The New Caledonia League of Human Rights has denounced conditions at Camp Est prison, after the deaths of two young inmates.
In August, the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, promised that a new prison would be built to replace Camp Est which dates back to the 19th century.
In early October, a 24 year old prisoner was beaten to death by other prisoners.
A few days later, another was found dead in his cell.
AFP reports the League as saying some prisoners are locked down 22 hours a day, showers do not work and at night, detainees are bitten by rats.
