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. These principles should be presented visually and remain on display throughout the session. BASIS IN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS Exercise: Using the Compilation of Instruments, the trainees should work in pairs in order to discover the basis for each of these principles. Ask for the information to be reported back to the group. IMPLICATIONS The trainees are being asked to consider the very serious effects of overcrowding. It is important that the full force of these effects is understood; the effects can extend to the staff and their own families. In addition, the effects of inadequate heat and ventilation are stressed. It is important to understand that inadequate accommodation can contribute to violations of article 16 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS Draw attention to the need to retain and use this information in the workplace. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION A list of topics is provided in the Manual. Methodology: The trainees should be divided into small groups. Each group should be given the four topics to discuss. 51