This volume presents a compilation of cross-disciplinary essays written by representatives of non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations, practising lawyers, academics, researchers and a psychiatrist, which reflect the heightened concern among European refugee and human rights organisations about the increasing practice of detaining asylum seekers. Topics explored include recent trends in western, central and eastern Europe; detention practice in the US, Canada and Australia; UNHCR's approach to detention of refugees and asylum seekers; and the mental health implications of detention from a psycho-medical viewpoint. In addition, the relevant European and UN legal instruments are analysed, and examples are given from the case law. The book is supplemented by detailed appendices setting out the texts of relevant international legal provisions, together with a number of other reference documents, including UNHCR's 1995 Guidelines on Detention and ECRE's 1996 and 1997 papers on detention and alternatives to detention. In addition to providing both a description of current practice and a theoretical, legal analysis of this type of administrative detention, this volume is intended to serve as a practical tool and source of reference for individuals and organisations engaged in defending the rights of asylum seekers today.