Nelson Mandela International Day

Today is the Nelson Mandela International Day, which commemorates the man who stood up for the right to dignity and equality for all. Nelson Mandela successfully led the resistance to the policy of apartheid in South Africa. He was unjustly imprisoned for 27 years in the course of his struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace.

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (2015) were named the "Nelson Mandela Rules" in his honour. The Rules require countries to treat all prisoners with respect for their inherent dignity and value as human beings and not subject them to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. They offer detailed guidance on a variety of issues ranging from sports to disciplinary measures to medical services.