1. PRISON MANAGEMENT 122 The information provided to prisoners should include positive measures aimed at preventing problems before they occur, including, for example, information on any available peer support programmes, anti-bullying initiatives and other measures they can take to protect themselves or others. 1 How should the information be communicated? 30 123 Rule 55 details the way in which information should be communicated to prisoners. Prison authorities are obligated to ensure that all prisoners receive such information in a language and format they can understand. 124 Arriving to prison is confusing and disorientating for many, and prisoners may not be able to take in all the information presented to them at this time. It may also be that prison staff cannot provide all relevant information immediately on admission, particularly if they are dealing with large numbers of arrivals. If it is not possible to provide information immediately on admission, it should be made available as soon as possible thereafter. 125 If prisoners have questions or need clarifications, they should be able to ask for, and receive, more information at any time during their detention. 126 Staff should receive training on how to impart information to prisoners, including how to do so clearly and with sensitivity to newly arrived prisoners. Information should be provided to prisoners via conversation rather than simply handing out pamphlets or giving lectures.51 127 All information should also be provided in writing, and in an accessible format, so that every prisoner has a copy. It may not be necessary to provide all prisoners with every potentially applicable rule and regulation, particularly as this information may be overwhelming for some. However, prisoners should, at the very least, be given copies of the most relevant rules and regulations, or a summary version, and be offered the opportunity to receive copies of other regulations upon request. 128 Those who require the assistance of an interpreter, who are illiterate or who cannot understand the rules and regulations for other reasons, should be given the opportunity to have the information presented to them, and to ask questions, at a later time. It is likely that interpreters will not be available immediately upon admission, and it could take some time to find an appropriately skilled person. In these circumstances, prisons should make efforts to find a way to explain the most essential rules and regulations, including through other prisoners who speak the language or through telephone interpretation. However, prison administrations should be aware of the dangers of using non-independent, un-vetted interpreters. 129 Any changes to prison laws and regulations, the rights and obligations of prisoners and other relevant matters, must also be communicated to each prisoner during the course of her or his detention, in a language or format he or she understands. PROMISING PRACTICE: PICTURE IT IN PRISON – DICTIONARY FOR FOREIGN NATIONAL PRISONERS [1.9] The organization Prison Watch52 developed a universal picture dictionary for foreign national prisoners who do not speak the main language of the prison they are held in, to help both prisoners and staff overcome common language obstacles. The booklet known as Picture it in Prison consists of over 460 pictures that are arranged by theme. Sixty basic words and sentences have been translated into Arabic, Albanian, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, Swahili and Swedish. To date Picture it in Prison has been used in prisons in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden and the United Kingdom.53 51 52 53 51. Essex paper 3, Penal Reform International and the University of Essex, op. cit., note 4, p. 28. 52. Prison Watch is an independent organisation that carries out research and provides training on prison related topics. Prison Watch specialises in foreign national prisoners and independent monitoring, see: www.prisonwatch.org/about-prison-watch.html. 53. Picture it in Prison, Prison Watch at www.prisonwatch.org/picture-it-in-prison.html. Guidance document on the Nelson Mandela Rules