UN Experts Warn of Critical Risk to UK Hunger-Striking Detainees
ben83735
7 hours ago
1 min read
UN human rights experts have voiced grave concern for individuals imprisoned in the UK who have been on hunger strike. They said hunger strikes are often a last resort for people who believe their rights to protest and seek remedy have been exhausted.
The detainees’ health has reportedly deteriorated sharply, placing them at critical risk of organ failure, neurological damage, cardiac complications, and death. The experts stressed that the State’s duty of care is heightened and requires timely access to emergency and hospital treatment, respect for medical ethics, and protection from coercion or retaliation.
They raised concerns over reported delays in medical care, the use of excessive restraint during hospital treatment, denial of contact with family members and legal counsel, and a lack of consistent independent medical oversight, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions. The experts said these reports raise serious questions about the UK’s compliance with international human rights law, including obligations to protect life and prevent cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
They urged the UK Government to immediately guarantee appropriate healthcare for all hunger strikers and to engage in meaningful dialogue to address both the protesters’ claims and underlying rights violations. Warning that preventable deaths in custody are never acceptable, the experts said urgent action is required and confirmed they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
