Introduction

The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners have constituted the universally acknowledged minimum standards for the management of prison facilities and the treatment of prisoners, and have been of tremendous value and influence in the development of prison laws, policies and practices in Member States all over the world. Following an extensive inter-governmental review process initiated to reflect advances in international law and correctional science, the General Assembly adopted, in 2015, a revised set of the rules as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). A truly updated blueprint for prison management in the twenty-first century, the rules were to be known as the Nelson Mandela Rules in order to honour the legacy of the late President of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who had to spend 27 years in prison in the course of his struggle for human rights, democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions