MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 94 tionate to the offence committed, if they are arbitrary, or if they are an unjustifiable source of frustration or suffering. 2 Reference points ■ What behaviour and acts are sanctioned? ■ Who determines the sanctions and on what basis (written/oral report)? ■ Does the person have the possibility to defend himor herself? ■ Is the person informed of the charges against him/her? ■ What is the nature and length of the sanctions imposed? ■ How does the appeal mechanism work? ■ Are there appeals which have resulted in a positive outcome for the detained person? ■ How many persons were punished over a given period as compared with the total number of persons deprived of their freedom?