CHAPTER 13. HYGIENE OBJECTIVE The objective of this chapter is to underline the need for adequate sanitary installations and washing and bathing facilities in prisons and other places of detention. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE All prisoners shall be provided with facilities to meet the needs of nature in a clean and decent manner and to maintain adequately their own cleanliness and good appearance. BASIS IN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS Article 12, paragraph 1, of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes everyone's right to physical and mental health. The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners require: 12. The sanitary installations shall be adequate to enable every prisoner to comply with the needs of nature when necessary and in a clean and decent manner. 13. Adequate bathing and shower installations shall be provided so that every prisoner may be enabled and required to have a bath or shower, at a temperature suitable to the climate, as frequently as necessary for general hygiene according to season and geographical region, but at least once a week in a temperate climate. 14. All parts of an institution regularly used by prisoners shall be properly maintained and kept scrupulously clean at all times. 15. Prisoners shall be required to keep their persons clean, and to this end they shall be provided with water and with such toilet articles as are necessary for health and cleanliness. 16. In order that prisoners may maintain a good appearance compatible with their self-respect, facilities shall be provided for the proper care of the hair and beard, and men shall be enabled to shave regularly. … 26. (1) The medical officer shall regularly inspect and advise the director upon: … (b) The hygiene and cleanliness of the institution and the prisoners; 76