the use of long-term solitary confinement, along with other grievances, has triggered organized resistance from prisoners and advocacy groups in the united states. prisoners in california and elsewhere have launched hunger strikes, citing cruel and unusual uses of solitary confinement as a major reason. hundreds of prisoners in the united states, acting through the center for human rights and constitutional law, have in 2012 filed a petition against solitary confinement at the united nations. the petition alleges that solitary confinement constitutes torture and should be addressed by the international community.