“It’s like living in a black hole”: Reevaluating the use of solitary confinement during COVID-19

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Japan in Focus

Guests: Charles Yuji Horioka, Kobe University and Shujiro Urata, Chairman of the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).


Key Question Being Explored in This Insight:

COVID-19 has brought about significant changes in daily behaviors, such as isolation and physical distancing, leading to increased loneliness and potential infringement on civil liberties. Quarantine and self-isolation measures are scientifically designed to save lives by preventing the spread of disease. Advocates calling solitary confinement a human rights violation say it can harm mental health. This new normal requires reassessing jail conditions and the effects of isolation on mental health due to the epidemic.

Institution: Faculti

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COVID-19 has brought about significant changes in daily behaviors, such as isolation and physical distancing, leading to increased loneliness and potential infringement on civil liberties.
Quarantine and self-isolation measures are scientifically designed to save lives by preventing the spread of disease.
Advocates calling solitary confinement a human rights violation say it can harm mental health. This new normal requires reassessing jail conditions and the effects of isolation on mental health due to the epidemic.

Image courtesy of interviewee. November 24, 2023

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