Review of the standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners 2013, para. 49

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Paragraph text: The fundamental role of authorities to exercise effective control over places of deprivation of liberty and ensure the personal safety of prisoners from physical, sexual or emotional abuse should be further strengthened as one of the most important obligations (see the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, para. 9, and the European Prison Rules, rule 52.2). In this respect, preventive measures include increasing the number of personnel sufficiently trained in using non-violent means of resolving conflicts (see CAT/C/BGR/CO/4-5, para. 23 (c), and A/HRC/7/3/Add.3, para. 90 (t)); promptly and efficiently investigating all reports of inter-prisoner violence and prosecuting and punishing those responsible; and offering protective custody to vulnerable individuals without marginalizing them from the prison population more than is required for their protection. Given the intrusive nature of internal surveillance devices as a control and early warning mechanism, such devices should be administered by specialized security personnel trained to strike a balance between exercising security functions and treating persons with respect for their dignity, including by demonstrating respect for and being sensitive to cultural and religious diversity.

Body: Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

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