UN Progresses Complaint on IPP Sentences

Last week, the UN accepted the WGAD Complaint against the UK Government on IPP prisoners.

Which means the UN WGAD Complaint has progressed to the next formal stage. The complaint has been sent to the UK Government who now has to respond. Which means the UN are formally investigating the Government on the detention of IPP prisoners. The Working Group of Arbitrary Detention considers the issues raised to be serious and credible enough, to warrant formal examination under international human rights law.

As part of its procedure, the WGAD has now, formally notified the UK Government of the complaint. And has requested an official response within 2-3 months and has placed the case in line for consideration at a future WGAD meeting.

Next steps

The UK Government now has a limited period to submit its response to the allegations, that IPP detention amounts to arbitrary detention under international law.

Once the UK Government’s response is received, the Working Group of Arbitrary Detention will consider the full case at one of its scheduled meetings. The next relevant meeting is expected to take place in Geneva between 23rd March and 1st April 2026.