Blog of Rights
Ian
Kysel

Ian Kysel is the Aryeh Neier Fellow with the ACLU's Human Rights Program and the US Program at Human Rights Watch, where he focuses on the solitary confinement of youth in the United States. He is the author or co-author of human rights reports on solitary confinement, prison conditions for youth serving life without parole, and the resettlement of refugees to the United States. Before becoming a fellow, while a law student, Mr. Kysel was a co-coordinator of the International Migrants Bill of Rights Initiative, which is based at Georgetown, and he currently sits on its Steering Committee. Prior to law school, he worked with non-citizens seeking asylum. Mr. Kysel received a B.A. from Swarthmore College and a J.D. and a Certificate in Refugees & Humanitarian Emergencies from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a Global Law Scholar.

03/22/2013
Solitary Confinement

Ted Koppel Takes on the Widespread Solitary Confinement of Kids; Our Plea for Change

By Ian Kysel, Aryeh Neier Fellow, ACLU Human Rights Program at 11:22am

Ted Koppel is a legendary newsman, and, face-to-face, a formidable interviewer. A few weeks ago, in a warehouse in Brooklyn...

Read More»
04/09/2013
Solitary Confinement

International Body Slams U.S. Solitary Confinement Practices

By Ian Kysel, Aryeh Neier Fellow, ACLU Human Rights Program at 5:07pm

There are more than 80,000 people in solitary confinement in the United States. Last week, the widespread misuse and abuse of solitary confinement in jails and prisons across the country drew international condemnation when the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights criticized the United States following weeks of hearings on human rights practices across the Americas region.

Read More»
01/16/2013
Juvenile Detention

In California, an End to the Absolutely Devastating Practice of Locking Kids in Isolation in Juvenile Facilities May Be In Sight

By Ian Kysel, Aryeh Neier Fellow, ACLU Human Rights Program at 11:17am

Good news for kids in California who are locked in isolation in juvenile facilities: the state could effectively end the solitary confinement of youth in juvenile facilities this year. This desperately needed development comes care of Senator – and psychologist – Leland Yee of California, who introduced Senate Bill (SB) 61 last week. If passed, SB 61 would limit the use of solitary confinement of juveniles.

Read More»
10/10/2012
Juvenile Detention

Growing Up Locked Down: Youth in Solitary Confinement

By Ian Kysel, Aryeh Neier Fellow, ACLU Human Rights Program at 11:23am

Kids are being kept in solitary confinement, often for days and weeks at a time, supposedly “for their own good” – to protect them from adult prisoners – or punish them for bad behavior. But long-term solitary confinement isn’t good for anyone. In fact, isolation can be psychologically shattering for anyone, and it is especially harmful to young people.

In a new report out today from the ACLU and Human Rights Watch, “Growing Up Locked Down: Youth in Solitary Confinement in Jails and Prisons Across the United States,” I explore how the isolation of solitary confinement causes anguish, provokes serious mental and physical health problems, and works against rehabilitation for teenagers. The report is based on my own interviews and correspondence with more than 125 young people in 19 states who spent time in solitary confinement while under age 18, as well as with jail and/or prison officials in 10 states.

Read More»
Statistics image