30 SUHAKAM include rebuilding of the relationship between the families and former offenders in the Prison Department’s post-release programme. vi. Limited access to basic hygiene needs of inmates The female inmates highlighted the lack of basic hygiene essentials such as soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, and sanitary towels. Most of the time, there was an insufficient supply of these essentials to meet the needs of female inmates. SUHAKAM sees the need for government to increase the supply of hygiene essentials, as specified in Article 15 of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners that “Prisoners shall be required to keep their persons clean, and to this end they shall be provided with water and with such toilet articles as are necessary for health and cleanliness”. SUHAKAM also recommends that the Prisons Department includes training on gender-sensitivity and the specific needs of female inmates in a holistic manner in the administration of its prisons. The Way Forward SUHAKAM will continue to intensify the implementation of its statutory mandate to promote and provide education on human rights in Malaysia as part of its efforts to strengthen respect for and encourage public discourse on human rights in Malaysia. Capacity building courses for professionals and public outreach programmes are in the works. The key initiatives include an engagement with the Conference of Rulers to raise awareness of children’s rights, meetings with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Members of Parliament and representatives of State Assemblies to campaign for Malaysia’s accession to the UNCAT, youth leader programmes and human rights public service announcements.