a security-focused approach prevailed, and means of restraint were used on those at risk of self-harm.

The CPT recommended a shift towards more therapeutic measures, including immediate medical assessment and psychological support. Furthermore, the Committee held high-level discussions in Denmark, addressing restrictive detention conditions at the Ellebæk Centre for Foreigners.

These findings underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring humane treatment of migrants in detention, while balancing security concerns.

The CPT Executive Secretary and desk officer for Croatia, Christian Loda, met with Prof. Dr  Anna-Maria Getoš Kalac, the newly appointed Head of the Coordination Board of the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) on the Protection of Fundamental Rights in police actions related to border surveillance, irregular migration, and international protection in Croatia. Their discussions focused on monitoring methodologies and practices that could enhance the effectiveness of the IMM.

In 2025, the CPT will continue to prioritise the treatment of foreign nationals deprived of their liberty. Police ill-treatment, particularly of foreign nationals, remains a persistent issue, requiring proper training, equipment, and management of police personnel, as well as effective oversight mechanisms, including the investigation and prosecution of ill-treatment cases. Additionally, the situation of foreign nationals in reception centres and immigration detention continues to be problematic in many countries.