NCJ Number
107969
Date Published
1985
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A survey was conducted to examine implementation of the United Nation's standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners.
Abstract
Responses were received from 58 member States, as well as international organizations. All countries expressed agreement with the basic principles of the rules, and most had embodied these principles in their legislation. The principle most universally adhered to was the separation of categories of offenders, especially by age, sex, and type of crime. A majority of countries also had implemented minimum standards for clothing and bedding, personal hygiene, medical services, inmate information and complaints, facility inspections, and religious and recreational services. Rules applicable to special categories of prisoners (e.g., insane and mentally abnormal, civil, uncharged) also had been implemented by a majority of countries. Major impediments to implementation related to social, cultural, and financial constraints. Increased publicization, resources, planning, and training were recommended to facilitate implementation at the national level. 1 table.