Facilities and Practices in Singapore Prisons

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the facilities or practices in Singapore prisons conform to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and, if not, in what ways; and (b) what are the justifications for the deviations.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners were adopted in 1955 and they set out generally accepted good principles and practices in the treatment of prisoners and management of institutions.

The Rules cover areas such as food, clothing, personal hygiene, work, discipline, medical services and accommodation. Recognising that not all the Rules are capable of application in all places at all times, the UN allows countries to apply them suitably, according to their own context. There are no international legal obligations for compliance.

The practices of the Singapore Prison Service are consistent with the principles and generally conform to the UN Rules. Our prisons are spartan and the regime of incarceration strict, with a strong emphasis on discipline. This philosophy is the basis upon which rehabilitation programmes are delivered to inmates. The Singapore Prison Service is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the inmates under its custody.