ESSEX PAPER 3: INITIAL GUIDANCE ON THE INTERPRETATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UN NELSON MANDELA RULES 54(a) should be interpreted in the broadest sense and should include information on regulations around the use of force and restraints. While information should be provided at the earliest possible moment, the experts pointed out that admission to prison is a highly stressful time when detainees may not be able to grasp all the information received. Women prisoners, particularly those who have been separated from their children, may be especially distressed at the time of their admission and should be treated with sensitivity.85 Moreover, in larger prisons there may be a significant number of prisoners passing through the admissions area each day, making it difficult to ensure information is provided to each prisoner in a language and format he/she understands. The experts therefore recommended that information be explained to prisoners again at a later stage and that they should have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications. à F or further details on information provided on requests and complaints, see Chapter 6, Incident management. Methods of imparting information The provision of information should involve a conversation rather than simply handing out pamphlets or giving a lecture. Peers should be engaged in the induction process and peer support may also be helpful for follow up questions. As an example of good practice, it was noted that in some countries there are information desks staffed by prisoners with training in prison regulations and policies. Rule 55(1) clarifies that information should be available at least in the most commonly used languages in accordance with the needs of the prison population and professional interpretation should be made available wherever possible. The Essex group acknowledged that professional interpretation may be difficult to provide in some countries or for some languages. They suggested that the support of other prisoners with relevant language skills may be helpful, yet stressed that while this may be a solution for day-today routines, it does not provide a sufficient safeguard for more complex or private matters (e.g. medical examinations and complaints). An inventory of the languages spoken by prison staff, social workers and NGOs that might be able to help, was suggested as good practice. Embassies may also be in a position to assist with language needs; however, where a fear of persecution exists, contact to the diplomatic representation is impermissible. The Essex group noted the relevance of Rule 62 in this context (foreign nationals, refugees and stateless persons), as well as the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment (Principle 16, paragraph 2) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (article 36, paragraph 1(b)). à For  consular assistance, see Chapter 3, Contact with the outside world Good practice could include an easy-to-understand guide with information on practicalities (e.g. times of meals, how to sign up for vocational and educational programmes; information about peer support and relevant contact details; visitation rights; relevant timetables etc.). See UN Bangkok Rules, Rule 2. 85  Penal Reform International and the Essex Human Rights Centre | 28