Promptly after arrest and after each transfer to another place of detention, members of the detainee’s family or other persons of his or her choice should be notified of the place where he or she is being held. A proper medical examination should be offered to detained or imprisoned persons as promptly as possible after their admission to the place of detention or imprisonment. Thereafter medical care and treatment should be provided whenever necessary. In all cases, the care and treatment should be provided free of charge. Places of detention should be visited regularly by qualified and experienced persons appointed by, and responsible to, a competent authority distinct from the authority directly in charge of the place of detention. Detainees should have the right “to communicate freely and in full confidentiality” with the persons concerned. Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (1990) 321 Prisoners should be treated with respect for their inherent dignity as human beings. They should not suffer discrimination, and their religious beliefs and cultural precepts should be respected. They should have access to: • cultural and educational activities aimed at full development of the human personality; • meaningful remunerated employment that will facilitate their reintegration into society; and • all health services without discrimination. Efforts to abolish solitary confinement are encouraged. Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul Protocol) (1999) 322 The Istanbul Protocol describes in detail the steps to be taken by states, investigators and medical experts to ensure the prompt and impartial investigation and documentation of complaints and reports of torture. In particular: • the investigation should be carried out by competent and impartial experts, who are independent of the suspected perpetrators and the agency they serve; • investigators should have access to all necessary information, budgetary resources and technical facilities; • investigators should have the authority to issue summonses to alleged perpetrators and witnesses, and to demand the production of evidence; • the findings of the investigation should be made public; • the alleged victims and their legal representatives should have access to any hearing and to all information relevant to the investigation; • alleged victims of torture, witnesses, those conducting the investigation and their families should be protected from violence, threats of violence or any other form of intimidation that may arise pursuant to the investigation; and 321 Adopted and proclaimed by UN General Assembly Resolution 45/111 of 14 December 1990. 322 UN Professional Training Series No. 8 /rev.1, at http://www.ohchr.org/english/about/publications/docs/8rev1.pdf. The document was submitted to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 9 August 1999 by an ad hoc coalition of professional and human rights bodies. Countering Terrorism, Protecting Human Rights 119