A physical examination of an inmate's anus (known as an intimate body cavity search) is considered a severe human rights violation under international law unless strict, highly exceptional criteria are met. [
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According to the United Nations and human rights watchdogs, routine or forced physical cavity searches violate the absolute prohibition against torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. [
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The Situation in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, physical and visual body searches of inmates upon entering prison are technically mandatory to prevent contraband. However, the application of these searches has faced major legal and human rights challenges: [
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