MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 132 RELIGION Standards “If the institution contains a sufficient number of prisoners of the same religion, a qualified representative of that religion shall be appointed or approved. If the number of prisoners justifies it and conditions permit, the arrangement should be on a full-time basis. 4 2. A qualified representative appointed or approved under paragraph 1 shall be allowed to hold regular services and to pay pastoral visits in private to prisoners of his religion at proper time. 3. Access to a qualified representative of any religion shall not be refused to any prisoner. On the other hand, if any prisoner should object to a visit of any religious representative, his attitude shall be fully respected. 4. So far as practicable, every prisoner shall be allowed to satisfy the needs of his religious life by attending the services provided in the institution and having in his possession the books of religious observance and instruction of his denomination.” SMR, Rule 41 “So far as practicable, every prisoner shall be allowed to satisfy the needs of his religious, spiritual and moral life by attending the services or meetings provided in the institution and having in his possession any necessary books or literature.” EPR, Rule 46 (See also EPR, Rule 47.) Comments Freedom of religion is a basic human right, and prisoners should have the possibility of exercising it. It is a right and not an obligation, and it should include the individual’s right to exercise religious convictions but also the collective right to attend religious services. The