Balancing security and dignity in prisons:
a framework for preventive monitoring
Penal Reform International and the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)
would like to thank Andrea Huber, Barbara Bernath, Rob Allen and Edouard
Delaplace for drafting this paper.
This paper has been produced under Penal Reform International’s project
Strengthening Institutions and Building Civil Society Capacity to Combat Torture
in 9 CIS Countries, in partnership with the Association for the Prevention of Torture
and with the financial assistance of the European Instrument for Democracy and
Human Rights (EIDHR).
The reprint and update of this paper to incorporate the 2015 revised Standard
Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) was
made possible by the financial assistance of the UK Government.
The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Penal Reform
International and can in no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of
the European Union or the UK Government.
This publication may be freely reviewed, abstracted, reproduced and translated,
in part or in whole, but not for sale or for use in conjunction with commercial
purposes. Any changes to the text of this publication must be approved by Penal
Reform International. Due credit must be given to Penal Reform International and to
this publication. Enquiries should be addressed to publications@penalreform.org.
Cover illustration by John Bishop
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ISBN: 978-1-909521-51-3
Second edition © Penal Reform International 2015.
First published in 2013.
Penal Reform International (PRI) is an independent non-governmental organisation that develops
and promotes fair, effective and proportionate responses to criminal justice problems worldwide.
We promote alternatives to prison which support the rehabilitation of offenders, and promote the right of
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