A Monitoring Guide
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The Special Rapporteur on Torture has called on States to “undertake specific training and capacity-building programmes designed
to sensitize law enforcement authorities and detention facility staff to the specific circumstances and unique needs of female and
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender prisoners and standards
such as the Bangkok Rules77.” Such training modules should draw
inspiration from the Yogyakarta Principles and should be devised
with the support of NGOs with specialized expertise on these issues. The involvement of LGBTI organisations in the delivery of
trainings is usually very beneficial. Sensitisation and training ultimately lead to a clearer understanding of, and an improved ability to handle, particular situations. Staff should furthermore be
trained on specific and practical issues, including but not limited
to non-discriminatory approaches to body searches, classification,
and placement, and the identification of specific forms of violence
and victimisation, especially from fellow inmates.
However, in many instances no reference is made to LGBTI detainees in either initial or basic trainings, or in specialized modules
and continuing education for prison staff. The direct consequence
of such omissions is to continue fostering the invisibility of the
specific needs of LGBTI detainees, and the perpetuation of prevailing taboos and stereotypes. This shortcoming additionally means
that when prison staff face specific situations involving LGBTI detainees, they are unlikely to know how, or to be able to, adequately
respond because of a lack of knowledge, and may be likely to display discriminatory attitudes and behave in discriminatory ways
without being sanctioned by their superiors.
Training should not be limited to security staff and should include
other specialists, including healthcare staff. It is particularly im-
77
Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment, A/HRC/31/57, 24 February 2016, para. 70.
Chapter III
for prison staff. In order to prevent discriminatory attitudes and
practices and to tackle existing prejudice, training should include specific content on sexual orientation and gender identity and
expression.
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