Short guide to the European Prison Rules (2021)

The European Prison Rules, developed by the Council of Europe, set out standards on the management of prisons and the treatment of people in prison. They apply in all 47 Council of Europe countries and provide critical guidance to prison staff on how to protect and safeguard the human rights of people in prison – from admission to release.

The European Prison Rules have been revised several times, most recently in 2020, as knowledge of good prison practice, and how to effectively protect human rights in prison, is constantly evolving. This guide, published together with the Council of Europe, is aimed at people who work in or monitor prisons and provides an overall framework that can be followed to ensure that daily prison processes and activities by prison staff and other professionals working in prisons are conducted in compliance with the Rules.

Click here to view the guide to the European Prison Rules.