Components D1.01 Single and shared cells Cells are rooms that are typically designed to sleep one or two prisoners. For the protection of prisoners, the Nelson Mandela Rules provide that it is not desirable to have two prisoners in one cell.194 However, in many countries, double cells are considered acceptable if the two prisoners have been properly risk assessed for shared accommodation. The recommended number of prisoners per cell for a prison will vary depending on the social, cultural and operational context. It is essential to establish whether a country has legislation and/or guidance in place to dictate the number of prisoners each cell or dormitory can hold and the minimum space required for each prisoner. Country-specific legislation and/or guidance will often exceed the minimum recommendations provided by the ICRC. Another consideration when determining the sharing of cells is the nature and severity of crimes committed and the physical security of a prisoner (e.g., child offenders or members of particular ideologies). However, in overcrowded prisons, cells will often house more prisoners than they are designed to accommodate. In all cases, it is important that potential cellmates are assessed for compatibility to ensure the safety and security of individual prisoners is not put at risk. When allocating prisoners to shared cells, particular consideration should be given to the sexual orientation and gender identity of prisoners, as well as other vulnerable prisoners, to reduce the risk of violence against these individuals. |
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