reduction in pretrial periods, inclusion of time served on custodial remand in sentence calculation, increased use of non-custodial sentences, opportunities for remission/release on parole/other forms of release and programmes for re-integration of prisoners into the community and drug rehabilitation programmes so as to reduce the risk of re-offending, inter alia. Furthermore, the SPT is of the view that the legislation concerning sentence maximum requires reconsideration in the light of proportionality (for example up to 25 years or life sentence for minor drug offences) in order to reduce the pressure on the prison system of long sentences for minor drug offences and the resulting overcrowded conditions. 13. Activities and education 221.The delegation noted that there were virtually no activities for prisoners held in the Maafushi prison and in the Malé Remand Centre. In discussions with the authorities, the delegation was informed that this lack of activities was the main reason for the rioting that took place in June 2007. 222.However, the SPT is encouraged by the information provided by the authorities according to which they are intending to introduce certain basic activities such as handicrafts and farming, as well as libraries, gyms and recreational spaces for the well-being of prisoners. Certain educational activity was also being conducted in the Maafushi prison, however, at the time of the visit, it involved less than 10% of prisoners. 223.From the SPT’s viewpoint, lack of activities can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of persons deprived of their liberty. Work and education are also important elements in preparing the prisoners for life outside prison. In addition, programmes and activities for prisoners play an important role in ensuring safety of prisoners and staff, and are thus key elements in prevention of ill-treatment. If too many prisoners are left in enforced idleness for long periods, this, like poor conditions, increases the tensions in a custodial institution and counteracts efforts to establish dynamic security through positive relations and activities. The SPT recommends that the authorities make more concerted efforts to provide programmes and activities, including work and education, for all prisoners . 14. Outdoor exercise and contact with outside world 224.The SPT has observed that no outdoor exercise was available for prisoners held in units 1 (segregation unit) and 2 (prisoners considered as “dangerous”) in Maafushi Prison. Furthermore, at Maafushi, most of the prisoners who had the possibility to use the yard reportedly spent their time in the cells. Staff working in the prison confirmed that prisoners did not go out. The yard of the unit 2 was large and could be an excellent place for exercise but it had not been used for many months. The SPT recommends that outside exercise is provided for all prisoners including those placed in the segregation unit. Prisoners considered requiring special attention by the staff for security reasons could be taken out to the yard in shifts. 225.The authorities informed the delegation that the last riots in the Maafushi prison in December 2007 were due to cancellation of family visits. The SPT considers that maintaining contact with the outside world and, in particular, sustaining family and other affective ties is an important element of custodial care and crucial for the eventual reintegration of prisoners into society without re-offending. Moreover, the ability to communicate with family and friends can be a safeguard against ill-treatment, which tends to flourish in closed establishments. The SPT recommends that rules for visiting times and duration of visits be clear and posted in writing at the entrance of each prison. Disciplinary measures should not include limiting contacts with the outside world. 15. Health care 226.During the visit, the delegation was informed about the challenges faced by the authorities to provide medical care for prisoners in the Maldives and understood from talks with officials of the Ministry of Health and the Medical Commission for Maafushi that the authorities were working hard to find solutions to these challenges. For example, the delegation was informed that the main aim of the Medical Commission for Maafushi was to improve standards of medical care in prison; as a step toward this aim there are plans to provide prison doctors with guidelines on specific procedures, for example, on screening new arrivals and to build a new hospital for Maafushi prison. 227.At the time of the visit, at Maafushi prison there were two doctors working full-time and one part-time, one x-ray technician, six nurses, one laboratory technician and two pharmacists. The delegation was informed that it was difficult to recruit new staff and to get specialist doctors to come to Maafushi Prison, in particular psychiatrists, psychologists and gynaecologists and female general practitioners to care for the women. Examination and treatment by specialist doctors took place in Male and there were long waiting lists for prisoners to be brought there, partly because of logistical constraints. However, there were no medical staff working at the Malé Remand Centre, which allegedly caused delays in access to a doctor. Apart from this, it seems that the level of health care offered in prison is equivalent to that of the population in general, and it is free of charge. 228. The SPT welcomes the steps of the authorities to improve standards of medical care in prison and recommends that practical solutions to be put in place through coordinated efforts of the prison authorities and the Ministry of Health. Attention should be paid to providing access to specialists, in particular to psychiatrists, for all prisoners in need of specialized medical treatment. 229.The SPT notes with concern that requests from prisoners, particularly from those held in Unit 1 at Maafushi prison, to see a doctor were collected by prison officers who assessed their appropriateness and thereby filtered requests. Members of the delegation heard allegations from a prisoner that requests to see a doctor, in order to have lesions that were inflicted by officers documented and treated, were turned down by the same group of officers. The doctor of the delegation examined this prisoner and found medical evidence in accordance with the history of ill-treatment that had