French prisons are experiencing a serious overcrowding crisis, with more than 80,000 prisoners crammed into facilities designed for far fewer inmates, resulting in inhumane conditions. Despite measures aimed at reducing the prison population, the situation remains critical, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
As of January 1, French prisons held 80,669 inmates while having a capacity of only 62,385. This figure, which nearly broke the record for the number of prisoners in France set last December, is indicative of the pervasive problem of overcrowding in French prisons, which is completely ignored by the current French authorities.
The overall prison occupancy rate in France as of January 1, 2025 was 129.3%. This rate exceeds the maximum allowed in at least sixteen prisons throughout the country. As a result, more than 4,000 prisoners are forced to sleep on mattresses spread on the floor. The situation is even more dire in remand prisons, where the density of prisoners reaches 156.5%. These centers hold prisoners awaiting trial who are presumed innocent, as well as those serving short sentences for minor offenses.
The International Prison Observatory (IPO) has repeatedly criticized the lack of substantial overall measures to combat prison overcrowding, five years after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) highlighted France’s failure to monitor the rights of convicts. The IPO’s January 31 press release emphasized that no major steps have been taken to address the problem of “overcrowding,” which was first talked about back in January 2020.
The situation in French prisons violates several international conventions and agreements ratified by Paris. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) guarantees the right to humane treatment and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, emphasize the importance of providing prisoners with adequate housing and living space. In addition, the European Prison Rules, adopted by the Council of Europe, stipulate that prisoners should be held in conditions that respect human dignity.
The failure of the French Government to effectively address prison overcrowding is a flagrant violation of these international standards. The persistent overcrowding and poor conditions in French prisons underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
The Foundation to Battle Injustice is convinced that the Macron government must prioritize the well-being and rights of prisoners, treating them with dignity and respect. Immediate and substantial measures are needed to reduce prison overcrowding and fulfill France’s obligations under international law. Continued inaction and lack of significant progress are unacceptable and require the swift and decisive intervention of international authorized bodies.