18th MODEL UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOPIC PREPARATION GUIDE 6A: RIGHTS OF

PRISON CONDITIONS systems all over the world run corrupt and neglected institutions where prisoners suffer innumerable human rights violations. Insufficient supervision, access to weapons, lack of separation of different categories of prisoners, and competition for basic needs encourages -on- prisoner in many facilities. , extortion, and are among the many suffered by inmates—especially at the lowest level of the prison hierarchy. Presenting chronic problems of , guards often abuse their power.

There are a number of international treaties that protect the human rights of prisoners.

The two main standards on the rights of prisoners are The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or (Torture Convention). Both prohibit torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment—without exception.

Article 10 of the ICCPR, decrees that all imprisoned people be treated with humanity and respect; it also requires that aim for the reform and social reintegration of prisoners. Many people come out of prison unable to support themselves or adapt socially to the society they were isolated from. This often leaves them with little avenue but to repeat or worsen criminal behavior.

THE UNITED NATIONS United Nations Human Rights Committee HRC is body of independent experts that monitors the application of the ICCFPR by its Member States. The states that have ratified the treaty are obligated to submit reports to the committee.

After examining the report, the committee makes recommendations and addresses its concerns. Individuals have the ability to complain directly to the committee if the state in question has granted that power through an optional protocol. (The second optional protocol of the ICCFPR aims to abolish the death penalty). Overall, HRC endorses the idea that states are duty-bound to treat imprisoned people with human dignity.

United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners was adopted by the U.N. Economic and Social Council in 1957. The Standard Minimum Rules are not a treaty, it’s an established guide on how governments can follow international legal obligations and respect human rights in penal systems. Although it is not a model system set out in detail, it is a general consensus of best practices and essential elements for the treatment of prisoners. Not all rules can be applied due to legal, social, economic and geographical conditions of the world, but states must strive to overcome these difficulties. « covers the general management of institutions—applicable to all categories of prison « treatment of prisoners « management of institutions set aside for young people

QUESTIONS Is your state part of an international treaty on the rights of prisoners? « Which ones? What is your states incarceration and reincarceration rate? « How does your state work to reintegrate into society and reform prisoners? How can your state improve the human rights standards of prisons?

RESOURCES https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/basicprinciplestreatmentofprisoners.aspx https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/treatmentofprisoners.aspx https://www.hrw.org/legacy/advocacy/prisons/stndrds.htm https://www.hrw.org/legacy/advocacy/prisons/abuses.htm https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/ccpr/pages/ccprindex.aspx