In May 2022, the CPT noted that strip searches were still being ordered by prison directors, despite earlier recommendations. They were performed by the prison staff, of the same sex when possible. In the facilities visited by the CPT, the prisoners were subjected to strip searches where they were required to remove all of their clothes at once and squat, which could be considered inhuman and degrading treatment. Complaints had been filed from prisoners in the EBI, TA and BPG units concerning overly frequent searches, which were sometimes performed by staff members of a different sex.

At Aruba Correctional Institution (Korrectie Instituut Aruba – KIA), some collective search incidents were reported, during which prisoners were ordered to undress completely and form a line in the corridor while their cells were searched. In July 2018, all the women were searched, and body cavity searches were carried out by a female member of the medical staff. Male staff members were present during the examinations.

In May 2022, the CPT noted that no log existed to record excessive use of force by staff, and such records that did exist lacked detailed, up-to-date information. The prison directors could still order the use of restraints on prisoners in solitary confinement for a maximum of 24 hours. This measure could be extended several times, each time for an additional 24 hours, after consultation by a doctor.

At Centre for Detention and Correction Curaçao (SDKK), registers should be updated following incidents, but they were not, except in the case of serious incidents.

In May 2022, the CPT noted that the capacity of terrorist units (Terroristen Afdeling, TA) had increased in recent years from 48 to 70. In addition to the existing units at Vught Prison and De Schie Prison (Rotterdam), a third unit with a capacity of 10 women opened in August 2020 at Zwolle Prison. Multidisciplinary, individualised reintegration programmes have been established for each prisoner. Several people, especially at Zwolle Prison, voiced a desire for additional de-radicalisation support.

The conditions in solitary confinement cells are austere. Typically, mattresses are removed during the day. Prisoners are required to wear paper underwear and are prohibited from wearing socks; there is no access to potable water at the faucets, no sinks are available, toilets are made of metal and lack seats. Shower privileges are extended only once every three days. Lighting is externally controlled, and the cells are devoid of sheets, equipped only with a single blanket. The doors are reinforced, and the windows are obscured, blocking any view outside.

In contrast, some facilities have upgraded specific cells. These renovated cells are painted in warm hues and furnished with curtains or a television set. Unlike the typical delivery through a hatch in the door, food is served to prisoners by staff who open the doors to these cells. Additionally, prisoners placed in solitary confinement maintain their original cell allocation.

Some solitary units are not permanently staffed. Vulnerable individuals placed in solitary for security reasons are often supervised remotely by camera or by staff stationed outside the unit. Camera surveillance in solitary cells is limited and requires the prison director’s authorisation. Such conditions can intensify the trauma of these prisoners, heightening the dangers linked to isolation.

In May 2022, the CPT noted that the solitary confinement cells in Vught Prison’s BPG unit were inadequately cleaned and poorly ventilated. These cells were equipped with toilets, foam blocks to be used as beds and tables, a call system and CCTV cameras. They were not equipped with real beds, tables or chairs. The CCTV cameras showed the toilet area and could only be switched on if medical advice placed a person under observation for protection reasons. Prisoners who had been held in these cells stated that they had been instructed to clean the cells at the end of their time there. When the CPT visited, the cells smelled of urine.

The condition of the solitary confinement cells for women at Aruba Correctional Institution (Korrectie Instituut Aruba – KIA) was austere. Nothing was provided beyond a concrete platform, which served as a bed, and a sanitary area that was not separated from the rest of the cell. Once the door closed, no natural light could enter, and the artificial lighting was often switched off to avoid emitting too much heat. The cells did not have call bells.

At Point Blanche Prison in Sint Maarten, the solitary confinement cells were not kept in good repair. They were dirty, with visible black mould on the walls, no furniture, and water leaking from the ceilings, and they were hot and did not have fans.

Curaçao Centre for Detention and Correction (SDKK) did not use solitary confinement as a punishment because the facility did not have any suitable disciplinary cells. In most cases, prisoners had their visiting rights taken away instead.

Prisoners in solitary confinement are automatically excluded from participating in their usual activities as a disciplinary sanction.

In some facilities, prisoners have access to blackboards, with chalk available upon request.

No efforts toward rehabilitation or reintegration are undertaken for individuals held in isolation cells.