France, May 13 -- The visit, scheduled from 17 to 23 May and announced by the organisation on Tuesday, follows France's 2008 ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, which allows independent international experts to inspect detention facilities and work with authorities on safeguards against abuse.

The mission had previously been postponed due to financial constraints, according to the statement.

During the week-long visit, the delegation will have direct access to detention facilities throughout France as part of its mandate to monitor the treatment of people deprived of their liberty.

The experts are expected to inspect prisons, police and gendarmerie custody facilities, psychiatric institutions and ad...