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especially the powers or arrest or detention. The code obliges law enforcement
officials to protect human dignity and respect the human rights of all in the
performance of their duties. The code addresses the narrow circumstances justifying a
use of force by law enforcement, confidentiality, prohibition on acts or acquiescence
in acts of torture or inhumane treatment, protection of health of persons in their
custody and other matters.
• Principles of Medical Ethics relevant to the Role of Health Personnel,
particularly Physicians, in the Protection of Prisoners and Detainees against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment:
These principles were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1982 and apply to both
civil and criminal prisoners. The principles require physicians and health personnel to
provide prisoners and detainees with protection of their physical and mental health and
treatment of the same quality and standard as afforded to those not imprisoned or
detained. They oblige health personnel and physicians to not engage in any actives,
either passively or actively, which involve torture or inhumane or cruel treatment.
• Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under any Form of Detention
or Imprisonment: In approving the Body of Principles in 1988, the UN General
Assembly urged that every effort be made to ensure respect for these principles
worldwide. They apply to all persons under any form of detention or imprisonment.
The principles define “detained person” as any person deprived of personal liberty
except as a result of conviction for an offense. “Detention” means the condition of a
detained person as previously defined. The principles provide that all persons under
any form of detention should be treated humanely and with dignity. Detained persons
should be separated from those awaiting trial or who have been convicted. The
principles address both procedural guarantees relating to detention and conditions of
detention, including the right to information and counsel, the prohibition against
torture or inhumane or cruel treatment, the right to family visits and the right to
medical care.
• Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (1990): These principles were
adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1990 and establish basic standards for the
treatment of persons in prison, emphasizing respect for dignity, religious beliefs and
culture.
• Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty: These rules,
adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1990, apply to all persons under 18 years of
age. The rules are intended to establish minimum standards accepted by the United
Nations for the protection of minors deprived of their liberty consistent with human
rights principles. The rules address the management of juvenile facilities, specifically
on the following issues: records; admission, registration, movement and transfer;
physical environment and accommodation; education, vocational training and work;
recreation; religion; medical care; notification of illness, injury and death; contacts
with the outside world; limitation of physical restraint and the use of force;
disciplinary procedures; and inspections and complaints.
• UNHCR Guidelines on Policies and Procedures in dealing with Unaccompanied
Children Seeking Asylum: These guidelines, issued by the UNHCR in 1997,
provide guidance to governmental and non-governmental personnel alike in dealing
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