MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 135 Comments Persons in pre-trial detention cannot be forced to work, but they should be given the possibility of doing so at their request. Only those detainees who are capable of working should do so. In the case of sickness, the detainee must be examined by a doctor. This can present a problem in as far as remuneration is linked to work actually performed. Work by persons deprived of their liberty is a vast and complex topic. The following elements should be retained: ■ The work should not have a punitive character; ■ It should be remunerated; ■ Working hours should not exceed those normal in outside life; ■ The external standards of health and safety at the workplace must be applied. Reference points ■ What are the possibilities for working inside the place of detention? ■ What are the possibilities for working outside the place of detention? ■ Is the work voluntary? ■ What are the conditions of work and pay? ■ Who decides on the level of earnings? ■ Are earnings shared between the person deprived of liberty, the detaining authorities, and the State? ■ If so, how are they shared? 4