It shall not be imposed by virtue of a prisoner’s sentence. 2. The imposition
of solitary confinement should be prohibited in the case of prisoners with
mental or physical disabilities when their conditions would be exacerbated
by such measures. The prohibition of the use of solitary confinement and
similar measures in cases involving women and children, as referred to in other
United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice,
continues to apply.”
• Rule 46: “1. Health-care personnel shall not have any role in the imposition
of disciplinary sanctions or other restrictive measures. They shall, however,
pay particular attention to the health of prisoners held under any form of
involuntary separation, including by visiting such prisoners on a daily basis
and providing prompt medical assistance and treatment at the request of
such prisoners or prison staff.”
Restraint
• Rule 47: “1. The use of chains, irons or other instruments of restraint which
are inherently degrading or painful shall be prohibited. 2. Other instruments
of restraint shall only be used when authorized by law and in the following
circumstances: (a) As a precaution against escape during a transfer, provided
that they are removed when the prisoner appears before a judicial or
administrative authority; (b) By order of the prison director, if other methods
of control fail, in order to prevent a prisoner from injuring himself or herself
or others or from damaging property; in such instances, the director shall
immediately alert the physician or other qualified health-care professionals
and report to the higher administrative authority.”
• Rule 48: “1. When the imposition of instruments of restraint is authorized in
accordance with paragraph 2 of rule 47, the following principles shall apply:
(a) Instruments of restraint are to be imposed only when no lesser form
of control would be effective to address the risks posed by unrestricted
movement; (b) The method of restraint shall be the least intrusive method
that is necessary and reasonably available to control the prisoner’s movement,
based on the level and nature of the risks posed; (c) Instruments of restraint
shall be imposed only for the time period required, and they are to be removed
as soon as possible after the risks posed by unrestricted movement are no
longer present. (d) Instruments of restraint shall never be used on women
during labour, during childbirth and immediately after childbirth.”
• Rule 49: “The prison administration should seek access to, and provide
training in the use of, control techniques that would obviate the need for the
imposition of instruments of restraint or reduce their intrusiveness.”
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