Allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of prisoners shall be dealt with immediately

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 57

1. Every request or complaint shall be promptly dealt with and replied to without delay. If the request or complaint is rejected, or in the event of undue delay, the complainant shall be entitled to bring it before a judicial or other authority.

2. Safeguards shall be in place to ensure that prisoners can make requests or complaints safely and, if so requested by the complainant, in a confidential manner. A prisoner or other person mentioned in paragraph 4 of rule 56 must not be exposed to any risk of retaliation, intimidation or other negative consequences as a result of having submitted a request or complaint.

3. Allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of prisoners shall be dealt with immediately and shall result in a prompt and impartial investigation conducted by an independent national authority in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of rule 71».

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