During the 12th Session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held May 13-22, 2003, in Austria, Turkish Ambassador Aydin Sahinbas, provided comments on how United Nations standards impacted the Turkish prison system. Sahinbas noted the importance of the United Nations standards on reform efforts in Turkey’s correctional system. Among the reforms discussed were the abolishment of the death penalty except in instances of war or imminent threat of war, the reform of the housing system in Turkish prisons, the implementation of workshops and sports facilities in prisons, and the education and training of juvenile offenders. Also included in this article is an exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of applying United Nations standards and norms in different countries. It is advised that United Nations standards be scrutinized for their relevance in different environments. At a time when the relevance of the United Nations is being questioned, this article highlights the usefulness of the United Nations in assisting various countries with important and relevant criminal justice issues.