drafted a model clinical file and set of instructions for professionals, which is to be used in case of injuries, and which incorporates the recommendations of the Istanbul Protocol. The Buenos Aires Prison Service has also organized a series of training sessions for medical professionals on the implementation of the Protocol. 2.Conditions of detention (a)Physical conditions 56.The actual physical conditions in the prison facilities visited varied considerably. In some of them, the cells failed to meet the minimum requirements for accommodating persons deprived of liberty. For example, in wings 3 and 4 of U3, kitchens were in total disrepair and walls uncovered, toilet facilities were broken and hardly any cells had window panes. In U46 and U3, rats could be seen in the yard and cockroaches in the cells. In judicial detention centre U28, operated by the Federal Prison Service in the city of Buenos Aires, in addition to the presence of cockroaches and a lack of ventilation, the Subcommittee observed that as many as 60 people might be held in a cell of approximately 25 m2, with a single toilet and an open shower; many of them were held there beyond the legal 24-hour limit. The Subcommittee also observed the presence of cockroaches, lice and excrement in the isolation cells, where detainees were without access to sanitary facilities. In addition, flooding by overflowing sewers was commonplace and the ventilation was out of order, as a result of which the damp and high temperatures made the living conditions of prisoners and the working conditions of wardens difficult. 57.The Subcommittee was able to observe that some provincial and federal detention facilities lacked proper conditions of personal hygiene. In several facilities, both federal and provincial, the Subcommittee received complaints about the shortage of toiletries, making inmates almost totally dependent on their relatives for supplies. 58. Timely measures must be taken to remedy the shortcomings in respect of ventilation, the presence of vectors of disease and sanitary facilities in those units in which there are deficiencies. 59. The Subcommittee urges the State party to take the necessary measures to ensure that conditions of detention in the country’s prisons are in conformity with the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. To this end, it recommends that a national audit be carried out of the physical conditions, with a view to drawing up a plan for sanitation and rehabilitation. The plan should include measures to prevent overcrowding and fires. 60.The Subcommittee takes note of Agreement 12/12, of 3 July 2012, in which the Supreme Court agreed to limit the maximum number of prisoners in U28, to deal with the situation observed by the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee requests the State party to inform it about the implementation of the measures intended to prevent overcrowding in this unit. (b)Food 61.In various units, the Subcommittee observed the shortage and poor quality of the food provided. For example, in U28 of the Federal Prison Service, and in U3 and U30 there were complaints that food was provided only twice a day. This confirmed the similar information received by the Subcommittee from different sources. 62. The State party should increase the number of food quality controls and ensure that meals are prepared hygienically and in sufficient quantity and that they are of sufficient quality and nutritive value to maintain the health of persons deprived of their liberty in all units. Monitoring of the system of bidding among firms providing food and proper contractual compliance should be reinforced in order to prevent abuse. (c)Activities 63.Access to educational and work activities varies from one prison to another, although as a rule it leaves much to be desired. For example, in U30 there was only room enough for 20 to 30 per cent of inmates to attend workshops or classes. In other facilities, there were complaints about the poor access to training or work, and especially to those activities that could be decisive in providing prisoners with opportunities after their release. Some prison authorities confirmed that companies that set up workshops in prisons took advantage of the low wages paid. The shortage of teachers, which the Ministry of Education is required to provide, and of classrooms and teaching material seems to account for the small number of inmates pursuing studies. 64. It is recommended that the competent authorities intensify their efforts to improve the programme of educational and work activities available in prisons throughout the country, so that all prisoners may benefit from them and any income they earn may be decent. (d)Isolation regime 65.In several units the Subcommittee observed that inmates are assigned to segregated areas not only as a form of punishment, but also for other reasons, such as when they arrive in the prison, are relocated or as a protective measure. They may remain several weeks or even months in these areas in isolation, without their isolation being related to their behaviour. The Subcommittee considers that only those who have been punished should be kept in such premises, and even then for a limited period and subject to rules of due processes. Segregating persons in need of protection is a violation of their rights. The State is under the obligation to provide protection without the restriction of rights that obtains under segregation. 66.In some provincial facilities, the Subcommittee interviewed persons who said that they had been in round-the-clock isolation for four months as a punishment, in cells with no electricity or proper ventilation. In other cases, the regime varied, with for example one