11. In all places where prisoners are required to live or work, (a) The windows shall be large enough to enable the prisoners to read or work by natural light, and shall be so constructed that they can allow the entrance of fresh air whether or not there is artificial ventilation; (b) Artificial light shall be provided sufficient for the prisoners to read or work without injury to eyesight. … 26. (1) The medical officer shall regularly inspect and advise the director upon: … (c) The sanitation, heating, lighting and ventilation of the institution; The Guidelines and Measures for the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture, Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Africa (The Robben Island Guidelines) provide that States should: 34. Take steps to improve conditions in places of detention which do not conform to international standards. IMPLICATIONS Overcrowding of living accommodation is one of the biggest problems in many prisons. In some countries, it means that two or three prisoners live in cells which were originally built for one person. In other countries, it means that large numbers of prisoners are crammed into small dormitories, sometimes with an insufficient number of beds or with no proper bedding. Where people are kept for long periods of time in such overcrowded conditions, there may be a danger of violence and of the strong taking advantage of the weak. In extreme situations where not everyone has a bed, it is likely that the weaker prisoners will be required to sleep on the floor. Where prisoners are locked up for most of the day with nothing to do and no privacy, it is likely that they will turn on each other as a means of relieving tension or breaking monotony. There may be a danger of sexual as well as physical abuse. Where overcrowding exists, there will also be a real danger of illness and the spread of disease. In many prisons, for example, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS present an increasing threat to health. Such living conditions have serious implications and can amount to inhuman, degrading or other ill-treatment in violation of international standards. Adequate temperature and heating are extremely important in ensuring acceptable living conditions. In this regard, all cells should be adequately heated to provide comfortable room temperatures and to cope with wintry conditions, and well ventilated. Proper ventilation also contributes to preventing disease and ensuring a healthy environment. 50