…. Rights and duties of prison staff in the exercise of their functions, including respecting the human dignity of all prisoners and the prohibition of certain conduct

We present to your attention a selection of Minimum Standards on freedom from torture and ill-treatment, dedicated to Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on 18 July.

These minimum standards should be taken into account to promote humane conditions of imprisonment, to raise awareness that prisoners are an integral part of society and to recognize the value of the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance.

(Adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 70/175 on December 17, 2015).

«Rule 76

1. Training referred to in paragraph 2 of rule 75 shall include, at a minimum, training on:

1. Relevant national legislation, regulations and policies, as well as applicable international and regional instruments, the provisions of which must guide the work and interactions of prison staff with inmates;

1. Rights and duties of prison staff in the exercise of their functions, including respecting the human dignity of all prisoners and the prohibition of certain conduct, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
2. Security and safety, including the concept of dynamic security, the use of force and instruments of restraint, and the management of violent offenders, with due consideration of preventive and defusing techniques, such as negotiation and mediation;
3. First aid, the psychosocial needs of prisoners and the corresponding dynamics in prison settings, as well as social care and assistance, including early detection of mental health issues.

2. Prison staff who are in charge of working with certain categories of prisoners, or who are assigned other specialized functions, shall receive training that has a corresponding focus».

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules)