This handbook from the International Centre for Prison Studies is for use by prison staff, government officials, officials from international organizations, and other interested stakeholders for employing a human rights approach to prison management. The standards described in the handbook are to be used as a reference point and should be applicable to every country. They are not based on any particular culture, but are instead taken from current international human rights standards recognized around the world, as well as from regional standards applicable to different parts of the globe. The standards laid out in this handbook deal with the following topics: The principles of good prison management; Prison staff and the administration of prisons; Total prohibition of torture; The dignity of the person; Prisoners and health care; Operating secure, safe and orderly prisons; Management of high security prisoners; Disciplinary procedures and punishments; Constructive activities and social reintegration; Contact with the outside world; Foreign national prisoners; Requests and complaints; Recognizing diversity; Inspection procedures; Pre-trial prisoners and all others under detention without sentence; Juvenile and young prisoners; Women prisoners; Life and long term prisoners; and Prisoners under sentence of death. Appendix and references