There shall be no discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The need for, and the application of, such measures shall always be subject to review by a judicial or other authority. Providing for such needs in order to accomplish substantial gender equality shall not be regarded as discriminatory. They constitute the fundamental principles which are valid in all systems and prisons worldwide, and apply to all prisoners without discrimination. In addition, as mentioned earlier, due to their small numbers, women are often housed in prisons far away from their homes, which hinders the maintenance of links with their families and children, with a particularly harmful effect on their mental wellbeing and social reintegration prospects.