Requests and complaints, including allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

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 8: The following information shall be entered in the prisoner file management system in the course of imprisonment, where applicable:

a) Information related to the judicial process, including dates of court hearings and legal representation;

b) Initial assessment and classification reports;

      c) Information related to behaviour and discipline;

      d) Requests and complaints, including allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, unless they are of a confidential nature;

      e) Information on the imposition of disciplinary sanctions;

      f) Information on the circumstances and causes of any injuries or death and, in the case of the latter, the destination of the remains».

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