Prisoners’ hunger strikes and the issue of force-feeding have become a matter of concern for many Western countries. The widespread and repeated nature of this situation, as well as its influence on prisoners’ and detainees’ fundamental rights, have troubled human rights scholars, governments, and international institutions and tribunals. Though their roles are not often discussed, in practice, policymakers and various state officials face serious complexities around the management of hunger strikes and have a critical part in their resolution. This Article provides an in-depth analysis and a critical examination of the international human rights norms that govern hunger strike situations and assesses their application in domestic settings. Based on this analysis, the Article offers practical recommendations and guidance for state officials to enhance the protection of this distinct group of persons and to assure the development of human rights-based national policies.
