C HAPTER 5. A CCOMMODATION OBJECTIVE Prisoners are usually required to remain in a particular location. In many instances they will have to spend extended periods in a particular building or part of a building. The objective of this chapter is to show that this accommodation must meet certain basic standards. The international rules make it clear that prisoners should have enough space to live in, with access to enough air and light to remain healthy. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES Accommodation for prisoners shall provide adequate cubic content of air, floor space, lighting, heating and ventilation. Prisoners required to share sleeping accommodation shall be carefully selected and supervised at night. BASIS IN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS Article 16 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment provides: 1. Each State Party shall undertake to prevent in any territory under its jurisdiction other acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment which do not amount to torture … when such acts are committed by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. … The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners require as follows: 9. (1) Where sleeping accommodation is in individual cells or rooms, each prisoner shall occupy by night a cell or room by himself. … (2) Where dormitories are used, they shall be occupied by prisoners carefully selected as being suitable to associate with one another in those conditions. There shall be regular supervision by night, in keeping with the nature of the institution. 10. All accommodation provided for the use of prisoners and in particular all sleeping accommodation shall meet all requirements of health, due regard being paid to climatic conditions and particularly to cubic content of air, minimum floor space, lighting, heating and ventilation. 49