Assessing Compliance With The Nelson Mandela Rules

The overall purpose of this checklist is to assist Member States in conducting internal or administrative inspections to assess compliance of their national prison systems with the Nelson Mandela Rules, and thus to facilitate the practical application of the Rules at national level. More specifically, it aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of internal inspection systems conducted by the central prison administration as important agents of change now explicitly referred to in the Rules in their task of contributing to the creation of prison conditions and management in line with national law as well as with international standards and norms.

The overall purpose of this checklist is to assist Member States in conducting internal or administrative inspections to assess compliance of their national prison systems with the Nelson Mandela Rules, and thus to facilitate the practical application of the Rules at national level. More specifically, it aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of internal inspection systems conducted by the central prison administration as important agents of change now explicitly referred to in the Rules in their task of contributing to the creation of prison conditions and management in line with national law as well as with international standards and norms.

Through this handbook, UNODC seeks to formally acknowledge and articulate a problem endured by all jurisdictions and to underline the international commitment to addressing it. The aim of this handbook is not simply to address corruption once it occurs but also to help Member States prevent corruption and protect prisoners, staff and communities from its insidious consequences. This is without prejudice to the fact that the management of prisons is one of the most difficult and demanding tasks that societies require, and many prison leaders and staff work with great professionalism and commitment to provide safe, decent and just conditions in prisons.

Part Two. HUMAN RIGHTS

This guide was developed in the context of the OHCHR Treaty Body Capacity Building Programme, established by General Assembly Resolution 68/268 to support States parties in building their capacity to implement their treaty obligations, in this case, their obligations under the Optional Protocol. It seeks to respond to key questions frequently asked about National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), and to explain the four core functions of the mechanisms – visiting, providing advice, enhancing cooperation and educating – which are key to their effective functioning. It includes checklists and other guidance offering practical tools to aid their performance. It aims to assist both States planning to establish or seeking to strengthen their NPMs, as well as the staff of the NPMs themselves.

The Roadmap for the Development of Prison-based Rehabilitation Programs focuses on the three core areas of education, vocational training and work in prisons.