recreational activities. The longer a prisoner is separated from other prisoners, the more steps need to be taken to mitigate the negative effects of their separation by maximizing 264 their contact with others. 263 The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture found solitary confinement to be contrary to one of the essential aims of prison systems, which is to rehabilitate people in prison and facilitate 265 their reintegration into society. In the case of prisoners convicted of terrorism- and violent extremism-related offences, solitary confinement undermines efforts to disengage from VERLT, due to the severe effect of solitary confinement on mental health and the fact that prisoners in solitary confinement will have limited access to diverse activities. (See 266 2.3 on risks of limited access to activities). 263 UN Nelson Mandela Rules, op. cit., note 13, Rule 38.2. See also the recommendations made by the Norwegian NPM regarding compensatory measures to counteract the harmful effects of isolation: Based on its observations and international standards, the Norwegian NPM concluded that “the prison should consider introducing further measures to compensate for the strict security measures, not least to prevent harmful effects of isolation”. It mentioned the option to extend the possibility of receiving visits and the periods of planned social contact between the detainee and staff, as the current system, while allowing some conversations, remains fragile. The NPM encouraged the prison authorities to explore other options “whereby it can be ensured that such contact stimulates both social and physical activity together with staff”. It further recommended to “consider alternatives to the concrete exercise yard for spending time outdoors”, as the current setting “does not give a satisfactory feeling of being out in the open”. 264 Council of Europe, “Revised Rules and Commentary to Recommendation CM/REC(2006)2 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on the European Prison Rules”, 8 October 2018, Rule 53A, p. 45. 265 Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, A/66/268, op. cit., note 258, para. 79. 266 For more information on the regulation of solitary confinement, further limitations, additional safeguards and the role of healthcare personnel in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, see ODIHR & PRI, Guidance Document on the Nelson Mandela Rules, op. cit., note 10, Chapter 4, paras. 42-88. 59