THE NELSON MANDELA RULES
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order to encourage good conduct, develop a sense of responsibility and
secure the interest and cooperation of prisoners in their treatment.
Work
Rule 96
1. Sentenced prisoners shall have the opportunity to work and/or to
actively participate in their rehabilitation, subject to a determination of
physical and mental fitness by a physician or other qualified health-care
professionals.
2. Sufficient work of a useful nature shall be provided to keep prisoners
actively employed for a normal working day.
Rule 97
1.
Prison labour must not be of an afflictive nature.
2. Prisoners shall not be held in slavery or servitude.
3. No prisoner shall be required to work for the personal or private benefit
of any prison staff.
Rule 98
1. So far as possible the work provided shall be such as will maintain or
increase the prisoners’ ability to earn an honest living after release.
2. Vocational training in useful trades shall be provided for prisoners able
to profit thereby and especially for young prisoners.
3. Within the limits compatible with proper vocational selection and with
the requirements of institutional administration and discipline, prisoners
shall be able to choose the type of work they wish to perform.
Rule 99
1. The organization and methods of work in prisons shall resemble as
closely as possible those of similar work outside of prisons, so as to prepare
prisoners for the conditions of normal occupational life.
2. The interests of the prisoners and of their vocational training, however,
must not be subordinated to the purpose of making a financial profit from an
industry in the prison.
Rule 100
1. Preferably, institutional industries and farms should be operated
directly by the prison administration and not by private contractors.