Nelson Mandela Rules & Bangkok Rules (Prisoner Treatment)

All persons deprived of liberty must be treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity, subject to lawful restrictions inherent in detention.

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, adopted in their revised form by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

They provide internationally recognized minimum standards for humane prison management, accommodation, healthcare, discipline, and protection of prisoners.

They are internationally recognized standards rather than a treaty that automatically creates identical directly enforceable obligations in every country.

Respect for prisoners' inherent dignity and value as human beings and protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Prison rules must be applied impartially without unjust discrimination, while individual needs and vulnerable groups should be appropriately considered.

Prisoners should enjoy access to necessary healthcare services consistent with standards available in the community, without discrimination based on legal status.

Qualified healthcare professionals exercising independent clinical judgment rather than nonmedical custodial personnel.

To protect sensitive health information and preserve professional trust, subject to lawful and ethically justified exceptions.

Prompt assessment, necessary emergency care, and referral or transfer when clinically indicated under appropriate custodial arrangements.

To provide appropriate accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and protection from discrimination consistent with applicable law and individual needs.

The United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, adopted in 2010.

To address the distinct needs and circumstances of women in custody and encourage appropriate noncustodial alternatives.

They supplement general prisoner treatment standards with guidance addressing the specific needs of women prisoners and women offenders.

Respect for privacy and dignity, with procedures conducted by appropriately trained personnel and consistent with applicable safeguards.

They must receive appropriate prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal healthcare, with custodial arrangements respecting applicable protections and medical needs.

The Bangkok Rules prohibit the use of instruments of restraint on women during labor, childbirth, and immediately after childbirth.

The child's best interests must be a primary consideration, alongside applicable law and the child's health and developmental needs.

An international treaty requiring states parties to take measures to prevent and address torture and related prohibited treatment.

Republic Act No. 9745, the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.

Specified intentional acts causing severe physical or mental pain or suffering for prohibited purposes, involving the public authority connection required by the law.

No. Superior orders do not provide a lawful justification for torture.

No. Torture is prohibited even during emergencies or exceptional security circumstances.

Republic Act No. 10353, which penalizes enforced or involuntary disappearance and establishes related safeguards.

They support accountability for custody, enable verification of a person's whereabouts, and help prevent unlawful or concealed detention.

Solitary confinement lasting more than 15 consecutive days.

Confinement of a prisoner for 22 hours or more per day without meaningful human contact.

It is prohibited, as are indefinite solitary confinement and other specified abusive disciplinary practices.

Restrictions or sanctions should be imposed only for legitimate purposes and to the extent justified under applicable law and institutional rules.

A disciplinary response should be appropriately related to the seriousness and circumstances of the misconduct.

To provide fair notice of expected conduct, prohibited acts, possible sanctions, and available procedures.

The use of established procedures that provide appropriate notice, an opportunity to respond, impartial consideration, and review safeguards.

It imposes sanctions on individuals without establishing their personal responsibility and conflicts with recognized humane treatment standards.

Corporal punishment is prohibited.

Such disciplinary sanctions are prohibited.

To provide an accessible process for raising complaints, requesting remedies, and reporting possible violations or unsafe conditions.

Protection against retaliation, intimidation, and other improper consequences for using authorized complaint procedures.

It allows prisoners to report sensitive matters without unnecessary exposure to persons who may be implicated in the complaint.

Prisoners should be able to practice their religion or beliefs within lawful and necessary institutional limitations, without discrimination.

To preserve constructive relationships, support psychological well-being, and facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration.

Prisoners should be allowed, under necessary supervision and applicable rules, to communicate regularly with family and friends through authorized means.

It supports access to justice, legal representation, and the ability to challenge unlawful or improper custodial action.

Persons awaiting trial must not be treated as though their criminal guilt has already been established.

To examine detention conditions, identify possible abuses, assess compliance, and promote accountability and improvement.

It has constitutional authority to investigate human rights violations involving civil and political rights and perform other functions within its mandate.

The obligation to provide necessary healthcare and the prohibition against using denial of essential medical care as punishment.

Prolonged solitary confinement, which the Rules prohibit.

The Bangkok Rules prohibit instruments of restraint during labor, childbirth, and immediately afterward.

A confidential, accessible reporting process, protection against retaliation, appropriate documentation, and independent or authorized investigation.

The prohibition against collective punishment and the requirement for individualized disciplinary responsibility.