Internees are individuals who are confined or held captive in a particular location, usually under the authority or control of a government or military force, during times of war, political unrest, or conflict. The term "internees" is commonly used to describe individuals who are detained or restricted for reasons such as nationality, ethnicity, political beliefs, or other factors that are deemed to be a threat or during situations where the state believes it is necessary to maintain security or control.
Internees often undergo a process of forced relocation or confinement and are generally detained in internment camps, prison facilities, or designated settlements specifically established for this purpose. They may be subject to strict regulations, surveillance, and limited freedom of movement. Internees are commonly segregated from the wider community and may endure harsh living conditions, limited access to basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education, and may also be subjected to various forms of abuse or mistreatment.
International law and human rights standards dictate that internees should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. However, historically, internees have been subjected to grave violations of their rights, with instances of mass internment occurring during various periods of conflict and political upheaval throughout history. The experience of internees is often marked by a loss of personal liberty, profound disruption to their lives, and lasting psychological and emotional impacts.
