16 UNITED NATIONS STANDARD MINIMUM RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS Searches of prisoners and cells Rule 50 The laws and regulations governing searches of prisoners and cells shall be in accordance with obligations under international law and shall take into account international standards and norms, keeping in mind the need to ensure security in the prison. Searches shall be conducted in a manner that is respectful of the inherent human dignity and privacy of the individual being searched, as well as the principles of proportionality, legality and necessity. Rule 51 Searches shall not be used to harass, intimidate or unnecessarily intrude upon a prisoner’s privacy. For the purpose of accountability, the prison administration shall keep appropriate records of searches, in particular strip and body cavity searches and searches of cells, as well as the reasons for the searches, the identities of those who conducted them and any results of the searches. Rule 52 1. Intrusive searches, including strip and body cavity searches, should be undertaken only if absolutely necessary. Prison administrations shall be encouraged to develop and use appropriate alternatives to intrusive searches. Intrusive searches shall be conducted in private and by trained staff of the same sex as the prisoner. 2. Body cavity searches shall be conducted only by qualified health-care professionals other than those primarily responsible for the care of the prisoner or, at a minimum, by staff appropriately trained by a medical professional in standards of hygiene, health and safety. Rule 53 Prisoners shall have access to, or be allowed to keep in their possession without access by the prison administration, documents relating to their legal proceedings. Information to and complaints by prisoners Rule 54 Upon admission, every prisoner shall be promptly provided with written information about: (a) The prison law and applicable prison regulations;