E/CN.4/2004/56 page 15 contraceptives and means of maintaining sexual and reproductive health from censoring, withholding or intentionally misrepresenting health-related information, including sexual education and information. 57. The Special Rapporteur would like to recall the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners which, inter alia, state that “sick prisoners who require specialist treatment shall be transferred to specialized institutions or to civil hospitals. Where hospital facilities are provided in an institution, their equipment, furnishings and pharmaceutical supplies shall be proper for the medical care and treatment of sick prisoners, and there shall be a staff of suitable trained officers” (para. 22 (2)). 58. It must also be noted that prisoners should also be entitled to benefit from their right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress in the context of HIV/AIDS.12 59. Furthermore, as stated in the recommendations for the implementation of (revised) guideline 6 of the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, “States should ensure that domestic legislation provides for prompt and effective remedies in cases in which a person living with HIV/AIDS is denied or not provided access to treatment, care and support.”13 60. The general principle of non-discrimination as set out in numerous human rights instruments is closely related to the prohibition of torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in the context of HIV/AIDS. First of all, it must be recalled that in resolution 1999/49 the Commission on Human Rights reiterated that the term “or other status” in non-discrimination provisions in international human rights texts should be interpreted to cover health status, including HIV/AIDS. 61. It must also be noted, as the former Special Rapporteur, Sir Nigel Rodley, observed in his report to the General Assembly (A/55/290, paras. 34-37), that marginalized populations, including people living in poverty, are particularly vulnerable to torture. In the context of HIV/AIDS, it is often the most marginalized who are vulnerable to HIV and its consequences, as they are less likely to have access to information, prevention, testing, treatment and support. 62. Furthermore, discrimination against certain groups heightens their vulnerability to torture. In this context, the Special Rapporteur would like to stress that, in view of the discrimination and stigma suffered by people living with HIV/AIDS in some societies, these individuals become possible targets for torture. Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS can also affect their capacity to access the justice system. Because of the discriminatory attitudes towards them, when they are victims of torture, people living with HIV/AIDS are sometimes deprived of the means of claiming and ensuring the enforcement of their rights, including the right to legal representation, and of asking for redress and reparation. In this case, the discrimination they suffer from could reinforce impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of acts of torture and ill-treatment. In this context, the Special Rapporteur would like to highlight guideline 5 of the International Guidelines which calls upon States to “enact or strengthen anti-discrimination and other protective laws that protect … people living with HIV/AIDS … from discrimination … and provide for speedy and effective administrative and civil remedies”. The Special Rapporteur would also like to recall paragraph 3 of the Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance which urges States to “strengthen national mechanisms to promote and