-25 every day.20 For human contact to be meaningful, it cannot be incidental or taking place only because of prison routine, it is a real face-to-face conversation taking place between two people at eye-level (see sections 3.6 and 4.3.8 for more details). As a matter of fact, sensory deprivation and social isolation are harmful while meaningful human interaction has a preventive effect at counterbalancing or mitigating the harmful effects of solitary confinement. Indeed, meaningful human interaction is very important because it is necessary for reality testing, for the definition of one’s own personality, and to evaluate one’s own behavioural and emotional responses to external stimuli. 2.2.5. Effectiveness of procedural safeguards There is often a problem of effectiveness of the procedural safeguards available to isolated persons. Those placed in solitary confinement should be able to take part in the procedure regarding the decision on the application of the measure. If it is the outcome of a disciplinary committee, they should be able to defend themselves through their lawyer or the person representing them and their rights. The isolated person should be given the order in writing, and it should be clear about how s/he can oppose this measure. The arrangements for opposing the measure should be effective, not just formal. 2.2.6. Role of medical staff Daily medical visits of isolated detainees are crucial. Medical staff have the capacities to detect and report to the prison director if a prisoner is showing signs of the effects of solitary confinement. According to several human rights bodies (Mandela Rules21, SRT22, CPT23, EPR24), they should advise the director on the termination of the measure, or they should have 20. EPR 53.A.f. 21. Mandela Rules 46. 22. United Nations General Assembly, 2011, §§100-101. 23. European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 21th General Report of the CPT. 2010-2011, Strasbourg, §§62-63. 24. EPR 43.3, 53.A.i, 60.6.b Monitoring Solitary Confinement in Prison