Political prisoners often endure deplorable conditions, including torture, isolation, and denial of legal and family contact. An estimated one million political prisoners worldwide face such abuses. According to Freedom House, disappearances, either during transfers or through indefinite incommunicado detentions, increase prisoners’ vulnerability and hinder international advocacy efforts. To combat these practices, Freedom House outlines key recommendations including advocating for transparent case reviews and ensuring that disappeared political prisoners remain in the public eye as well as supporting local human rights lawyers to document abuses and seek accountability.

Read Freedom House’s policy brief here.