
Deaths in custody reach record high: Legal help and Human Rights insights
Deaths in prison custody have reached a record high, raising urgent human rights concerns. New figures show a sharp rise in self-inflicted deaths, self-harm and unsafe conditions across the prison estate. Chronic staff shortages, widespread drug use, inadequate mental health care and serious safeguarding failures are placing lives at risk. When someone dies in custody, inquests play a vital role in uncovering the truth and holding public authorities to account.




















