MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 49 INTRODUCTION A FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE – A FRAMEWORK OF REASONING Monitoring conditions of detention involves checking that these conditions correspond to legal, scientific (e.g. medical), social, and moral standards. The general standards relating to the deprivation of liberty are contained for the most part in the international instruments and in relevant national legislation. The fundamental principles relating to the treatment of detainees form the most general standard setting framework for the deprivation of liberty. They are applicable to any person deprived of freedom wherever he or she may be held. Fundamental Principles relative to the treatment of detainees adopted by the Assembly General of the United Nations in its resolution 45/111 of 14 December 1990 ❶ All prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings. ❷ There shall be no discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. ❸ It is, however, desirable to respect the religious beliefs and cultural precepts of the group to which prisoners belong, whenever local conditions so require.