Respect for human rights includes the rights of prisoners. Standards concerning prisoner rights are established by various international documents. These documents have been recognised by a large number of states. Yet, in most cases, respect for the rights of prisoners falls short of these standards. How do we make them work in practice?
This manual lays down a road map for prison policy makers, prison staff, governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations who are concerned with prisoners to explain how the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (SMR) can be translated into policy and practice. It draws on past views and experience relevant to improving prison conditions.
The Handbook presents SMR rules grouped into eight areas of major concern:
- Basic and guiding principles of the SMR
- Disciplinary system and grievance mechanisms in prisons
- Living conditions of prisoners (basic necessities)
- Prisoners’ physical and mental health
- Prisoner contact with the outside world
- Rehabilitation and re-education programmes for prisoners
- Prison staff
- Prison inspections
It also addresses the UN prison rules concerning specific categories of prisoners such as juveniles. The Handbook doesn’t offer summary solutions. Policymakers and practitioners have to consider the following points:
- Not all prison situations are the same
- Each situation has to be studied independently
- Experiences from other situations should not be replicated as models, but used as sources for learning
- Solutions have to be tailored to meet particular needs
