Deprivation of liberty, which is characterised by an imbalance of power between representatives of the authority and detainees, results in risks of all types of abuse, including ill-treatment and torture.

The right to information is important for legal proceedings for persons in pre-trial detention (including the information required for an appeal) as well as when it comes to the rights, obligations and rules of life in detention.

There are different types of records kept in prisons, and each performs a particular function.

Torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment are absolutely prohibited in any circumstances and can never be justified. 

Prison authorities have a positive obligation to prevent violence amongst the detainees they are responsible for.

he way prison staff perceive the quality of their working life and how they are treated by managers and colleagues has a significant impact on the atmosphere in detention and the treatment of prisoners.

Training is important so prison staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude to perform their duties well and with respect for the rights and dignity of detainees. Prison work is complex and requires a variety of skills.

Recruitment processes play a key role in ensuring prisons have staff with the required skills, knowledge and attitude to perform their role with respect for the dignity and human rights of detainees.

Health staff working in prisons have the same professional and ethical obligations to their patients as staff working in the community health services.  However, the particularities of the prison environment in which the main objectives of th

Some individuals and groups in detention may have specific health care needs that need to be addressed on an equivalent level to that in the community.