ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, adopted by the First United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, are of great value and influence in the development of penal policy and practice. It focuses on the perspective noted by the Seventh Congress, namely, that the function of the criminal justice system is to contribute to safeguarding the basic values and norms of society. The chapter presents the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners and requests the Secretary-General to bring it to the attention of Member States. The Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners include: All prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings; All prisoners shall have the right to take part in cultural activities and education aimed at the full development of the human personality.
