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' & &?%%?%$$ # ?# ?# ? ? ???   ?  - -? ?- , , ?, , , , + +  +  +  ?+  *?  *!*!* "* #*3)3)?3)3)3)?3)3)3)2(?2(2(2(?2(2(2(2(2(1(?1(1(1(1(1(1(1)1A0A0A?0A?0A0A?0B0B1B1B1v)K#UNLOGO.WPG V ("+  UKUS.,-ff`LB : .X-  =cJT=c3882 ff`LB : X3J *P JTGeneralAssembly LTYPETHENECESSARYINFORMATIONANDCHANGETHEPOSITIONOFTHETABIFNEEDED.N  <LINE20ISNOWEQUIVALENTTOLINE3.2i.DONOTADDRETURNS.Q )  8  8 )8 8,  ")  @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882^   @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882^   @ .$    ڄ )  8  8  8,    @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882^   @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882^   @ .$    ڄ ##d# )  8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ )  8  8 882    @ .$    ڄ($    / `%  #8,  D#  ԀFrom1August1992to30July1993(endofthefortyeighthsession).("2B$ z!  TRY3'3' 3' Letter3'T+XXff    UKUS.,-ff`LB : .X-  33+8f8fҀ  0  / _ !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOForacompletelistofStatespartieswhoseinitialreportsareduein1993,seeCCPR/C/81/Rev.1.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitstwenty-ninthsession,theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofElSalvadorfrom28February1986to31December1988.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsthirty-secondsession(794thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportoftheCentralAfricanRepublicfrom7August1987to9April1989. 9 !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOTheStateparty'sinitialreporthasnotyetbeenreceived.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsthirty-sixthsession(914thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofBoliviafrom11November1988to13July1990.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsthirty-ninthsession(1003rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofVietNamfrom23December1988to31July1991.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsthirty-eighthsession(973rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofSaintVincentandtheGrenadinesfrom8February1988to31October1991.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOPursuanttotheCommittee'sdecisiontakenatitsfortyseventhsession(1215thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofNigeris31March1994. a !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOForacompletelistofStatespartieswhosesecondperiodicreportsareduein1993,seeCCPR/C/82. 0 !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOPursuanttotheCommitteeO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO'sdecisiontakenatitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheIslamicRepublicofIranis31December1994. A !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOTheStateparty'ssecondperiodicreporthasnotyetbeenreceived.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOPursuanttotheCommitteeO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO'sdecisiontakenatitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofBulgariais31December1994.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOԀAtitsthirty-sixthsession(914thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofMauritiusfrom4November1988to18July1990.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOPursuanttotheCommittee'sdecisiontakenatitsfortysixthsession(1205thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofVenezuelais31December1993.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOPursuanttotheCommittee'sdecisiontakenatitsfortysixthsession(1205thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniais31December1993.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOԀAtitsthirty-ninthsession(1003rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofZairefrom30January1988to31July1991.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsthirty-eighthsession(973rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofCostaRicafrom2August1990to2August1991.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsforty-firstsession(1062ndmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofIndiafrom9July1990to31March1992.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsforty-firstsession(1062ndmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofPanamafrom6June1988to31March1992.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsforty-thirdsession(1112thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofMadagascarfrom3August1988to31July1992.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOAtitsfortythirdsession(1112thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofMoroccofrom31October1991to31December1992. ` !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOForacompletelistofStatespartieswhosethirdperiodicreportsareduein1993,seeCCPR/C/83.  !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOPursuanttotheCommittee'sdecisiontakenatitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofEgyptis31December1994. a !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOForacompletelistofStatespartieswhosefourthperiodicreportsareduein1993,seeCCPR/C/83. @ !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOTheStateparty'sthirdperiodicreporthasnotyetbeenreceived. M !  8  8 88@ HD   33  Ӏ    /O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOTheStateparty'ssecondandthirdperiodicreportshavenotyetbeenreceived.  )  8  8 #88, @ p#  @ .$    ڄ )  8  8  ++    @ .$    ڄ  CRight ParRight-Aligned Paragraph NumbersI.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)#|d<6X9`("Courier 12cpid6X@8;@,A.UniversBoldScalablezp?7,A.UniversBoldScalablep?7,A.UniversBoldScalable  p?7 (Oz$  TRY3'3' 3' Letter3'T+XXff    UKUS.,-ff`LB : .X- d# e37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a))h)ddd z!  TRY3'3' 3' Letter3'T+XXff    UKUS.,-ff`LB : .X-  UKUK.,  TRY3'Y3' 3' Letter 3' LetterTXXXX  ++8f8f fX fXC  $ C--6882^ ff`LB : X6   0 -882 882^-&IUEAz|!X p @ H@E!X!X=cJT=c UNITEDNATIONS  F ?G' 8hdE8h?&LZJFz ,` @ H@E88&MUEAz|P e*  p @ H@EP *  @P * JR JT JR' 88p882'O8hX,,, p Distr. p GENERAL p A/48/40(PartI) p 7October1993 p ORIGINAL:ENGLISH ?G' 8HhdE8Hh?  *882 888*LLPR8hFortyeighthsession@ !REPORTOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEE*__________ /T170 P  2..2*..ThepresentdocumentisamimeographedversionofpartofthereportoftheHumanRightsCommittee.ThefullreportwillbeissuedsubsequentlyasOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyeighthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/48/40).9355009(E)101193#.."/...@..\CONTENTS 88tChaptert..tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 P") .I. .ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS.................... . .<124P" .!7 . .A.StatespartiestotheCovenant.................. . .<14P" .!7 . .B.Sessionsandagenda............................. . .5P" .!7 . .C.Election,membershipandattendance............. . .<67P" .!7 . .D.Solemndeclaration.............................. . .8P" .!8 . .E.Electionofofficers............................ . .<910P" .!8 . .F.Workinggroups.................................. . .1113P" .!8 . .G. .Othermatters................................... . .1419P" .!9 . .H.PublicityfortheworkoftheCommittee......... . .20P" .!10̀ . .I. .Yearbook(OfficialRecords)oftheHumanRights . . .Committee....................................... . .21P" .!10 . .J.FuturemeetingsoftheCommittee................ . .2223P" .!11 . .K.Adoptionofthereport.......................... . .24P" .!11 .II. .ACTIONBYTHEGENERALASSEMBLYATITSFORTYSEVENTH . .SESSION............................................. . .2529P" .!12III. .REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESSUBMITTEDUNDERARTICLE40 . .OFTHECOVENANT..................................... . .30755P" .!14P" .P" . .A.Submissionofreports........................... . .3042P" .!14 . .B.Considerationofreports........................ . .43755P" .!16 . . .Burundi......................................... . .4580P" .!16 . . .Senegal......................................... . .81114P" .!23 . . .Luxembourg...................................... . .t115145P" .!30 . . .UnitedRepublicofTanzania..................... . .t146189P" .!35 . . .IslamicRepublicofIran(1stpart)............. . .t190214P" .!44 . . .IslamicRepublicofIran(2ndpart)............. . .t215229P" .!50 . . .IslamicRepublicofIran(3rdpart)............. . .t230270P" .!53 . . .Venezuela....................................... . .t271310P" .!61 . . .BosniaandHerzegovina.......................... . .t311332P" .!69 . . .Croatia......................................... . .t333362P" .!75@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 ") . . .FederalRepublicofYugoslavia(Serbiaand . . .Montenegro)..................................... . .t363389" .!82 . . .Niger........................................... . .t390427" .!88 . . .DominicanRepublic.............................. . .t428466" .!95 . . .Uruguay......................................... . .t467510" .!102 . . .Guinea.......................................... . .t511550" .!111 . . .Ireland......................................... . .t551616" .!119 . . .Hungary......................................... . .t617665" .!128 . . .Egypt........................................... . .t666710" .!139 . . .Bulgaria........................................ . .t711755" .!149 .IV. .GENERALCOMMENTSOFTHECOMMITTEE................... . .t756759" .!159 .V. .CONSIDERATIONOFCOMMUNICATIONSUNDERTHEOPTIONAL . .PROTOCOL............................................ . .t760830" .!160 . .A.Progressofwork................................ . .t762768" .!160 . .B.GrowthoftheCommittee'scaseloadunderthe . . .OptionalProtocol............................... . .t769770" .!161 . .C. .Newapproachestoexaminingcommunicationsunder . . .theOptionalProtocol........................... . .t771773" .!162 . .D.Individualopinions............................. . .t774775" .!162 . .E. .IssuesconsideredbytheCommittee.............. . .t776825" .!163 . .F. .RemediescalledforundertheCommittee'sViews. .826" .!175 . .G.MonitoringcompliancewiththeCommittee'sViews . . .undertheOptionalProtocol..................... . .t827830" .!176@ .Annexes .I. .STATESPARTIESTOTHEINTERNATIONALCOVENANTONCIVILAND . .POLITICALRIGHTSANDTOTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOLSANDSTATES . .WHICHHAVEMADETHEDECLARATIONUNDERARTICLE41OFTHE . .COVENANTASAT31JULY1993....................................." .!177 . .A. .InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights(122).." .!177 . .B. .Declarationunderarticle41oftheCovenant(42)..........." .!180" ."" ."" ." . .C. .OptionalProtocol(73)......................................" .!181@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tt .t󀀀Page   , )8 8 ") . . .D. .SecondOptionalProtocol,aimingattheabolitionofthe . . .deathpenalty(19).........................................." .!183 .II. .MEMBERSHIPANDOFFICERSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEE,19931994." .!184 . .A.Membership..................................................." .!184 . .B.Officers....................................................." .!184III. .AGENDASOFTHEFORTYSIXTH,FORTYSEVENTHANDFORTYEIGHTH . .SESSIONSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEE..........................." .!185 .IV. .SUBMISSIONOFREPORTSANDADDITIONALINFORMATIONBYSTATESPARTIES . .UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANTDURINGTHEPERIODUNDERREVIEW.." .!187 . .A. .InitialreportsofStatespartiesduein1984................" .!187 . .B. .InitialreportsofStatespartiesduein1988................" .!187 . .C.InitialreportsofStatespartiesduein1991................" .!187 . .D. .InitialreportsofStatespartiesduein1992................" .!188 . .E. .InitialreportsofStatespartiesduein1993(withinthe . . .periodunderreview)........................................." .!188 . .F. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1983........" .!188 . .G. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1984........" .!189 . .H.SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1985........" .!189 . .I.SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1986........" .!191 . .J. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1987........" .!193 . .K. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1988........" .!193 . .L. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1989........" .!193 . .M. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1990........" .!194 . .N. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1991........" .!194 . .O. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1992........" .!195 . .P. .SecondperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1993(within . . .theperiodunderreview)....................................." .!195 . .Q. .ThirdperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1988........." .!195 . .R. .ThirdperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1989........." .!196 . .S. .ThirdperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1990........." .!196@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tt .tPage   , )8 8, "), ., .T. .ThirdperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1991........." .!197, ., .U. .ThirdperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1992........" .!199, ., .V. .ThirdperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1993(within, ., . .theperiodunderreview)...................................." .!200, ., .W. .FourthperiodicreportsofStatespartiesduein1993(within, ., . .theperiodunderreview)...................................." .!200, .dV. .STATUSOFREPORTSCONSIDEREDDURINGTHEPERIODUNDERREVIEWAND, ., .OFREPORTSSTILLPENDINGBEFORETHECOMMITTEE..................." .!203, ., .A. .Initialreports............................................." .!203, ., .B. .Secondperiodicreports....................................." .!203, ., .C. .Thirdperiodicreports......................................" .!204, ., .D. .Fourthperiodicreports....................................." .!205, ., .E. .Reportssubmittedpursuanttoaspecialdecisiontakenbythe, ., . .Committee..................................................." .!205, ., .F. .Additionalinformationsubmittedsubsequenttothe, ., . .examinationofinitialreportsbytheCommittee............." .!205, ., .G. .CoredocumentsreceivedfromStatespartiestotheCovenant." .!205, .VI. .GENERALCOMMENTSUNDERARTICLE40,PARAGRAPH4,OFTHE, ., .INTERNATIONALCOVENANTONCIVILANDPOLITICALRIGHTS............" .!208, ., .GeneralcommentNo.22(48)(article18)........................" .!208, .VII. .SPECIALDECISIONSBYTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEECONCERNING, ., .REPORTSOFPARTICULARSTATES...................................." .!212, ., .A. .BosniaandHerzegovina......................................" .!212, ., .B. .Croatia....................................................." .!212, ., .C. .FederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)......" .!213VIII. .LETTERSFROMTHECHAIRMANOFTHECOMMITTEECONCERNINGOVERDUE, ., .REPORTS........................................................." .!215, ., .A. .Letterdated12May1993fromtheChairmanoftheCommittee, ., . .totheMinisterofForeignAffairsofHaiti,whoseinitial, ., . .reportwasoverdue.........................................." .!215, ., .B. .Letterdated12May1993fromtheChairmanoftheCommittee, ., . .totheMinistersofForeignAffairsofElSalvador,the, ., . .SudanandZaire,whosesecondorthirdperiodicreportswere, ., . .overdue....................................................." .!216@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tt .tPage   , )8 8,  "), .IX. .AMENDEDRULESOFPROCEDURE......................................" .!217, .dX. .DOCUMENTSSUBMITTEDBYTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEETOTHEWORLD, ., .CONFERENCEONHUMANRIGHTS....................................." .!218" ."" .", ., .A.WorkoftheHumanRightsCommitteeunderarticle40of, ., . .theCovenant..............................................." .!218" ."" .", ., .B. .FollowuponViewsadoptedundertheOptionalProtocolto, ., . .theCovenant..............................................." .!222" ."" .", .XI. .LISTOFSTATESPARTIES'DELEGATIONSTHATPARTICIPATEDINTHE, ., .CONSIDERATIONOFTHEIRRESPECTIVEREPORTSBYTHEHUMANRIGHTS, ., .COMMITTEEATITSFORTYSIXTH,FORTYSEVENTHANDFORTYEIGHTH, ., .SESSIONS......................................................." . 226, .XII. .VIEWSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEEUNDERARTICLE5,), ., .PARAGRAPH4,OFTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOLTOTHE), ., .INTERNATIONALCOVENANTONCIVILANDPOLITICALRIGHTS) ." .", ., . . .  .  .)TobeissuedXIII. .DECISIONSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEEDECLARING .)underthe, ., .COMMUNICATIONSINADMISSIBLEUNDERTHEOPTIONAL .)symbol, ., .PROTOCOLTOTHEINTERNATIONALCOVENANTONCIVILAND .)A/48/40(PartII), ., .POLITICALRIGHTS....................................), .XIV. .LISTOFDOCUMENTSISSUEDDURINGTHEREPORTINGPERIOD..........." .!235  UK     \R3'\ X  X    +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)SS882^   882   @ . I.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@ .H A.StatespartiestotheCovenant1.2 .2Asat30July1993,theclosingdateofthefortyeighthsessionoftheHumanRightsCommittee,122StateshadratifiedoraccededtotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,and72StateshadratifiedoraccededtotheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.BothinstrumentswereadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution2200A(XXI)of16December1966andopenedforsignatureandratificationinNewYorkon19December1966;theyenteredintoforceon23March1976inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheirarticles49and9respectively.Also,asof30July1993,42Stateshadmadethedeclarationenvisagedunderarticle41,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,whichcameintoforceon28March1979.2.2 .2TheSecondOptionalProtocolaimingattheabolitionofthedeathpenalty,whichwasadoptedandopenedforsignature,ratificationoraccessionbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/128of15December1989,enteredintoforceon11July1991,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle8.Asof30July1993,therewere19StatespartiestotheSecondOptionalProtocol.3.2 .2AlistofStatespartiestotheCovenantandtotheOptionalProtocols,withanindicationofthosewhichhavemadethedeclarationunderarticle41,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,iscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.4.2 .2ReservationsandotherdeclarationsmadebyStatespartiesinrespectoftheCovenantand/ortheOptionalProtocolsaresetoutindocumentCCPR/C/2/Rev.3andinnotificationsdepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneral.Byanoteof30September1992,theGovernmentofBelarusnotifiedtheSecretary-Generalofthewithdrawalofitsreservationtoarticle48,paragraph1,oftheCovenant.Byanoteof19January1993,theGovernmentoftheRepublicofKoreanotifiedtheSecretaryGeneralofthewithdrawalofitsreservationtoarticle14,paragraph7,oftheCovenant.Similarly,byanoteof2February1993,theGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandnotifiedtheSecretaryGeneralofthewithdrawalofitsreservationtoarticle25,subparagraph(c),oftheCovenant.On27April1993,theGovernmentofPortugalnotifiedtheSecretaryGeneralthattheCovenantwouldhenceforthapplytoMacau.@ .nB.Sessionsandagenda5.2 .2TheHumanRightsCommitteehasheldthreesessionssincetheadoptionofitslastannualreport.1/Thefortysixthsession(1177thto1205thmeetings)washeldattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom19Octoberto6November1992;thefortyseventhsession(1206thto1233rdmeetings)washeldatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom22Marchto8April1993;andtheforty-eighthsession(1234thto1262ndmeetings)washeldattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom12to30July1993.TheagendasofthesessionsarereproducedinannexIIItothepresentreport.@ .N C.Election,membershipandattendance6.2 .2Atthe12thmeetingofStatesparties,heldatUnitedNationsHeadquarters,on10September1992,ninemembersoftheCommitteewereelected,inaccordancewitharticles28to32oftheCovenant,tofillvacanciescreatedbytheexpirationoftermsofofficeon31December1992.Thefollowingmemberswereelectedforthefirsttime:Mr.MarcoTulioBruniCelli,Ms.ElizabethEvattandMr.LaurelB.Francis.Mr.FranciscoJosAguilarUrbina,Mr.JnosFodor,Mrs.RosalynHiggins,Mr.RajsoomerLallah,Mr.AndreasV.MavrommatisandMr.FaustoPocarwerere-elected.AlistofthemembersoftheCommittee,aswellasitsofficers,isgiveninannexIItothepresentreport.7.2 .2AllthemembersattendedthefortysixthsessionoftheCommittee.Mr.Ando,Mr.FodorandMr.Mavrommatisattendedonlypartofthatsession.Allthemembersattendedthefortyseventhsession.Allthemembersattendedthefortyeighthsession.Mr.BruniCelli,Mrs.Higgins,Mr.LallahandMr.Pocarattendedonlypartofthatsession.@ .D.Solemndeclaration8.2 .2AttheCommittee's1206thmeeting(fortyseventhsession),membersoftheCommitteewhohadbeenelectedorreelectedatthe12thmeetingofStatespartiestotheCovenantmadeasolemndeclarationbeforeassumingtheirfunctions,inaccordancewitharticle38oftheCovenant.@ .<E.Electionofofficers9.2 .2Atits1106thmeeting(fortyseventhsession),heldon22March1993,theCommitteeelectedthefollowingofficersforatermoftwoyears,inaccordancewitharticle39,paragraph1,oftheCovenant:2 .2Chairperson:Mr.NisukeAndo2 .2ViceChairpersons:Mr.VojinDimitrijevic2 .2 . .  . 4 .4 Mr.OmranElShafei2 .2 . .  .  . Mr.BertilWennergren2 .2Rapporteur:Mr.FranciscoJosAguilarUrbina10.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsdeepappreciationtoMr.FaustoPocar,theoutgoingChairperson,forhisleadershipandoutstandingcontributiontothesuccessoftheCommittee'swork.@ .hF.Workinggroups11.2 .2Inaccordancewithrules62and89ofitsrulesofprocedure,theCommitteeestablishedworkinggroupstomeetbeforeitsfortysixth,fortyseventhandfortyeighthsessions.12.2 .2Theworkinggroupestablishedunderrule89wasentrustedwiththetaskofmakingrecommendationstotheCommitteeregardingcommunicationsundertheOptionalProtocol.Atthefortysixthsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMrs.Chanet,Mr.ElShafei,Mr.PradoVallejo,Mr.SadiandMr.Wennergren.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom15to19October1992andelectedMrs.ChanetasitsChairpersonRapporteur.Atthefortyseventhsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.Fodor,Mrs.Higgins,Mr.Ndiaye,Mr.PradoVallejoandMr.Sadi.ItmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom15to19March1993andelectedMrs.HigginsasitsChairpersonRapporteur.Atthefortyeighthsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.Fodor,Mr.Mavrommatis,Mr.Ndiaye,Mr.PradoVallejoandMr.Sadi.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom5to9July1993andelectedMr.MavrommatisasitsChairpersonRapporteur.̇13.2 .2Theworkinggroupestablishedunderrule62wasmandatedtopreparelistsofissuesconcerningsecondandthirdperiodicreportsscheduledforconsiderationattheCommittee'sfortysixth,fortyseventhandfortyeighthsessionsandtoconsideranydraftgeneralcommentsthatmightbeputbeforeit.Additionally,theworkinggroupthatmetbeforethefortyeighthsessionwasrequestedtoreviewtheCommittee'sproceduresunderarticle40oftheCovenantinthelightofthediscussiononthatsubjectattheCommittee'sfortyseventhsession.Atthefortysixthsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.AguilarUrbina,Mr.Dimitrijevic,Mr.NdiayeandMr.Wennergren.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom12to16October1992andelectedMr.AguilarUrbinaasitsChairpersonRapporteur.Atthefortyseventhsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.AguilarUrbina,Mr.AndoandMr.Wennergren.ItmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom15to19March1993andelectedMr.AguilarUrbinaasitsChairpersonRapporteur.Attheforty-eighthsession,thegroupwascomposedofMr.AguilarUrbina,Mr.DimitrijevicandMr.Wennergren.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom5to9July1992andelectedMr.WennergrenasitsChairperson-Rapporteur.@ .G.OthermattersFortysixthsession14.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedbytheUnderSecretaryGeneralforHumanRightsofthereportoftheSecretaryGeneralontheworkoftheOrganizationsubmittedtotheGeneralAssemblyatitsfortyseventhsessionandtooknotewithinterestofthesuggestionbytheSecretaryGeneralthatexperthumanrightsbodiesmightbeempoweredtobringmassivehumanrightsviolationstotheattentionoftheSecurityCouncil,togetherwithrecommendationsforaction.TheUnder-SecretaryGeneralalsoinformedmembersthattheCommissiononHumanRights,undertheprocedureestablishedbyEconomicandSocialCouncilresolution1990/48,hadhelditsfirstspecialsessionon13and14August1992,devotedtotheserioushumanrightssituationintheformerYugoslavia.AmongthematerialbroughttotheCommission'sattentionhadbeenthecommentsadoptedbytheCommitteeinconnectionwithitsconsiderationofthethirdperiodicreportofYugoslaviainMarch1992.Memberswerealsobriefedonthefourthmeetingofthepersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies,onrecentactivitiesoftheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesoftheCentreforHumanRights,aswellasonthethirdsessionofthePreparatoryCommitteefortheWorldConferenceonHumanRights.15.2 .2TheCommitteeconfirmedon19October1992(1178thmeeting)adecisiontakenon7October1992,throughitsChairpersonactingonbehalfofandinconsultationwiththemembersoftheCommittee,wherebytheGovernmentsofBosniaandHerzegovina,CroatiaandtheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)wererequestedtosubmitspecialreportsoneventsaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenantinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingundertheirjurisdiction(seepara.36andannexVIIbelow).TheCommitteealsoagreedthat,inthecaseofanexceptionalsituationarisinginthefuturewhentheCommitteewasnotinsession,arequestforsubmissionofareportshouldbemadethroughtheChairpersonactinginconsultationwiththemembersoftheCommitteeanddecidedthatatextamendingtheCommittee'srulesofprocedureinthatregardshouldbepresentedforadoptionattheCommittee'sfortyseventhsession.&  Fortyseventhsession16.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedbytherepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneralthatMr.IbrahimaFallhadbeenappointedAssistantSecretaryGeneralforHumanRightstosucceedMr.AntoineBlancaasheadoftheCentreforHumanRights.TheCommitteewasinformedoftheadoptionbytheGeneralAssemblyinits'  resolution47/135of18December1992.TheDeclarationontheRightsofPersonsbelongingtoNationalorEthnic,ReligiousandLinguisticMinoritiesandofthedecisionoftheSecurityCouncilinitsresolution808(1993)of22February1993,toestablishaninternationaltribunalfortheprosecutionofpersonsresponsibleforseriousviolationsofinternationalhumanitarianlawcommittedintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviasince1991.17.2 .2MemberswerealsoinformedoftheactionstakenbytheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfortyninthsessionandwelcomedtheCommission'srequesttoStatespartiesdulytotakeintoaccount,inimplementingtheprovisionsoftheCovenant,theCommittee'sconcludingobservations.MemberswerealsobriefedonrecentactivitiesoftheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesoftheCentreforHumanRights.18.2 .2TheCommitteediscussedindetailthepossibilityofmodifyingitsmethodsofworkunderarticle40oftheCovenant.VarioussuggestionsweremadetoadapttheCommittee'sproceduresindealingwithemergencysituations.ThepossibilityofmakingknowntheCommittee'sviewsonmatterswithinitscompetence,aswellasitscommentsonStatesparties'reports,particularlyonreportssubmittedpursuanttospecialdecisionstakenbytheCommittee,totheappropriateUnitedNationsbodies,includingtheSecurityCouncil,wasenvisaged.Itwasalsoconsideredthat,whenithadnotbeenabletoascertainwhetheritsrecommendationsincludedinitsconcludingobservationshadbeenactedupon,theCommitteemightrequesttheStatepartyconcernedtoacceptamission,consistingofoneortwomembersoftheCommittee,withaviewtolearningtheresponsesoftheStateconcernedtothespecificproposalsforthebetterenjoymentofhumanrights.Theworkinggroupthatwastomeetpriortothefortyeighthsessionwasrequestedtostudythematterfurther.19.2 .2InordertoreactmoreefficientlytoexceptionalsituationsarisingwhentheCommitteewasnotinsession,on8April1993(1233rdmeeting)theCommitteeamendeditsrulesofproceduretotheeffectthat,insuchcircumstances,arequestforthesubmissionofareportmightbemadethroughtheChairperson,actinginconsultationwiththemembersoftheCommittee(seeannexIX).@ . H.PublicityfortheworkoftheCommittee20.2 .2TheChairperson,accompaniedbyotherofficers,heldpressbriefingsduringeachoftheCommittee'sthreesessions.TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactiontheincreasedlevelofinterestinitsactivitiesshownbythemediaandnon-governmentalorganizations.@ .4I.Yearbook(OfficialRecords)oftheHumanRightCommittee21.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedthattheYearbookfor1987hadjustbeenpublished.NotingwithappreciationthecontributionmadebytheSasakawaFoundationtofacilitatethepublicationoftheYearbooksoftheCommittee,itexpressedthehopethatthebacklogwouldbeeliminatedassoonaspossibleandthattheYearbookwouldhenceforthbepublishedonaregularandtimelybasis.̇@ . J.FuturemeetingsoftheCommittee22.2 .2Atitsfortyseventhsession,theCommitteeconfirmeditscalendarofmeetingsfor19941995,asfollows:thefiftiethsessionwastobeheldatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom21Marchto8April1994;thefiftyfirstsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom11to29July1994;thefiftysecondsessionalsoattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom17Octoberto4November1994;thefiftythirdsessionatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom20Marchto7April1995;thefiftyfourthsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom10to28July1995andthefiftyfifthsessionalsoattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom16Octoberto3November1995.IneachcasetheCommittee'sworkinggroupswouldmeetduringtheweekprecedingthesession.23.2 .2Atitsfortyeighthsession,theCommitteedecidedtorequestthatitsfiftyfirstsessionbeextendedbyoneweektoallowforadditionaltimetodealwiththeheavybacklogofcommunicationsundertheOptionalProtocolandreportsfromStatesparties.@ .K.Adoptionofthereport24.2 .2Atits1260th,1261stand1262ndmeetings,heldon29and30July1993,theCommitteeconsideredthedraftofitsseventeenthannualreport,coveringitsactivitiesatthefortysixth,fortyseventhandfortyeighthsessions,heldin1992and1993.Thereport,asamendedinthecourseofthediscussion,wasunanimouslyadoptedbytheCommittee.@ .lII.ACTIONBYTHEGENERALASSEMBLYATITSFORTY-SEVENTHSESSION25.2 .2Atits1228thand1229thmeetings,heldon6April1993,theCommitteeconsideredtheagendaiteminthelightoftherelevantsummaryrecordsoftheThirdCommittee,GeneralAssemblyresolution47/111of16December1992andCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1993/15of26February1993.26.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthat,pursuanttoGeneralAssemblyresolution45/175of18December1990,substantiveresolutionsontreatybasedbodiesweretobeadoptedbiennially("oddyears")andthat,consequently,atitsfortyseventhsessiontheThirdCommitteeonlytooknoteofitsreport.27.2 .2WithreferencetothediscussionwithintheGeneralAssemblyrelatingtotheeffectiveimplementationofhumanrightsinstrumentsandtheeffectivefunctioningofhumanrightstreatybodies,theCommitteenotedwithsatisfactionthatStatesresultingfromthedissolutionofformerpartiestohumanrightsinstrumentshadbeencalledupontosendofficialnotificationsregardingthecontinuedapplicabilityoftherelevanttreaties.TheCommitteealsonoted,withparticularsatisfaction,thepositivecommentsmadeintheThirdCommitteebydelegationsontheinnovationsthathadbeenintroducedinitsmethodsofwork,notablyinrelationtotheformulationofcommentsbytheCommitteeoneachStatereportandthedecisiontorequesturgentreportswhennecessarytomonitorserioussituations.28.2 .2TheCommitteediscussedtherelevantresolutionsadoptedbytheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsforty-eighthsessionandexpressedstrongagreement,inparticular,withtherecommendationthatcountrieshavingdifficultiesinintroducingchangesintheirlegislationthatmightbenecessaryinadvanceofratificationofinternationalinstrumentsonhumanrightsshouldbeencouragedtorequestappropriatesupportfromtheCentreforHumanRightsundertheadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceprogramme.TheCommitteealsoexpressedsatisfactionthattheCommissionhadreneweditsrequesttohavetherecentperiodicreportsofStatespartiestotreaty-monitoringbodiesandthesummaryrecordsofCommitteediscussionspertainingtothemmadeavailableinUnitedNationsinformationcentresinthecountriesconcerned.29.2 .2InaccordancewithGeneralAssemblyresolution45/155,theWorldConferenceonHumanRightswasheldatViennafrom14to25June1993.DuringtheWorldConference,ameetingoftheChairpersonsofinternationalandregionalhumanrightstreatybasedbodiestookplaceon15and16June1993.AsacontributiontotheWorldConferenceaswellastothemeeting,theHumanRightsCommitteesubmittedtwopapersentitled"WorkoftheHumanRightsCommitteeunderarticle40oftheCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights"(A/CONF.157/TBB/2)and"FollowuponviewsadoptedundertheOptionalProtocoltotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights"(A/CONF.157/TBB/3),respectively(seeannexX).ThehumanrightstreatybodiesrepresentedatthemeetingincludedtheHumanRightsCommittee,theCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination,theCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,theCommitteeagainstTorture,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,theAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples'Rights,theEuropeanCommissionandtheEuropeanCourtofHumanRights,theEuropeanCommitteeforthePreventionofTorture,theInter-AmericanCommissionandtheInterAmericanCourtofHumanRights,andtheInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)CommitteeontheApplicationofConventionsandRecommendations.Mr.NisukeAndo,ChairmanoftheHumanRightsCommittee,participatedintheConferenceandrepresentedtheCommitteeatthemeeting.Mr.OmranElShafeiandMr.FaustoPocaralsoparticipatedintheConference,andattendedthemeeting.Mr.MarcoT.BruniCelliparticipatedinthemeetingasarepresentativeoftheInter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRights.Attheconclusionofthemeeting,therepresentativesoftheinternationalhumanrightstreatybodiesadoptedtheViennaStatementoftheInternationalHumanRightsTreatyBodiescontainingspecificrecommendationstotheWorldConference(A/CONF.157/TBB/4).ǀIII.REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESSUBMITTEDUNDER̀ARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT@ . A.Submissionofreports30.2 .2Statespartieshaveundertakentosubmitreportsinaccordancewitharticle40,paragraph1,oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightswithinoneyearoftheentryintoforceoftheCovenantfortheStatespartiesconcernedandthereafterwhenevertheCommitteesorequests.InordertoassistStatespartiesinsubmittingthereportsrequiredunderarticle40,paragraph1(a),oftheCovenant,theHumanRightsCommittee,atitssecondsession,approvedgeneralguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofinitialreports.2/31.2 .2Furthermore,inaccordancewitharticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommitteeatitsthirteenthsessionadoptedadecisiononperiodicityrequiringStatespartiestosubmitsubsequentreportstotheCommitteeeveryfiveyears.3/Atthesamesession,theCommitteeadoptedguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofperiodicreportsfromStatespartiesunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant.4/Atitsthirty-ninthsession,theCommitteeadoptedanamendmenttoitsguidelinesforthesubmissionofinitialandperiodicreportsrelatingtoreportingbyStatespartiesonactiontakeninresponsetotheissuancebytheCommitteeofViewsundertheOptionalProtocol.5/Atitsforty-secondsession,theCommitteereviseditsgeneralguidelinesforthesubmissionofinitialandperiodicreportstotakeintoaccounttheconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofthereportsofStatespartiestobesubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenant(HRI/CORE/1).6/32.2 .2Ateachofitssessionsduringthereportingperiod,theCommitteewasinformedofandconsideredthestatusofthesubmissionofreports(seeannexIV).33.2 .2Theactiontaken,informationreceivedandrelevantissuesplacedbeforetheCommitteeduringthereportingperiod(forty-sixthtoforty-eighthsessions)aresummarizedinparagraphs34to42below.Forty-sixthsession34.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedthatthethirdperiodicreportofItalyhadbeenreceived.TheCommitteewasalsoinformedthat"coredocuments"prepared&  inaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofStatepartyreportshadbeenreceivedfromBurundi,Egypt,IrelandandPanama.Requestsforspecialreports35.2 .2TheCommitteedecidedtosendreminderstotheGovernmentsofGabon,'  EquatorialGuinea,Nepal,Malta,SomaliaandZimbabwewhoseinitialreportswereoverdue.Inaddition,theCommitteedecidedtosendreminderstotheGovernmentsofthefollowingStatespartieswhosesecondperiodicreportswereoverdue:Argentina,Bolivia,Bulgaria,Cameroon,CentralAfricanRepublic,Congo,Cyprus,DemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea,ElSalvador,Gabon,Gambia,Guyana,Iceland,Jamaica,Kenya,Lebanon,LibyanArabJamahiriya,Mali,Netherlands(withrespecttotheNetherlandsAntilles),NewZealand(withrespecttotheCookIslands),SanMarino,SaintVincentandtheGrenadines,Suriname,SyrianArabRepublic,Togo,VietNam,andZambia.ReminderswerealsosenttothefollowingGovernmentswhosethirdperiodicreportswereoverdue:Australia,Barbados,Bulgaria,CentralAfricanRepublic,CostaRica,Cyprus,Denmark,ElSalvador,France,Gambia,Guyana,Iceland,India,Jamaica,Kenya,Lebanon,LibyanArabJamahiriya,Mali,Mauritius,Netherlands,NewZealand,Nicaragua,Panama,Portugal,Rwanda,SriLanka,Suriname,SyrianArabRepublic,TrinidadandTobagoandZaire.36.2 .2DeeplyconcernedbyrecenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenant,havingnotedthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant,findingthatthenewStateswithintheboundariesoftheformerYugoslaviasucceededtotheobligationsoftheformerYugoslaviaundertheCovenantinsofarastheirrespectiveterritorieswereconcerned,andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommittee,throughitsChairmanactingonbehalfofandinconsultationwiththemembersoftheCommittee,requestedon7October1992,shortlybeforethesession,theGovernmentsofBosniaandHerzegovina,CroatiaandtheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)tosubmitaspecialreportinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingundertheirjurisdictions.ThatdecisionwasconfirmedbytheCommitteeon19October1992(1178thmeeting).Subsequently,suchreportswerereceivedfromthethreeGovernments(seeannexVII).Forty-seventhsession37.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedthatthesecondperiodicreportsofBulgaria,CameroonandtheLibyanArabJamahiriya,thethirdperiodicreportofCostaRicaandthefourthperiodicreportofTunisiahadbeenreceived.CoredocumentshadalsobeenreceivedfromMorocco,Paraguay,Poland,PortugalandZambia.&  38.2 .2InviewofthegrowingnumberofoutstandingStatepartyreports,theCommitteeagreedthatitsofficersshouldmeetinNewYorkwiththepermanentrepresentativesofallStatespartieswhoseinitialorperiodic'  reportshadbeenoverdueformorethanthreeyears.Accordingly,contactsweremadewiththePermanentRepresentativesofCyprus,theDemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea,Denmark,Gabon,theGambia,Guyana,Iceland,Jamaica,Kenya,Lebanon,Mali,theNetherlands,NewZealand,Suriname,theSyrianArabRepublicandTrinidadandTobago.ItwasnotpossibletoestablishcontactwiththePermanentRepresentativesoftheCentralAfricanRepublic,theCongoandEquatorialGuinea.39.2 .2Inaddition,theCommitteedecidedtosendreminderstotheGovernmentsofAlbania,Estonia,Gabon,Grenada,EquatorialGuinea,Israel,Lithuania,Nepal,SomaliaandZimbabwewhoseinitialreportswereoverdue.ReminderswerealsosenttotheGovernmentsofthefollowingStatespartieswhosesecondperiodicreportswereoverdue:Argentina,Bolivia,CentralAfricanRepublic,theCongo,Cyprus,theDemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea,Gabon,theGambia,Guyana,Jamaica,Kenya,Lebanon,Mali,theNetherlands(withrespecttotheNetherlandsAntilles),NewZealand(withrespecttotheCookIslands),Philippines,SaintVincentandtheGrenadines,SanMarino,Suriname,SyrianArabRepublic,Togo,VietNamandZambia.ReminderswerealsosenttothefollowingGovernmentswhosethirdperiodicreportswereoverdue:Australia,Barbados,CentralAfricanRepublic,Cyprus,theDemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea,Denmark,France,theGambia,Guyana,India,Jamaica,Kenya,Lebanon,Madagascar,Mali,Mauritius,Morocco,theNetherlands,NewZealand,Nicaragua,Panama,Portugal,Rwanda,SaintVincentandtheGrenadines,SriLanka,Suriname,SyrianArabRepublicandTrinidadandTobago.40.2 .2InviewofthespecialdifficultiesencounteredbyElSalvador,Haiti,theSudanandZaireintheimplementationoftheCovenant,theCommitteedecidedtosendaspecialreminderurgingthemtosubmittheirinitialorperiodicreportsasrapidlyaspossible.Thetextsoftheletters,dated12May1993,fromtheChairmanoftheCommitteetotheMinisterforForeignAffairsofElSalvador,Haiti,theSudanandZairearereproducedinannexVIIItothepresentreport.41.2 .2ConsideringthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryofaformerStatepartytotheCovenantremainedentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant,andthatArmenia,Georgia,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan,theformerYugoslavRepublicofMacedonia,TurkmenistanandUzbekistanwereboundbytheobligationsundertheCovenantasfromthedateoftheirindependence,theCommitteenotedthatreportsunderarticle40oftheCovenantbecamedueoneyearafterthatdateandrequested,innotesverbalesdated28May1993addressedtotheMinisterforForeignAffairsofthoseStates,thatsuchreportsbesubmittedtoit.&  Forty-eighthsession42.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedthattheinitialreportsofMalta,LatviaandthesecondperiodicreportsofCyprus,IcelandandYemenaswellasthethirdperiodicreportofMoroccohadbeenreceived.Core'  documentshadalsobeenreceivedfromCyprus,Lebanon,MadagascarandSwitzerland.@ .tB.Considerationofreports43.2 .2Duringitsforty-sixth,forty-seventhandforty-eighthsessions,theCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportsofBurundi,IrelandandNiger;thesecondperiodicreportsofBulgaria,Egypt,Guinea,theIslamicRepublicofIran,Luxembourg,theUnitedRepublicofTanzaniaandVenezuela;andthethirdperiodicreportsoftheDominicanRepublic,Hungary,SenegalandUruguay.Atitsfortysixthsession,theCommitteealsoconsideredthespecialreportssubmittedbyBosniaandHerzegovina,CroatiaandtheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro).SummariesoftheconsiderationbytheCommitteeofStatesparties'reports44.2 .2ThefollowingsectionsrelatingtoStatespartiesarearrangedonacountry-by-countrybasisaccordingtothesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofreportsatitsforty-sixth,forty-seventhandforty-eighthsessions.Thesesectionsareonlysummaries,basedonthesummaryrecordsofthemeetingsatwhichthereportswereconsideredbytheCommittee.FullerinformationiscontainedinthereportsofandadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheStatespartiesconcerned7/andinthesummaryrecordsreferredto.Burundi45.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofBurundi(CCPR/C/68/Add.2)andthecoredocumentformingtheinitialpartofreportsunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/CORE/1/Add.16)atits1178th,1182ndand1183rdmeetingson19,21and22October1992(CCPR/C/SR.1178,1182and1183).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)46.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whoindicatedthat,since1987,theauthoritieshadbeenworkingtoputanendtothesituationofdivisionandviolenceinthecountry.ThelongprocessofdialoguethathadbeeninitiatedhadledtothedraftingoftheCharterofNationalUnityandthenewConstitution,whichhadwonanearly90percentvoteofapprovalinreferendumsheldinFebruaryandMarch1992.Anationalcommissionhadbeensetupforthereturn,receptionandreintegrationofrefugees.Some40,000personshadreturnedtoBurundiunderthevoluntaryrepatriationprogramme,despiteattacksbytheHutuPeople'sLiberationParty.̇47.2 .2TherepresentativedrewattentiontothehumanrightsprovisionsintroducedinthenewConstitutionofMarch1992.Themeasurestakeninfavourofthepromotionofhumanrightsextendedtotherecognitionofdemocracybasedonpoliticalpluralism.SevengroupingshadalreadybeenauthorizedaspoliticalpartiesunderalawpromulgatedinApril1992andlegislativeandpresidentialelectionswerescheduledforMarch1993.Bearinginminditslevelofsocialandculturaldevelopment,however,Burundistillhadmanyobstaclestoovercomeonthepathtodemocracy,socialjusticeanddevelopment.48.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteewelcomedwithsatisfactiontheinitialreportofBurundi,whichhadbeensubmittedshortlyafterithadbeendue,andthankedtheStatepartyforthecoredocumentformingtheinitialpartofreportsunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/CORE/1/Add.16).Theyneverthelessregrettedthat,becausethereportcontainedonlyabriefdescriptionofthelegalprovisionsinforceanddidnotrefertopracticeorthefactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheCovenant,itwasnotinkeepingwiththeCommittee'sguidelinesonthepreparationofreports.49.2 .2Withregardtoarticle2oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteerequestedinformationonthehierarchyoflegalnormsinBurundi,thestatusoftheCovenantininternallaw,therelationshipbetweentheConstitutionandtheCharterofNationalUnity,theworkinprogressonthedraftingofanewPenalCodeandanewCodeofPenalProcedureandthetasksoftheCentreforthePromotionofHumanRightsinBurundi.ItwasalsoaskedhowpossibleconflictsbetweentheprovisionsoftheConstitutionandtheCovenantandthoseofordinarylawweresettled,whetherthetextoftheCovenanthadbeentranslatedintothevariouslocallanguages,howtheauthoritieshadmadeknowntheConstitutionandtheCharterofNationalUnitytoilliteratemembersofthepopulationandwhatthepowersoftheNationalSecurityCouncilwere.50.2 .2Inrespectofarticle3oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteeaskedwhatspecificmeasureshadbeentakentopromotetheequalityofmenandwomen,howthenationalityofparentswastransmittedtochildrenandwhatprovisionsgovernedthepropertyofthespousesinmarriageandthecustodyofchildren.51.2 .2Referringtoarticle4oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteeaskedwhethertherightsmentionedinarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenantcouldbederogatedfromduringastateofemergency,whethertheSecretary-GeneralhadbeennotifiedoftheproclamationofthestateofemergencyandwhatderogationstotheCovenanthadbeenmadeatthattime.52.2 .2Inconnectionwitharticles6,7,9and10oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteeaskedinwhatcasesthedeathpenaltycouldbehandeddown,inhowmanycasesithadbeenappliedinthepast,whethertherewereplanstoabolishit,whatlawregulatedtheuseofforcebythepolice,whethercontrolshadbeenestablishedtoensurethatpersonsarrestedordetained,particularlyinpolicestations,werenotsubjectedtotortureorill-treatment,whethertheCodeofPenalProceduredidorwouldestablishmachineryfortheconductofindependentandimpartialinvestigationsintoallegationsoftorture,whetherpersonsresponsibleforsuchactswerebroughttojusticeandpunished,whatmeasuresweretakentoavoidovercrowdingindetentioncentres,whethertheStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonerswereobservedandwhethertherelevantruleswereknowntoprisonersandlawenforcementofficials.Itwasaskedhowlongittookbeforeapersonincustodywasbroughtbeforeajudge,whatmeasuresweretakentopreventabusivearrestsandpretrialdetentionandwhethertherewasaremedyinBurundilawsimilartothatofhabeascorpus.53.2 .2ClarificationswererequestedontheeventsofNovember1991andMarch1992thathadallegedlyresultedinmassarbitraryarrests,enforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances,summaryorarbitraryexecutions,manycasesoftortureandill-treatmentandseriousbreachesoftheStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.Itwasaskedwhetherthosetragiceventshadbeeninvestigated,whethertheindividualresponsibilityofsoldiersorgendarmesinthoseeventshadbeenestablishedandhowmanymembersofthearmedforcesandgendarmeriehadbeenprosecuted.54.2 .2Withregardtoarticles12and13oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteerequestedfurtherinformationontheproblemofthevoluntaryrepatriationofrefugeestoBurundi.Itwasaskedwhethersuchrepatriationwasinaccordancewitharticle33oftheConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandarticle18oftheCovenant,whetherageneralamnestylawwasbeingenvisagedandwhatthefunctionsandactivitiesoftheNationalCommissionfortheReturn,ReceptionandReintegrationofRefugeeswere.55.2 .2Inrespectofarticle14oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteeaskedwhethertheprincipleoftheirremovabilityofjudgesexistedinBurundi,howtheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciarywereguaranteed,whatpowerstheJudicialSupervisoryCommissionandtheMandiCommissionhad,particularlyasfarasdetentionwasconcerned,whethertherewerepoliticalprisonersorprisonersofopinionarrestedordetainedinBurundiforopposingtheGovernment,whatmeasureshadbeentakentoguaranteetheirrightofdefenceandwhatjurisdictionmilitarycourtshad.56.2 .2Referringtoarticles17,18and19oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteerequestedinformationonthemediabillandhowarticle18oftheCovenantwasbeingimplemented.TheyaskedwhetherthemediawereStateownedandwhetherBurundiandforeignjournalistswerefreetoexpresstheiropinions.57.2 .2Inconnectionwitharticles21,25and27oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteerequestedfurtherinformationonthepoliticalpartiesandtradeunionsthatnowexistedinBurundi,ontheconditionsinwhichtheDecree-Lawof31December1991makingitobligatorytorequestpriorauthorizationtoholdapublicdemonstrationwasappliedandontheimplementationoftheprovisionsaccordingtowhichpoliticalpartieswereprohibitedfromidentifyingthemselveswithanethnicgrouporreligion.Itwasalsoaskedwhatmeasuresweretakentosettleethnicconflicts,whethertheCharterofNationalUnityhadachieveditsaimofintegratingallcitizensintothecountry'spoliticallife,whethertherestrictionsprovidedforinarticles55,56and57oftheConstitutionwereinkeepingwitharticles19,22and25oftheCovenant,whethertheoppositionpartiescouldpresentcandidatesincommunalelections,whethermeasureshadbeentakentoenabletheHutus,themajorityethnicgroup,toenterthepublicserviceand,inparticular,tojointhearmyingeneralconditionsofequalityandwhatwasmeantbytheexpression"whoenjoytheircivilandpoliticalrights"inarticle3oftheConstitution.58.2 .2Inherreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatBurundihadasinglepeople,withasinglecultureandasinglelanguage.IthadhadmanyethnicproblemsforreasonsrelatingtoitsmonarchicalandcolonialpastandtherunningofStateaffairsafterindependence.Inthelastfewyears,however,effortshadbeenmadetobringaboutnationalreconciliation,asshownbytheadoptionoftheCharterofNationalUnityandthenewConstitution.Legislativeandpreventivemeasureshadbeentakentoeducatethepeopleandmakethemawareoftheequalityofallbeforethelaw.TheGovernmentwastryingtopromoteethnicreconciliationthroughspecificactionsaimedatpreventingexclusioninallareasofnationallife,particularlyconcerningappointmentsofseniorofficialsandtherecruitmentofsecurityofficials.59.2 .2Theprovisionsofarticles10to15oftheConstitutionrecapitulatedtheprinciplesenunciatedinarticle2oftheCovenant.Othertexts,suchasthePenalCodeandtheCodeofPenalProcedure,reproducedthedefinitionofdiscriminationcontainedintheInternationalConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination.Measureshadbeentakentopromotetheprincipleoftheequalityofmenandwomenandtherightsofchildren.However,theacceptanceofdemocraticideasaccompanyingtheemergenceofnewpoliticalpartieswasstillgivingrisetoproblems,especiallyinruralareas,andtherewasstillsomeinequalitybetweenthesexesasaresultofsocioculturalproblems,particularlyasfarastherighttoinheritwasconcerned.TheCentreforthePromotionofHumanRightshadthegeneraltaskofdisseminatinginformationonandincreasingawarenessofhumanrights.TheGovernmentwasendeavouringtomakenationalandinternationallegalinstrumentsknowntotheilliteratepartofthepopulationbyorganizingralliesandinformationmeetings,aswellasradioprogrammes.60.2 .2Replyingtootherquestionsonarticle2oftheCovenant,therepresentativeindicatedthatalltherightsanddutiesembodiedintheinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentswereproclaimedinandguaranteedbyarticle10oftheConstitution.Moreover,theCovenantandtheConstitutionnaturallyprevailedoverthePenalCodeandtheCodeofPenalProcedureand,ifthelatterfailedtoconformtotheCovenantortheConstitution,theywereautomaticallyamendedorannulledbytheAppealsDivision.TheCharterofNationalUnitywasnotaccompaniedbyanylegalorregulatorysanctions,buthadprimacyoverthelaw.Itwasbasedessentiallyontheprincipleembodiedinarticle20oftheCovenantandwasthusfullyinconformitywiththeCovenant.61.2 .2Referringtoarticle4oftheCovenant,hesaidthatthevariouslegalinstrumentsrelatingtothemaintenanceoforderandsecurity,theproclamationofastateofemergencyorstateofsiegeandtherequisitioningofpersonsandpropertyhadbeendraftedinthelightoftheneedtoprotecthumanrightsandindividualfreedomsandtomaintainorreestablishlawandorder.Article79oftheConstitution,settingforththespecialpowersofthePresidentoftheRepublicduringastateofexceptionoremergency,wasfullycompatiblewitharticles4and9oftheCovenant.Inpractice,wheneveranexceptionalmeasurewastaken,forexample,duringthemeningitisepidemicinSeptember1992,thepublicwassoinformedbythemediaandbythelocalauthorities.62.2 .2Withregardtoarticles6,7and10oftheCovenant,therepresentativeindicatedthat,inBurundi,thedeathpenaltycouldbeimposedincasesofassassination,murder,theftfollowedbymurder,cannibalismandtorture,rapeorabortionresultingindeath.Handingdownadeathsentence,evenifitwasnotcarriedout,wasnotafutileact,giventhedeterrenteffectofsuchasentenceandtheinfamyitentailed.Healsonotedthatdisciplinaryandcriminalpenaltieshadbeenappliedtosecurityforcememberswhohadviolatedarticles11,19,20and21oftheConstitutionontheindividual'srighttophysicalandmoralintegrity.Althoughitwasundeniablethatirregularitieshadoccurredandmightreoccur,particularlyinthecontextofethnicdisputes,thecompetentauthoritieswereendeavouringtoensurerespectfortherighttolife.DetentionconditionswereconsistentwiththeStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.Prisonerswereentitledtoconferwiththeirlawyersinprivate.63.2 .2ReplyingtoquestionsconcerningtheeventsofNovember1991andMarch1992,hestressedthatthehumanrightsviolationswhichhadoccurredhadbeentheworkofanethnicterroristfactioncalledtheHutuPeople'sLiberationParty.IttooktheviewthatreconciliationwasimpossibleaslongastherewasethniccleansinginBurundi.ThemembersofthatfactionincitedthepeopletoethnichatredandsoughttodeceiveinternationalopinionbymeansofpreposterousuntruthstotheeffectthattheHutuswerethevictimsofmassacresbytheTutsiminority.InNovember1991,somecommuneshadbeenstruckbyterroristattackswhichhadclaimed500victims.Clashesbetweenthelawenforcementforcesandtheaggressorshadalsoresultedinmanyvictimsonbothsides.Legalproceedingshadbeenbroughtagainsttheterroristsandtheiraccomplicesandhadbeenconductedwiththegreatestpossibleopenness.Abusesbythepolicehadalsobeenreportedandmembersofthemilitaryhadbeenprosecutedforsummaryexecutions.64.2 .2Referringtoarticle9oftheCovenant,therepresentativeindicatedthatmeasureshadbeentakentoguaranteetherightofadetaineetobeinformedofthereasonsforhisarrest,toappearbeforeajudgewithinareasonableperiodoftimeandtohavetheassistanceofalawyer.Inaddition,theCodeofPenalProcedurewascurrentlybeingrevisedtobringitevenmorecloselyintolinewiththeconstitutionalprovisionsguaranteeingrespectforhumanrights.Accordingtoarticle4oftheCodeofPenalProcedure,thegovernmentattorneycarriedoutaweeklyinspectionofpolicestationpremisesandhadthepowertoreleaseanypersonapprehendedbythepolicewhereevidenceagainstthatpersonwasinsufficient.65.2 .2Inrespectofarticles12and13oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyindicatedthatirregularitiesintheapplicationoftheinternalprovisionsrelatingtofreedomofmovementhadbeennotedforthelasttimein1978.Since1989,noonehadbeenrequiredtosubmithistraveldocumentstotheimmigrationservice.Inordertofacilitatethereceptionandintegrationofreturnees,thedecreeof22January1992empoweredtheCommissionfortheVoluntaryRepatriationofRefugeestosettledisputesoverpropertyclaimedbythereturnees.TheCommission'sdecisionswerenotopentoappealinordertofacilitatereceptionconditionsandencouragetheamicablesettlementofanyfamilyconflictswhichmightarise.  66.2 .2Astoarticle14oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatthemilitarytribunalswereempoweredtotrymilitarypersonnelandtheircivilianaccomplicesandtojudgeanycrimesandoffencesinvolvingtheuseoffirearmscommittedbycivilians.ThejudiciarywasseparatefromthemilitarycourtsandthedecisionsofthemilitarycourtscouldbesetasidebytheSupremeCourt.Althoughtherehadbeencasesofpressurebytheexecutiveonthejudiciaryfrom1980to1985,the1992Constitutionguaranteedtheindependenceofthejudiciary.MeasurestodismissjudgesweretakenbyadisciplinarybodypresidedoverbytheHeadofState.InBurundi,thereweresomeprisonersofconscienceoropinion,andtheyhadbeenprosecutedforincitingracialhatred.Noneofthemhad,however,beenprosecutedforcriticizingtheGovernment,apartyortheadministration.Replyingtootherquestions,therepresentativeindicatedthatthelawgoverningthebar,aswellasthelawsgoverningtheCodeofPenalProcedureandtheCriminalDivisionoftheCourtofAppeal,providedthatapersonchargedwithanoffencecouldbeassistedbycounselofhisownchoosingorcouldrequestthatcounselshouldbeassignedtohim.In1977,theMandiCommissionhadabolishedlanddevelopmentcontractsunderwhichapersonwhohadcultivatedalandholdingforseveralyearscouldbeevictedfromitatanytimebythelandowner.TheJudicialControlCommission,replacedin1987bytheOfficeoftheInspector-GeneralofJustice,dealtexclusivelywithmonitoringtheenforcementofjudgementsinlanddisputes.67.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattherightscoveredbyarticles18and19oftheCovenanthadbecomearealityinBurundi,wheremanypoliticalparties,associations,newspapers,religionsandsectshadbeenauthorizedforsomeyears.68.2 .2Astoarticles21,22and25oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartystressedthatpublicdemonstrationswereauthorizedunderadecree-lawadoptedin1992.Forsecurityreasons,demonstrationorganizershadtoinformlocalauthoritiesofthedemonstration48hoursinadvance.Therestrictionsontherighttotakepartintheconductofpublicaffairs,tovoteandtobeelected,asreferredtoinarticles3and29oftheConstitution,werefullyconsistentwiththeCovenant.Article57oftheConstitutionprohibitedpoliticalpartiesfromidentifyingthemselvesinanywaywithanethnicgroup,region,religion,sectorsex.69.2 .2Withregardtoarticle27oftheCovenant,themembersoftheCommitteesaidthattherewerenoethnicgroupingsinthestrictsenseofthewordinBurundi,sincenopopulationgrouppossessedaterritory,culture,languageorreligionofitsown.However,theterm"ethnicgroup"wasusedforlackofabetterwordtodesignatetheHutus,theTutsisandtheTwas,whereasthethreegroupsmadeupasinglepopulationsharingthesameculture.Duringthecolonialera,theHutushadrepresented85percentofthepopulation,theTutsis14percentandtheTwas1percentandnoethniccensushadbeenorganizedsincethen.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers70.2 .2InconcludingtheconsiderationoftheinitialreportofBurundi,membersoftheCommitteewelcomedthewillingnessoftheStateparty'sdelegationtocooperateandenterintoaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommitteeontheapplicationoftheCovenantinBurundi.MembersnotedanumberofpositivedevelopmentsthathadrecentlytakenplaceinBurundi,inparticular,theopeningtowardspluralism,thepromulgationofanewConstitution,theratificationofanumberofinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,theestablishmentofacentreforthepromotionofhumanrights,andtheagreementoftheGovernmenttotheestablishmentofindependentassociationsfortheprotectionofhumanrights.Althoughtherewasstillmuchtobedone,memberswelcomedtheimplementationofapolicyofvoluntaryrepatriation,resettlementandsocialandoccupationalreintegrationofrefugees.71.2 .2Atthesametime,membersoftheCommitteeexpressedspecialconcernoverthecasesofextrajudicialexecutionsandoftortureinconnectionwiththeupheavalsthattookplacein1988,1991and1992.Inthatconnection,theypointedoutthatnoderogationfromarticles6and7oftheCovenantwerepermittedunderanycircumstances.Theyalsoexpressedconcernovertheunavailabilityofeffectiveremediestovictimsofhumanrightsviolations;theabsenceoflegalprovisionsprohibitingillegaldetention;theshortageoflegalpersonnelandthefinancialconstraintswhichhamperedtheadministrationofjustice;thegeneralinadequacyofthelegalandothermeasuresdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrights;thevariousconstitutionallimitationsontheeffectiveenjoymentofhumanrights;andoverproblemsrelatingtotheeffectiveimplementationofarticles18,19and27oftheCovenant.72.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartyexpressedhersincerethanksandappreciationforthedialoguewhichhadbeeninitiatedandassuredtheCommitteeofherGovernment'sdesiretomakeimprovementsinfutureperiodicreports.73.2 .2Inconcludingtheconsiderationofthereport,theChairmanalsothankedtherepresentativeforhercooperationandexpressedthehopethattheCommittee'scommentswouldbetakenintoaccountbytheGovernment.&  CommentsoftheCommittee74.2 .2Atits1203rdmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon5November1992,the'  Committeeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction75.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheGovernmentoftheStatepartytocooperateandtoenterintoaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommitteeontheapplicationoftheCovenantinBurundi,asevidencedbythetimelysubmissionofitsinitialreport,thesendingofahighleveldelegationtopresentthereportandthesubmissionofanadditionaldocumentupdatingtheinformationcontainedintheinitialreport.TheCommitteehas,however,notedthatthereportdidnotconformtotheCommittee'sgeneralguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialreports.TheCommitteecommendsBurundiforthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.16)submittedinaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofreportssubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/1991/1).76.2 .2SinceneithertheinitialreportnortheadditionaldocumentcontainedsufficientinformationontheactualapplicationoftheCovenant,inparticularinformationonthefactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant,itwasdifficultfortheCommitteetoobtainaclearpictureofthehumanrightssituationinthecountry.Positiveaspects77.2 .2TheCommitteehasnotedthatrecentlyanumberofdevelopmentshadtakenplaceinBurundithatmayhaveapositiveeffectonthehumanrightssituationinthecountry,includingtheopeningtowardspluralism;thepromulgationofanewconstitution;theratificationofanumberofinternationalhumanrightsinstruments;theestablishmentofacentreforthepromotionofhumanrights;andtheagreementoftheGovernmenttotheestablishmentofindependentassociationsforthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.Althoughthereisstillmuchtobedone,theCommitteewelcomestheimplementationofapolicyofvoluntaryrepatriation,resettlement,andsocialandoccupationalreintegrationofBurundianrefugees.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant78.2 .2TheCommitteehasnotedthattheupheavalsthattookplaceinthecountryin1988,1991and1992hadanegativeimpactonthehumanrightssituationinBurundiasawhole,andseriouslyaffectedcompliancewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Furthermore,constitutionalprovisionsstipulatingthattheenjoymentofhumanrightshad,inmanyinstances,tobesubordinatedtotheimperativesofpublicorder,hinderedtheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant.TheCommitteehasalsonotedtheabsenceoflawsgivingeffecttoconstitutionalprovisionsonhumanrights,theshortageoflegalpersonnelandthelargebacklogofcasesbeforethecourts,allofwhichhindertheeffectiveprotectionofhumanrights.Principalsubjectsofconcern79.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernaboutthegeneralinadequacyofthelegalandothermeasuresdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsand,especially,aboutthevariousconstitutionallimitationsontheeffectiveenjoymentofhumanrights.TheCommitteeisalarmedoverthecasesofextrajudicialexecutionsandoftorturedocumentedinthereportspreparedbytheSpecialRapporteursoftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthosesubjects(E/CN.4/1992/30andE/CN.4/1992/17)andalsoasreportedbyvariousnon-governmentalorganizations.Inthatconnection,theCommitteeobservesthatnoderogationsfromarticles6and7oftheCovenantarepermittedunderanycircumstances.TheCommitteehasalsonotedthateffectiveremediestovictimsofhumanrightsviolations,asenvisagedinarticle2,paragraph3,oftheCovenant,arenotavailable.Inaddition,theabsenceoflegalprovisionsprohibitingillegaldetentionandofahabeascorpusprocedureseriouslyunderminetherightstolibertyandsecurityofpersonassetforthinarticle9oftheCovenant.Thenon-conformityoflegislationandactualpracticewitharticles18and19oftheCovenantwasalsoofspecialconcern.Suggestionsandrecommendations80.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatadeterminedeffortbemadetobringnationallawsandpracticemorecloselyintoconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant,thattheuseofexcessiveforcebylawenforcementofficersshouldbeeffectivelypreventedandthat,inconformitywitharticles2,26and27oftheCovenant,therightsofpersonsbelongingtominoritieslivinginthecountryshouldbegivenfullprotection.ItisalsorecommendedthatBurundi'ssecondperiodicreportshouldbepreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sgeneralguidelinesandprovidecomprehensiveinformationonmeasuresundertaken,bothinlawandinpractice,togiveeffecttotheprovisionsoftheCovenant.Senegal81.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportofSenegal(CCPR/C/64/Add.5)atits1179thto1181stmeetings,heldon20and21October1992(CCPR/C/SR.11791181).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)82.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whostatedthattheUnitedNationshumanrightsinstrumentshadservedasamajorsourceofinspirationtoSenegalonitsaccessiontointernationalsovereignty,whenithadresolvedtomaketheprimacyofthelawthefoundationoftheState.Asaresult,humanrightswerenotmerelyreflectedinthepreambletotheConstitutionbutweredefinedsystematicallyinarticles6to20andcouldbeevokedanddefendedbeforeallappropriatebodies.In1970,theSenegaleseHumanRightsCommitteewasestablishedtoplanandcoordinategovernmentpolicyanddisseminateinformationonhumanrights.TheCommitteehadbeenreorganized,mostrecentlyin1990,inordertoadaptittothenationalandinternationalsituationconcerningthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.Additionally,thepublicauthoritieshadencouragedtheestablishmentofcompetentnongovernmentalorganizations.About10suchorganizationshadbeenformedandtheyenjoyedthesupportofthepeopleandGovernment.83.2 .2Atthenationallevel,fundamentalhumanrightswereobservedbothinlegislativeactsandinactualpractice.Thisincludedthewholespectrumofcivilandpoliticalrightsaswellaseconomic,socialandculturalrights.Attheinternationalleveltheprimacyofthelaw,particularlyinthehumanrightsfield,wasviewedbySenegalasthebasisforitsforeignpolicy.Senegalhadaccededto26internationalhumanrightsinstrumentswhich,underarticle79oftheConstitution,hadprimacyovernationallawsandwhichhadbeenintegratedintolegislationandcouldbeinvokedbeforeallSenegalesecourts.&  ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisimplemented,self-determination,non-discrimination,equalityofthesexes,protectionofthefamilyandrightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities84.2 .2Withregardtotheseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknow'  whethertheOptionalProtocolhadbeenpublishedintheJournalOfficiel;whetheranindividualcouldinvoketheprovisionsoftheCovenantbeforeSenegaleseauthorities,especiallythecourts;whatthefunctionsandactivitieswereoftheSenegaleseHumanRightsCommittee;whatmeasureshadbeentakentopublicizetheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocolandcreatepublicawarenessabouttherightscontainedtherein;whethertheConstitutionhadbeenamendedtoincludeallthegroundsofdiscriminationcoveredintheCovenant;andwhetherspecificlegislative,administrativeandjudicialarrangementshadbeenmadebytheGovernmentofSenegaltopreventracialdiscrimination.85.2 .2TheCommitteealsowishedtohavefurtherinformationonthecompatibilitywiththeCovenantofarticles152to154oftheFamilyCode,whichgrantspecialrightstomen;onthepowersvestedinthePresidentoftheRepublicunderarticle47oftheConstitution;onthedefinitionoftheterm"minorities",insofarassuchgroupsarerecognizedbytheGovernment;andonhowtheprovisionsonnondiscriminationcontainedinarticles2,26and27werebeingapplied,particularlyinthesouthernpartofthecountry.Theyalsowishedtoknowwhetheracommissionhadbeensetuptostudyfamilylawmattersandwhatstepshadbeentakentoensureamoreequitablesharingoftherightsandresponsibilitiesofspouses.86.2 .2InhisreplytothequestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommittee,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattheOptionalProtocolhadbeenpublishedintheJournalOfficielin1978,followingitsratificationin1977byAct7773.Uponratification,theCovenantbecamepartofdomesticlawanditsprovisionscouldbeinvokedinanytrialinSenegal.BothofthoseinstrumentshadbeenfocuseduponbytheSenegalHumanRightsCommittee,whichhadaweeklyradioprogrammeonhumanrights.NongovernmentalhumanrightsorganizationsinSenegalalsohelpedtodisseminateinformationinlecturesanddiscussions.87.2 .2Article154oftheFamilyCodehadbeenabrogatedbyAct8901ofJanuary1989.Article152oftheCodeprovidedthatthehusbandshoulddeterminetheresidenceofthehousehold.However,ifthewifebelievedthatherhusband'schoiceendangeredthehealthormoralsofthefamily,shecouldapplytoadepartmentaljudgetoaccordherseparateresidence.Thatarticlecouldnot,therefore,beconsideredasdiscriminatory.RecentamendmentshadbeenmadeintheFamilyCodeandintherelevantsectionsofthePenalCodeprovidingforequitabletreatmentincasesofdesertion.ThepracticeofpolygamywasrecognizedintheFamilyCodesinceitwasasocialcustominthecountryanditwasconsideredUtopiantoattempttoabolishthepractice.TheFamilyCodelimitsthenumberofwivestothreeandobligesthehusbandtotreathiswivesequally.Awomancancomplaintoajudgeifherhusbandviolateshisobligations.88.2 .2Article47oftheConstitution,whichvestedspecialpowersinthePresidentoftheRepublicwhenthenationfacedcertainseriousandimminentdangers,hadneverbeenappliednorhadthemeasuresthatthePresidentcouldtakeeverbeendefined.Article58oftheConstitution,however,providedadequatemeanstoregulatestatesofemergency.Statesofemergencyhadbeendeclaredin1988and1989forunrelatedreasonsandmerelyimposedacurfew.Duringthoseemergencies,peoplehadbeenfreetomoveaboutduringthedaytime.Anadvisorycontrolcommission,presidedoverbyajudge,hadbeenestablishedunderLawNo.6929of29April1969forthepurposeofmonitoringstatesofemergencyandtoensure,inparticular,thatanymeasuresundertakendidnotviolatehumanrights.89.2 .2Concerningethnic,religiousorlinguisticminorities,therewassufficientinteractionandtoleranceinSenegalthattherewerenoproblemsinthatregard.LegislationtookintoconsiderationthesocialsituationofethnicandlinguisticminoritiesandtherewasperfectharmonybetweentheMuslimmajorityandtheCatholicminority.Measurestopreventdiscriminationweretakeninschoolswherechildrenlearnedtolerance,amessagethatwasalsocarriedontheradioandinothermedia.Withrespecttothesituationinthesouthernpartofthecountry,Casamance,anaccordhadbeensignedbytheStateofGuineaBissau,theStateofSenegalandtheMovementofDemocraticForcesofCasamance(MFDC).Theaccordhadbeenprecededbytheamnestylawsof1988and1991permittingtheMFDCtowithdrawitstroops.SincetheseriouseventsofSeptember1992,dialoguehadbeenrestoredandaregionalcommissionhadbeenmonitoringtheapplicationoftheaccord.TheGovernmentofSenegalwascurrentlytryingtoseekajuridicalsolutiontotheproblemofCasamanceandhopedthattheinternationalcommunitywouldassistitinthisrespect.Righttolife,treatmentofprisonersandotherdetainees,libertyandsecurityoftheperson90.2 .2Withreferencetotheseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknow,inviewofthefactthatonlytwodeathsentenceshavebeenpronouncedinthelast30years,whetheranyconsiderationhadbeengiventotheabolitionofthedeathpenaltyinSenegal;when,pursuanttoarticle52ofthePenalCode,wasapersonconsideredaminor;whetheranyinvestigationshadbeencarriedoutwithregardtoaccusationsmadebyhumanitarianorganizationsconcerningextrajudicialexecutionsand,ifso,withwhatresults;whatprocedureswouldbefollowedintheeventofviolationsofrulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandarmedforces;whethertherehadbeenanyfurtherdevelopmentssincethesubmissionofthereportrelatingtotheinvestigationofcasesoftortureorill-treatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty;whatmeasureshadbeentakentopunishthosefoundguilty,topreventtherecurrenceofsuchactsandtodisseminateinformationontherightsrecognizedintheCovenantamonglawenforcementofficers;andwhetheralawyercouldhavefullaccesstohisclientimmediatelyafterarrest.91.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhethercapitalpunishmentwasapplicableunderthecodeofmilitaryjusticeandwhetheritcouldbeinvokedduringastateofemergency;howmanypeoplehadbeencompensatedforillegalorarbitrarydetention;whatmeasurestheGovernmenthadtakentoinvestigateallegedcasesofextrajudicialexecutions;whatmeasurestheGovernmenthadtakentopreventtheoccurrenceofsuchexecutions;andwhetheranyagentsoftheGovernmenthadbeenimplicatedinsuchexecutions.92.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattheGovernmentviewedquestionsconcerningtortureorextrajudicialexecutionswithgreatseriousness.Amnestylawshadbeenpromulgatedtorestorethepeaceratherthantoassureimpunitytotheguiltyparties.TheGovernmenthadopenedinvestigationswhenabuseshadbeenreportedbynongovernmentalorganizationsandhaddevelopedafruitfulcooperationwithsuchorganizations.Additionally,article66ofthePenalCodeprovidedfortheopeningofaninvestigationwhenabodywasdiscoveredandthecauseofdeathwaseitherunknownorsuspect.SuchacasewouldbebroughttotheattentionofthePublicProsecutorimmediatelysothataninvestigationcouldbeundertakenwithoutdelay.93.2 .2Toprotecttherightsoftheaccused,Senegalhadoptedforanalternativetohabeascorpus,initsCodeofCriminalProcedure.Underarticle55oftheCode,thecriminalinvestigationofficercannormallydetainsuspectsonlyfor24hoursbeforelodgingcharges.Onlyincaseswheretherearestrongreasonsimplicatingthedetainee,candetentionbeextendedto48hours,withtheaccordofthePublicProsecutororhisrepresentative.However,atthatpointthedetaineehadtobeinformedofthereasonsforhisdetention.Specialcustodialarrangementsweremadeforminorsbetweentheageof13,whichwastheageofcriminalliability,andtheageof18,whichwastheageofmajority.&  Righttoafairtrial94.2 .2Inregardtothatissue,theCommitteewishedtohavefurther'  informationonthejurisdictionandactivitiesoftheStateSecurityCourt,includingexamplesofcasesthathadbeenassignedtoit,andonitsrelationshipwithordinarycourts.Inparticular,membersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowwhetheritwaspossibletoappealagainstdecisionsofthatcourtbeforetheordinarycourts.Also,inthelightofparagraph58ofthereport,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowwhetheritwaspossibletosentenceapersoninabsentiaand,ifso,underwhatcircumstances.95.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthattheStateSecurityCourt,whichwasabolishedbyLawNo.92/31of4June1992,hadbeenthesubjectofmuchcriticismatboththenationalandinternationallevels.Anumberofpracticesassociatedwithit,suchastheabsenceoftherightofappealtoitsdecisions,hadclearlybeeninconflictwithdemocraticprocessesinSenegal.Anumberofmechanismswereemployedtoensurethataccusedpersonswerepresentincourtandabletorespondtocharges.Incaseswheretheaccusedwasnotincustodybuthadpersonallyreceivedasummons,failuretoappearincourtprecludedthepossibilityofchallengingthecourt.Whileinsuchcasesboththejudgementandthesentencewererenderedintheperson'sabsence,therightofappealwasnotcompromised.Insituationswhereasummonshadnotbeendeliveredbyhandtotheaccused,thecourtcouldeitherdecidetorenewtheefforttomakecontactwiththeaccused,orchoosetodeclaretheabsenceas"simpledefault",whichprovidedforthepossibilityofthesentencedpersonopposingtheverdictandthesentence.Insuchacase,thematterwouldbereconsideredbythesamecourt.Freedomofmovementandexpulsionofaliens,righttoprivacy,freedomofopinionandexpression,prohibitionofpropagandaforwarandtheincitementtonational,racialorreligioushatredandfreedomofassociationandassembly96.2 .2Withrespecttotheseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowhowtheexpressionofdifferentpointsofviewwasensuredintheStatebroadcastingcorporation;whethertheGovernmenthadrecentlyappliedpenaltiesincaseswherenewspaperarticleshadbeenconsideredtojeopardizepublicsecurityormorals;howthecompatibilityofAct78-02of29January1978witharticle21oftheCovenantwasensured;andhowtheobligationsunderarticle20oftheCovenantwereimplementedinSenegaleselawandpractice.MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtohavefurtherinformationonactualcasesinwhichnaturalizedcitizenshadbeendeprivedoftheirstatusasSenegalese;andonlegislationrelatingtofreedomofmovement,especiallythoserelatingtorestrictionsthereon.97.2 .2Additionally,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowwhethertheGovernmenthadplanstoprivatizethemassmediainSenegal;whichauthoritieswereabletoauthorizetheholdingofprivatemeetingsandwhethertheirdecisionscouldbeappealed;whethertheSenegaleseHumanRightsCommitteeprovidedanyservicesfortheactivedefenceofhumanrights;andwhetherthepenalprovisionsrestrictingfreedomofthepresshadbeenreviewedinthelightofthedemocraticprogressthathadbeenachieved.MembersoftheCommitteealsorequestedfurtherinformationonpossiblerestrictionsontherightofprivacyandonthenumberandfrequencyofprosecutionsagainstjournalists.98.2 .2Replyingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatcasesinwhichnaturalizedcitizensweredeprivedoftheirstatusasSenegaleseweresetforthinarticle16ofAct6110of7March1961,asamendedbyAct89-42.UnderthatAct,naturalizedcitizenscouldnotholdofficeorpracticeaprofessionforwhichSenegalesenationalitywasrequired.TheserestrictionsexpiredafteraspecifiednumberofyearsfollowingnaturalizationandcouldbeliftedbydecreeifthenaturalizedcitizenhadrenderedexceptionalservicestoSenegal.SenegalesenationalswishingtotraveloutsideAfricawererequiredtoholdareturnticket,provethattheyhadthemeanstoliveinthecountryofdestinationandtohaveanentryvisaforthatcountry.TheStatebroadcastingcorporationhadrecentlybeenreorganizedandabodyhadbeencreatedtoensurethatpluralismwasrespectedanddifferentpointsofviewwereexpressed.Privatemeetingscouldbeheldfreelyandtheauthoritiesmerelyhadtobeinformedaboutthem.Theauthoritieshadtobeinformedinadvanceofpublicmeetingsorrequestedtoauthorizethem.Suchauthorizationswereusuallyneverrefusedbutrefusalswere,inanycase,subjecttoappealtotheadministrativecourts.Followingthereformoftheelectorallaw,therequirementtorequestauthorizationtoholdmeetingsduringanelectioncampaignhadbeenabolished.Propagandaforwarandadvocacyofhatredwereprohibitedbylawandseverepenaltieswereprovidedforthoseguiltyofincitementtoracialhatredorhostility.Toleranceandfraternityweretaughtatalleducationallevelsandwerealsostressedinreligiousinstruction.99.2 .2Concerningfreedomofthepress,criminalprovisionshadbeenintroducedasaresultofslanderanddefamatorystatementsbyjournalistssomeyearsearlier,whichwereconsideredtohavehadademoralizingeffectonthearmy.However,noprosecutionshadbeenbroughtagainstjournalistsinthepasttwoorthreeyears.Thesituationinthisrespectwasbeingreviewedanditwasexpectedthattheoffencesinquestionwouldbereducedtoordinarylawoffences,whichwouldallowanyonewhohadbeenslanderedtoseekcompensation.100.2 .2SomeprivatebodieswerealreadypresentinradioandtelevisioninSenegal.ForeignradioandtelevisionbroadcastinghadalsobeguntooperateinDakarandprivatizationofthemediawasexpectedtoproceedfurtherin1993.Exceptionstotherighttoprivacycouldbemadeduringstatesofemergencybut,inpractice,therehadbeennocensorshipofcorrespondenceormonitoringoftelephonecommunications.101.2 .2TheSenegaleseHumanRightsCommitteewaschairedbyaSupremeCourtjudgeandwasmadeupofonerepresentativeoftheOfficeofthePresident,onerepresentativeofeachofthemainministriesandrepresentativesofworkers'organizations,women'sandyouthmovements,nongovernmentalorganizationsandothers.TheCommitteepublishedreportsonitsactivities,whichincludeddrawingtheattentionofthecompetentauthoritiestohumanrightsviolations.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers102.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthepunctualsubmissionofitsreportssinceitsaccessiontotheCovenantanditsspiritofcooperationwiththeCommittee.Itwasnotedthatthethirdperiodicreportdidnotdealfullyenoughwiththedifficultiesthecountryfaces,particularlyinthesouth,andhowthosedifficultiesaffectedtheimplementationoftheCovenant.However,theauthoritiesinSenegalhadtakentheCommittee'scommentsintoaccountintheprocessofreorientingnationallegislationandprovidingthelegalguaranteesnecessaryfortheenjoymentofhumanrights.TheabolitionoftheSecurityCourtandthereorganizationofthesupremejudicialbodieswerewelcomed,aswerethedelegation'scandidresponseonshortcomingswithregardtonotificationofderogationsunderarticle4oftheCovenant.However,itwasnotedthatadeclarationshouldhavebeenmade,inaccordancewitharticle4oftheCovenant,regardingthelimitationsonfreedomofmovementimposedundertherecentlydeclaredstateofemergency.103.2 .2Someareasofconcernremained,particularlyoverthelackofinvestigationintoallegationsofextrajudicialexecutionsandtorturebymembersofthearmyorpolice.Particularconcernwasexpressedoverthedangerthattheamnestylawsmightbeusedtograntimpunitytoofficialsresponsibleforviolations,whohadtobebroughttojustice.104.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeemphasizedthattherightofaccesstolegalcounselbeganfromthemomentanindividualwasdeprivedofhisfreedom.Concernwasexpressedoverthefactthatdetaineescouldbeheldwithoutchargeforuptoeightdays,eventhougharticle55ofthePenalCodeofferedsomeprotectioninsuchsituations.MembersoftheCommitteealsoexpressedtheirconcernoverthepossibilitythattheamendedPressandJournalismActofApril1979stillinhibitedfreedomofexpressionandinfringedontherightofaccesstoinformation,notingthatallsuchrestrictionsmustaccordwiththecriteriasetoutinarticle19,paragraph3,oftheCovenant.Additionally,concernwasexpressedoverthenumerousrestrictionsonthemassmediaandtheholdingofmeetings.105.2 .2Inregardtonondiscrimination,membersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernovertheFamilyCodeandnotedthatitsprovisionswerenotcompatiblewiththeCovenant,particularlyinregardtoestablishingthehusbandasthesoleheadofthehousehold.Inthisregard,membersoftheCommitteealsoexpressedtheirconcernoverthecontinuedpracticeofpolygamyinSenegalsince,inactualpractice,itwasimpossibleforamantotreathiswivesequally.MembersoftheCommitteealsoexpressedconcernoverthereluctanceoftheGovernmenttorecognizetheexistenceofminoritiesandemphasizedthatarticle27oftheCovenantconferredbenefitsonmembersofsuchgroups.106.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartythankedthemembersoftheCommitteefortheirremarksonhisGovernment'simplementationoftheCovenant.HehadtakencarefulnoteoftheconcernsthathadbeenvoicedandwouldfaithfullytransmitthemtohisGovernment.107.2 .2TheChairmanoftheCommitteeobservedthatthedelegationhadfurnishedrichmaterialfortheCommittee'sconsiderationofthereportofSenegal.HewascertainthatthedelegationwouldfullyinformtheGovernmentofthediscussionandensurethatallcommentsmadebyCommitteemembersweretakenintoaccount.Itwasobviousthatthathadbeendoneaftertheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreport,andSenegaleselegislationhadimprovedaccordingly.&  CommentsoftheCommittee'  108.2 .2Atits1203rdmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon5November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.  UK     \R3'\ X  X    +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)ST882^     Introduction109.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationfortheStateparty'sthirdperiodicreportwhichhadbeenpreparedinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sgeneralguidelinesandshowedprogressinimplementingtheprovisionsoftheCovenant.Atthesametime,theCommitteefindsthatthereportfocusesonlawsandadministrativeregulationsratherthanontheactualimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheCovenantandcontainslittleinformationonfactorsanddifficultiesencounteredintheirapplication.InitscomprehensiverepliestothequestionsraisedbyCommitteemembers,however,thedelegationhasendeavouredtocomplementthewrittenreport.Theinformation,bothwrittenandoral,providedbytheStatepartyhasenabledtheCommitteetomakearealisticassessmentofthehumanrightssituationinSenegal.Positiveaspects110.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionoftheprogressthathasbeenachievedintheimplementationofprovisionsoftheCovenantinSenegal.Amongthepositivedevelopmentsaimedatstrengtheningtheprotectionofhumanrightsthathasoccurredsincetheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportin1987theCommitteenotes,interalia,theadoptionofnewlegislationorlegislativeamendmentsmoreinaccordancewiththeCovenantsuchasthereorganizationofthejudicialbranch,particularlytheestablishmentoftheStateCouncil,theSupremeCourtandtheConstitutionalCouncil,theabolitionoftheStateSecurityCourt,andthecreationofthepostofMediator.TheCommitteealsonotestheadoptionofanewElectoralCode;theapplication,forthefirsttime,ofcertainprovisionscontainedintheCovenantbythenationalcourts;andthecarefulconsiderationthathadbeengivenbytheGovernmentoftheStatepartytothecommentsandrecommendationsformulatedbytheCommitteeduringconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreport.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant111.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatduringtheperiodunderreview,astateofemergencywasproclaimedthataffectedthesouthernpartofSenegal(rgiondeCasamance),andthatseveraloftherightscoveredbytheCovenantwerederogated.Inaddition,thepersistenceofcertaincustomsandtheexistenceofoutmodedlegislationhinderSenegal'sfullcompliancewithitsobligationsundertheCovenant.Principalsubjectsofconcern112.2 .2TheCommitteedoesnotagreewiththeGovernment'scontentionthattheprovisionsoftheCovenantmustbeinterpretedandappliedagainstthebackgroundoftheconditionsprevailinginthecountry.Rather,itbelievesthatalleffortsshouldbemadetobringthoseconditionsintoconformitywithinternationallyagreedhumanrightsstandards.Itfindsthatcertainprovisionsofpenallegislationarenotinconformitywitharticle6oftheCovenant,especiallyinrespectoftheapplicationofthedeathpenaltytominors,orwitharticle9oftheCovenant,particularlyinsofarastheyallowdetaineestobekeptincommunicadoduringthefirsteightdaysfollowingarrestanddeprivedofaccesstoalawyerfortheperiodofarrest.ThepassivenessoftheGovernmentinconductingtimelyinvestigationsofreportedcasesofilltreatmentofdetainees,tortureandextrajudicialexecutionsisnotconsistentwiththeprovisionofarticles7and9oftheCovenant.Toachievefullcompliancewitharticle4oftheCovenant,greatereffortsarealsoneededtoensuretheproperprotectionofhumanrightsunderastateofemergency.TheCommitteeconsidersthatamnestyshouldnotbeusedasameanstoensuretheimpunityofStateofficialsresponsibleforviolationsofhumanrightsandthatallsuchviolations,especiallytorture,extrajudicialexecutionsandilltreatmentofdetaineesshouldbeinvestigatedandthoseresponsibleforthemtriedandpunished.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutremainingareasofdiscriminationagainstwomen.Suggestionsandrecommendations113.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlawsrelatingtostatesofemergency,theprotectionoftherighttolifeandthedeathpenalty,forcedlabour,thetreatmentofdetaineesandtheiraccesstoalawyerandfreedomofexpressionparticularlyrestrictionsimposedontheexercisebyjournalistsofthisrightbebroughtintoconformitywitharticles4,6,8and19oftheCovenant,respectively.TheproclamationofanystateofemergencymustbenotifiedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsinatimelymanner.Effortsshouldalsobemadetoremovesocialbarriersinordertoensuretherealequalityofmenandwomen.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattrainingcoursesshouldbeorganizedformembersofthepolice,thearmyandthesecurityforcesaswellasforotherlawenforcementofficialssoastobetteracquaintthemwiththebasicprinciplesandnormsofhumanrightsandlawsaimedattheirprotection.114.2 .2TheCommitteehasreceivedacommunicationfromtheStatepartydated17May1993,referringtothecommentsoftheCommittee(seeCCPR/C/90).Luxembourg115.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofLuxembourg(CCPR/C/57/Add.4)andthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.10)atits1187thand1188thmeetings,heldon26October1992(CCPR/C/SR.1187and1188).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)116.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whopointedoutthatunderarticle111oftheConstitutionofLuxembourgallforeignersintheterritoryenjoyedtheprotectionoftheirfundamentalrightssubjectonlytoexceptionsestablishedbylaw.ExtensivejurisprudenceonthematterreflectedthefactthatforeignersenjoyedthesamepoliticalrightsascitizensofLuxembourg.ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisimplementedandnon-discriminationandequalityofthesexes117.2 .2Withrespecttothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhethertherehavebeenanycaseswheretheprovisionsoftheCovenanthadbeendirectlyinvokedbeforethecourtsorreferredtoincourtdecisionsand,ifso,whattherelevantdetailswere;whatthestatuswasofthespecialcommissionerappointedtoenforcedecisionstakenbythelitigationscommitteeoftheCouncilofStateandwhatpowerswerevestedinhim;whethertheterm"foreigners"referredonlytoimmigrantsoralsotononcitizensingeneral,includingasylumseekersoreventourists;whetherappealscouldbemadeagainstdecisionsofthemilitarycourtsand,ifso,towhichbody;whetherdecisionstakenbytheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocolwereknowninLuxembourg,particularlyamongmembersofthelegalprofession,thejudiciaryandgovernmentofficials;and,withreferencetoparagraph35ofthereport,whetherreligiousministersremuneratedbytheStatebelongedtoaparticularreligion.118.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtohavefurtherdetailsontheworkbeingaccomplishedbythespecialconsultativecommissionsofthevariouscommunes,referredtoinparagraph48ofthereport,includinginformationonthesupporttheyreceivedfromcommunalauthorities;ontheapplicationofrecentlawsdesignedtoprotectsmallandlesserknownminorities;onrestrictionstotherighttotakepartinelections;andonoffencesthatcouldresultinapersonbeingdeprivedoftherighttovote.119.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattherehadbeenanumberofcaseswheretheprovisionsoftheCovenanthadbeeninvokedinacourtoflaw.ThejudicialauthoritiesinallsuchcaseshadheldthattheprovisionsofinternationalinstrumentstookprecedenceevenovertheprovisionsoftheConstitutionandalso,therefore,overexistinglawsandregulations.Wheredomesticlegislationwasnotinlinewithinternationalinstruments,thecourtshadtheauthoritytodeclaretheprovisioninquestionillegalinrelationtoaspecificcasebroughtbyagivenclaimant.Thelegislationitselfwasnotdeclaredillegal,however.CurrentlytherewasnoprovisionformonitoringlegislationtoseeifitwasinaccordwiththeConstitutionandinternationalinstruments,whichadmittedlyrepresentedaseriousgapinthecountry'slegalsystem.120.2 .2Unfortunately,Luxembourg'scitizenswerenotwellawareoftherightscontainedintheCovenantandevenlawyerswhocouldhaveinvokedhumanrightsinstrumentsinlegalproceedingshadfailedtodosobecauseoftheirunfamiliaritywiththerelevantconventions.AlthoughthecompetentministrieshadconsideredthereportsoftheCommittee,onlylimitedpublicitywasgiventosuchreports.Therepresentativeindicatedthathewouldmakethenecessaryrecommendationstotheauthoritiesonthesepoints.121.2 .2Avarietyofmeasureshadbeentakeninordertoimprovetheparticipationofforeignersincommunallife.Foreignerswouldbeaccordedtherighttovoteincommunalelections,asaresultoftheTreatyonEuropeanUnion,signedinMaastrichton7February1992,andwouldalsobeabletovoteinprofessionalorganizationsandchambersofcommerce,pursuanttoarecentdecisionoftheCouncilofState.Whiletherewerenoproblemsconcerninghousing,healthandsocialservices,thereweredifficultiesinthefieldofeducation,whereeffortswerebeingmadetobetterintegrateforeignchildrenintotheschoolsystem.122.2 .2TherewerepresentlythreeofficiallyrecognizedreligionsinLuxembourg:Catholicism,ProtestantismandJudaism.Thestatusof"officialreligion"entitledministersofsuchreligionstoberemuneratedasStateemployeesonthebasisofconventionssignedwiththeState.Toberecognizedasanofficialreligion,otherreligionswouldhavetotakestepstoconcludesimilarconventionswiththeState.Treatmentofprisonersandotherdetaineesandrighttoafairtrial123.2 .2Withreferencetothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtohavefurtherinformationonthefunctionsandactivitiesofliaisonofficerswhosupervisedplacesofdetention,asreferredtoinparagraph10ofthereport;onguaranteesprovidedundertheActsof16Juneand7July1989tosafeguardtheinterestsofpersonsunderarrest;ontheimplementationinpracticeofarticle9,paragraph3,oftheCovenant;ontheactivitiesoftheofficialappointedinmentalhealthestablishmentstoinformandadvisementally-illpatientsoftheirrights;andontheprocedureandcriteriaforselectingmagistratesandappellatecourtjudges.124.2 .2Withrespecttoregulationspertainingtotheapplicationofisolationtodetainees,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowwhatoffencesgaverisetoisolationasapunishment;whodecidedwhenitwouldbeapplied;howwereprisonersdefinedas"dangerous"andforhowlongcouldtheybeheldinisolation;whetheradecisiontoplaceadetaineeinisolationcouldbeappealed;whyisolationalsoincludedaprohibitionagainstreadingliterature;howmanypeoplehadbeenplacedinisolationin1992;andwhetheritwasregardedassatisfactorythatprisonersinisolationwereallowedonlyonehour'sexerciseperdayoutoftheircell.125.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhethertherewereanymaximumlimitsonthelengthofpre-trialdetention;whetherthedraftbillontheprotectionofyouthhadbeenadoptedbytheChamberofDeputies;whetherconsiderationwasbeinggiventochangingtheinterpretativedeclarationmadebyLuxembourginrespectofarticle10,paragraph(2)(b),oftheCovenant;whethertheprisonpopulationincludeddrugabusersandhownecessarycarewasadministeredtosuchpersons;andwhethertheConstitutionhadbeenmodifiedtoreflectthedecision,adoptedpursuanttothelawof20June1979,toabolishthedeathpenalty.126.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatthepublicprosecutorandaliaisonofficer,whowasalwaysajudgeoftheordinarycourts,monitoredcompliancewiththeinternalregulationsofpenalinstitutions.Complaintsfromprisonerswerealwaysheardbythepublicprosecutor.Existingproceduresconcerningpretrialdetentionprovidedthatadetainee'simmediatereleasehadtobeorderedifnocourtdecisionhadbeenreachedwithinonemonthofthedetainee'sinitialinterrogation.Victimsofunlawfularrestordetentionhadarighttocompensation,whichwasultimatelydecideduponbytheMinisterofJustice.127.2 .2Resorttotheisolationofprisonerswasveryexceptional,andwasadisciplinaryratherthanapunitivemeasure.Thedecisiontoimposeisolationcouldbemadeonlybythepublicprosecutor,takingintoaccounttheadviceofadoctor.Thedetainee'slawyercouldappealthedecision,particularlyonthegroundsthattheimpositionofisolationwouldendangerthephysicalandpsychologicalwellbeingofthedetainee.Anydisciplinarymeasureofsuchaseriousnaturecouldbeappealedtothejudgeresponsibleformonitoringprisonconditions.Detaineeswerealwaysabletocommunicatewiththeirfamilies,lawyersorwiththepublicprosecutor,exceptwheresuchcommunicationwasexpresslyforbiddenbytheexaminingjudge.Suchdecisionsweremadestrictlyinaccordancewiththepenalcode.Thesentenceofhardlabour,whichwasstillprovidedforunderthepenalcode,wasneverappliedinpractice.128.2 .2TheLawof12November1971relatingtotheprotectionofminorshadbeenrecentlyreplacedbyanewlaw,whichwouldbeprovidedtomembersoftheCommittee.Minorsindetentionwereseparatedfromcontactwithadultprisonersexceptinworkshopsorsimilaractivitiesinwhichtheminorshadchosentoparticipate.StepsforthesocialrehabilitationofdelinquentminorshadbeenelaboratedbytheMinisterofSocialAssistanceinconsultationwithexpertsandspecialistsinpsychology.Ingeneral,goodresultshadbeenobtainedbythesystem,althoughitwasalwaysdifficulttoeliminatetheproblemofrepeatoffenders.Prisonerswhoweredrugaddictscouldobtainspecializedtreatmentfortheirproblemonrequest.Drugaddictscouldalsobeplacedinisolationfromotherprisonersfortheirownprotection.ThedeathpenaltyhadbeenabolishedfromthePenalCode,althoughthereferencetoitintheConstitutionhadbeenmaintained.Inpracticethismeansthatitcannotbeappliedbythecourts.Freedomofmovementandexpulsionofaliensandfreedomofexpressionandassembly129.2 .2Regardingthoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowhowmanyalienshavebeenrefusedpermissiontosettleinLuxembourgorhadhadtheiridentitycardswithdrawnortheirrenewalrefusedbecausetheyfailedtofulfillegalobligationstowardstheirfamilies;howcompatibilitywitharticle21oftheCovenantbycommunalauthoritieswhowereauthorizedtoissueregulationsrelatingtotheexerciseoftherighttofreedomofassemblywasensured;andwhatadministrativearrangementshadbeenestablishedforthedetentionofaliensawaitingexpulsion.130.2 .2Inhisresponse,therepresentativestatedthatnoalienhadbeenrefusedpermissiontosettleinLuxembourgorhadhadhisorheridentitycardwithdrawnoritsrenewalrefusedbecauseofthefailuretofulfillegalobligationstowardsthefamily.Therightofpeacefulassemblywasguaranteedunderarticle25oftheConstitution.Openairpublicassemblies,whetherpolitical,religiousorotherwise,weresubjecttolawsandregulationsofthepoliceandcommunalauthorities.RelevantcommunalregulationsweresubjecttotheapprovaloftheMinisteroftheInteriorandpersonsororganizationsaffectedbysuchMinisterialdecisionscouldcontestthelegalityofthedecisionbeforeanadministrativejudge.Policeregulationsapplicabletosuchmatters,hadbeenestablishedinconformitywiththelimitationsforeseeninarticle21oftheCovenant.Protectionofthefamily,righttovoteandrightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities131.2 .2Concerningthoseissues,theCommitteewishedtohavefurtherinformationonexistinglegislativeoradministrativearrangementsforprotectingtheinterestsofchildrenincasesoffamilyseparation,otherthanthosedescribedinparagraph37ofthereport,andonthewaysandmeansbywhichtheImmigrationCouncilintegratedaliensintosociety.Regardingthedeprivationofvotingrightsaspartofsentencinginsomecases,membersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowhowlongthedeprivationoftherighttovotelastedandwhetherthesentencewasappliedroutinelyforcertaintypesofcrimesorwhetheritwasemployedonlyasanexceptionalmeasure.132.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartypointedoutthatamongLuxembourg's378,000inhabitantsmorethan80nationalitieswererepresented,asituationwhichmadeitdifficulttospeakofspecificminorities.ImmigrantsdidnotconstituteethnicminoritiesunderLuxembourglawandwereextendedthesamerightsascitizens.Foreigners,includingnationalsofotherEuropeanCommunityStates,werepartofthenationalcommunityregardlessoftheirrace,nationality,colourorreligion.Assuch,theywereextendedthesamerightsascitizensinmatterspertainingtosocialsecurity,sickness,pensionsandretirement,withtheexceptionoftherighttovote.Theexclusionofconvictedcriminalsfromvotingwasregulatedunderarticle53oftheConstitution,whichprovidedthatpersonsconvictedandsentencedforavarietyofcrimescouldlosetheirrighttovote.Incasesofseriouscrimes,suchasmurderorrape,thedeprivationcouldbemandatorywhereasforminorcrimestherighttovotecouldbetemporarilysuspendedatthediscretionofthesentencingjudge.Inallcases,votingrightscouldberestoredbydecisionoftheGrandDuke.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers133.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteethankedthedelegationofLuxembourgforitsfranknessandcooperationinhelpingtheCommitteetobetterunderstandLuxembourg'slegalsystem.ItwasnotedthatwhilethegeneralsituationwithrespecttotheapplicationoftheCovenantwassatisfactory,certainproblemshadpersisted.Inthisregard,membersconsideredthatthepracticeofincludingasuspensionofvotingrightsaspartofsentencingraisedanumberofproblemsunderarticle21oftheCovenant.MembersalsoexpressedconcernoverpracticesinLuxembourgregardingtheapplicationofisolationtodetaineesincluding,inparticular,thelengthofisolation,theprohibitionofreadingmaterialstoisolateddetaineesandthefactthattheywereallowedonlyonehouroutoftheircelleachdayforexercise.Itwasalsonotedthattheuseofpreventivedetentionshouldnotbecomeroutinenorshoulditleadtoexcessiveperiodsofdetentionorinfringeuponthepresumptionofinnocence.MembersweresatisfiedthatthedeathpenaltyhadbeenabolishedinpracticebutnonethelessexpressedthehopethatitwouldbeabolishedattheleveloftheConstitutioninthenearfuture.134.2 .2ConcernwasalsoexpressedoverthepositionofreligioussectswhichhadnotenteredintoacovenantwiththeStateandwhich,therefore,wereatadisadvantagerelativetosectsthathaddonesoandweresupportedbytheState.Additionally,membersnotedthat,underarticle27oftheCovenant,ethnic,religiousandlinguisticminoritieshadarighttotheirownculturallifeandthattheexerciseofthatrightneededtobeguaranteedandmonitoredbytheState.Itwasalsonotedthat,ingeneral,theprovisionsoftheCovenantwerenotadequatelypublicizedinLuxembourg.Inthisregard,itwassuggestedthattheGovernmentfacilitateagreaterawarenessamongthegeneralpublicand,inparticular,amongmembersofthejudiciaryandthelegalprofession.135.2 .2InconcludingtheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportofLuxembourg,theChairmanexpressedhisappreciationforthedelegation'scompetenceandcandourinrespondingtothequestionsandconcernsraisedbytheCommittee,aswellashisconfidencethatthoseconcernswouldbetakenintoaccountbytheGovernment.Heobservedthatinasmuchasjudgeswereabletooverturnnationallawstheyconsideredincompatiblewithtreatylaw,itwouldbedesirableifmembersofthejudiciarycouldbemademorefamiliarwiththeCovenantandthewayitsprovisionswereinterpretedbytheCommittee,particularlythroughitsgeneralcommentsanditsdecisionsundertheOptionalProtocol.CommentsoftheCommittee136.2 .2Atits1203rdmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon5November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction137.2 .2TheCommitteecommendstheStatepartyonitsreportwhichcontainsclearandbasicinformationonlawsrelatingtotheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommittee,however,regretsthatthereportlacksinformationconcerningtheactualsituationontheground,includingfactorsanddifficultieswhichmayaffecttheimplementationoftheCovenant.138.2 .2TheCommitteealsocommendsLuxembourgforthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.10)submittedinaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofreportssubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/1991/1).139.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationforthehighleveldelegationwhichrepresentedtheStatepartyduringtheconsiderationofitsreport.ThecompetenceofthatdelegationandthecooperationitdemonstratedinrespondingtorequestsforfurtherinformationfacilitatedaconstructivedialoguebetweentheCommitteeandtheStateparty.Positiveaspects140.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthepositionaccordedtotheCovenantwithinthehierarchyoftheStateparty'snationallaw.TheCommitteehasnotedthedelegation'sstatementthattheprovisionsoftheCovenantmaybedirectlyinvokedinthecourtsandthat,wherethereisaconflictbetweenthoseprovisionsandnationallaw,theCovenantisaccordedsupremacy.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheinitiativetakentoensuretheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.Principalsubjectsofconcern141.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernovertheinsufficientpublicitygiventotheCovenantamongpersonsinthoseprofessionsmostconcernedwithitsapplicationandamongthegeneralpublic,whothusmaynotbeadequatelyinformedoftheprotectionaffordedbytheCovenantandofthepossibilityofsubmittingindividualcommunicationsundertheOptionalProtocol.142.2 .2Withrespecttothetreatmentofprisoners,theCommitteeisconcernedoverpresentpracticespertainingtosolitaryconfinementwhichareincompatiblewitharticle10oftheCovenant.AdditionallythereisnoremedyavailablewithregardtothedecisionoftheProsecutorGeneraltoapplysolitaryconfinement.Anotherareaofconcernistheapplicationofpretrialdetentionwhichmayleadtoexcessiveperiodsofdetentionandwhichmayinfringeuponthepresumptionofinnocence.143.2 .2Otherareasofconcernincludearticle18oftheConstitutionwhichstillpresupposestheexistenceofthedeathpenalty;thelackofaremedytodecisionsoftheProsecutorGeneralregardinginternmentofthementallyill;thedeprivationoftherighttovoteasafurthersanctionincriminalcases;andcontinuingprovisioninthelawforhardorforcedlabour,whichhasnotyetbeenabolished.TheCommitteealsonotesthatcaremustbetakenwithpresentpracticesforfinancingreligiousminoritiestoensurethattheyremaininconformitywitharticles2,paragraph1,and27oftheCovenant.Suggestionsandrecommendations144.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakestepstodisseminateinformationabouttheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocol;restricttheuseofsolitaryconfinementtoshort,temporaryperiodsandonlywherenecessaryaspartofdisciplinarymeasures;provideaneffectiveremedyforthosewhohavebeensubjectedtosolitaryconfinementinaprisonortointernmentinafacilityforthementallyill;andreviewlegislationoncriminalproceduresothatitisfullyinlinewithprovisionsconcerningpre-trialdetentionunderarticle9andthepresumptionofinnocenceunderarticle14oftheCovenant.145.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderabolishingthedeprivationoftherighttovoteaspartoflegitimatepunishment;consideranewapproachtoguaranteeingtherightsofminorities,particularlyinregardtothesystemofconventionsbetweentheStateandvariousreligiouscommunities;andconsidertheneedforaconstitutionalremedytofurtherclarifysituationswhereconflictsmayseemtoarisebetweentheprovisionsoftheCovenantandtheConstitution.TheCommitteealsoinvitestheStatepartytoreviewthereservationsandinterpretativedeclarationsitmadeuponratificationwithaviewtowithdrawingthemasfaraspossible.UnitedRepublicofTanzania146.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzania(CCPR/C/42/Add.12)atits1189thto1191stmeetings,heldon27and28October1992(CCPR/C/SR.11891191).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)147.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whostatedthattheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniahad"democraticallychosenasingleparty"duringits30yearsofindependence.However,inviewofthewindsofdemocratizationsweepingacrosstheworld,andinAfricainparticular,theUnitedRepublicofTanzaniahadestablishedaSpecialCommissionin1991todeterminewhetherthesinglepartysystemshouldbemaintainedoramultipartysystemadopted.Despitethefactthat80percentofthepopulationinterviewedhadbeeninfavourofcontinuingthesinglepartysystem,theGovernmentdecidedtooptforamultipartysystem.Asaresult,theConstitutionhadbeenamendedinApril1992andpoliticalpartieshadalreadyobtainedtheirprovisionalregistration.AnewPoliticalPartiesActhadbeenintroducedandthepartieshadbeengiventhreeyearstoprepareforthefirstmultipartypresidentialelectionin1995.Constitutionalandlegalframework,selfdetermination,stateofemergencyandrighttoparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairs148.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhethertheprovisionsoftheCovenant,inparticularthosenotreflectedintheBillofRights,couldbedirectlyinvokedbeforethecourtsundertheamendedConstitutionand,ifso,hadtherebeenanycaseswherethishasbeendone;whetherdomesticlegislationhadbeenreviewedforitscompatibilitywiththeamendedConstitution;whetheranylaws,decreesoradministrativeactshadbeenchallengedasunconstitutionalonthegroundthattheyinfringedarightguaranteedundertheamendedConstitution;howcourtpracticehadbeenbroughtintolinepursuanttotheCriminalProcedureActasamended,withthestandardssetoutintheCovenant;whetherthefunctionsofthePermanentCommissionofEnquiryhadchangedasaresultoftheamendmentstotheConstitutionandtheCriminalProcedureAct;howtheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniaguaranteedtheapplicationofarticles1and25oftheCovenantwithinitspoliticalsystem;andhowtherightstolifeandtotheinviolabilityofpersonalfreedominastateofemergencywereensured.FurtherinformationwasrequestedontheactivitiesofthePermanentCommissionofEnquiryastoitseffectivenessandtheextentofpublicknowledgeofitsexistenceandrole.149.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhatwastherelationshipbetweentheConstitutionoftheChamaChaMapinduziParty,theConstitutionoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniaandtheConstitutionofZanzibarandwhichofthemprevailedincaseofconflict;whenandonwhatgroundswasitpossibletoderogatefromtheprovisionsofsections14and15oftheConstitutioninrespectofindividualsbelievedtobeconductingthemselvesinamannerthatendangeredorcompromisednationalsecurity(CCPR/C/42/Add.12,para.65);howthefunctionsoftherulingpartyinrespecttotheprotectionofhumanrightswouldbetransferredtotheGovernmentunderthenewmultipartysystem;how"thepublicinterest"wasdefinedinrelationtoitsmentioninsection30(2)oftheConstitutionandwhetherthatsectionwouldbeamendedinviewofthenewmultipartysystem;whethertherewereanyplanstoholdparliamentaryelectionsunderthenewsystem;whetherpriorpermissionforcampaignmeetingstobeheldwithintheframeworkoftheplannedmultipartyelectionshadtobeobtainedfromtheDistrictCommissioner;whethertherewasanypoliticalpersecutionsuchastheholdingofprisonersofconscience,particularlyinZanzibar;andwhowasresponsiblefordeterminingwhetherornotanewsitemwasfalsetherebyprohibitingitspublicationundertheNewspaperActand,intheevent,whethertherewereanyrecourseprocedures.150.2 .2Furtherinformationwasrequestedconcerningtheenjoymentoftherightssetforthinarticle25oftheCovenant;onamendmentstosection38(2)oftheConstitution;onrestrictionsonfreedomofmovementandresidence,asreferredtoinparagraph20ofthereport;ontheroleoftheSpecialConstitutionalCourtwithrespecttoimplementationorinterpretationoftheConstitutionbetweentheGovernmentoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniaandtheRevolutionaryGovernmentofZanzibar;onthestrengthandpoliticalcharacteristicsofthenewlyregisteredpoliticalparties,includingtheirrelationshipwiththerulingparty;ontheapplicationofarticle25oftheCovenantandtheapparentincompatibilityoftheonepartysystemwiththatarticle;onthecontrolsexercisedinthepartyregistrationprocess;andonthescopeandapplicationofthepolicyofUjamaa.151.2 .2Replyingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartydeclaredthatnearlyalloftheprovisionsofhumanrightsinstrumentswerereflectedintheConstitutionandhadnotbeenaffectedbytherecentamendments.Lawyersandjudgesinvokedthoserightsinconnectionwithvariouscasesbeforethecourts.However,astheamendedConstitutionhadenteredintoforceonlyinJuly1992,itwastoosoontodeterminewhethersomeoftheprovisionsoftheCovenanthadbeendirectlyinvokedbeforethecourtsundertheamendedConstitution.Inregardtotheprocessoflegislativereview,thetaskhadonlyjustbegun.WithrespecttothePermanentCommissionofEnquiry,itsactivitieshadcometoahaltwiththeamendmentoftheConstitution.Inamultipartysystem,thefunctionsoftheCommissionwouldhavetochangeoritwouldhavetobeabolishedaltogether.ThepublichadbeeninformedoftheroleoftheCommissionthroughcircularsandthroughthepressandradiobroadcasts.Theproceduresforthedeclarationofastateofemergencyhadbeenchangedtoreflectthenewmultipartysystem.Therepresentativeaddedthatnostateofemergencyhadbeendeclaredsinceindependence.152.2 .2Withregardtoequalitybetweenmenandwomen,customarylawintheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniatendedtofavourmen.Asaresult,womendidnothavetherighttoowngoodsortoinheritthem.However,anumberofwomen'sorganizationshadpressuredforchangeandtheCommissionfortheReformoftheLawwasexpectedtomodifysomeofthelegislationinquestion.Untilsuchtime,womenwouldcontinuetobeatadisadvantageinthecourts.Withrespecttocourtassessors,theirfunctionwasonlytoadvisethecourtwithregardtocustomarylaw.Thecourtwasnotobligedtofollowthatadvice.153.2 .2AnumberofquestionshadbeenraisedconcerningthenewConstitutionanditseffectonZanzibar.ThechangetoamultipartysystemandallotherchangesbroughtaboutbythenewConstitutionappliedtoZanzibaraswellasthemainland.Underthenewprovisionsfortheregistrationofpoliticalparties,prospectivepoliticalpartieshadtoshowthattheirmembershipwasvoluntaryandopentoallcitizensoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniawithoutdiscrimination.Inaddition,thepartycouldnotbebaseduponreligiousbeliefortribalorregionalidentificationnorcoulditespousethedissolutionoftheUnion.Ithadtohaveatleast200memberswhowereeligibletovoteinlegislativeelections.Itsmembershiphadtocomefromatleast10regionsoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniaandhadtoincludemembersfromtheislandsofZanzibarandPemba.Duringthepresenttransitionalperiodtoamultipartysystem,thestatutesoftheChamaChaMapinduziParty,whichhadbeenheretoforetheonlypartyrecognizedundertheConstitution,hadbeenmodified.WhereasbeforetheChamaChaMapinduziPartyhadbeenfinancedinpartbytheState,thepartynowhadtoreturnassets.Forexample,oneofthebuildingswhichwasconstructedforthepartywillbecomeinsteadabuildingforParliament.Sincefundingforthepartycouldonlycomefromvoluntarycontributions,ithadbeenforcedtoreduceitsactivities.154.2 .2TherepresentativepointedoutthatthenewConstitutiondidnotspecifywhetherdomesticlaworinternationallawprevailedinsituationsofconflictbetweentheConstitutionandoneoftheinternationalhumanrightsinstruments.Inactualpractice,theinternationalhumanrightstreatieswerenotself-executingbutrequiredimplementinglegislation.Thiswouldmeanthat,incaseofaconflict,theConstitutionwouldprevail.WithrespecttotheinterpretativedecisionsissuingfromtheConstitutionalCourt,thosedecisionsweredefinitiveandcarriedtheforceoflaw.TheConstitutionprovidedthatthosedecisionsdidnothavetobereviewedbyParliament.Righttolife,treatmentofprisonersandotherdetainees,libertyandsecurityofpersonandrighttoafairtrial155.2 .2Withrespecttothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowthefiguresfordeathsentenceswhichhadbeenimposedandcarriedoutoverthelast10years;whatwerethereasonsfordifferencesinpolicybetweenthemainlandandZanzibarassuggestedinparagraph72ofthereport;withreferencetoparagraph67ofthereport,howtherightofpersonssentencedtodeathtoseekpardonorcommutation,pursuanttoarticle6,paragraph4oftheCovenant,wasensured;whatweretherulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforces;whethertherehadbeenanyviolationsoftheserulesandregulationsand,ifso,whethersuchallegationshadbeeninvestigated,thoseresponsiblepunished,andmeasurestakentopreventtheirrecurrence;whethertheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonerswerecompliedwithandhowtheseprovisionshadbeenmadeknowntotheconcernedpolice,armedforces,andprisonpersonnelaswellas,ingeneral,toallpersonsresponsibleforholdinginterrogations;inviewofitsroleinsecuringtherightsundertheCovenant,whatthepositionofthelegalprofessionwasinlawandpracticeandwhetherithadbeeninfluencedbyrecentamendmentstotheConstitutionandstatutes;andwhethertherewasanyfreelegalaidandadvisoryschemeand,ifso,howitoperatedor,ifnot,howcompliancewitharticle14,paragraph(3)(d),oftheCovenantwasensured.Furtherinformationwasrequestedwithreferencetoparagraph75ofthereport,onmeasurestakenbytheGovernmentinthefieldofhealthcare,particularlywithaviewtoreducinginfantmortality.156.2 .2Inaddition,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowforhowlongafterhisarrestadetaineecouldbekeptfromcontactinglegalcounsel;whethersection148(4)oftheCriminalProcedureActof1985concerningthepowersofthecourttograntbailhadbeendeclaredunconstitutionalandsubsequentlyabrogated;whetheritwasforeseentomodifysection44(1)oftheCivilProcedureAct,providingthatadebtorcouldbearrestedanddetained,whichiscontrarytotheCovenant;whatkindsofcasescouldbebroughtbeforeaPrimaryCourt;whetherthedecisiontoimposeimprisonmentonajuvenileoffender,ratherthanrehabilitativealternativestoincarceration,wasmadeatthediscretionofthesentencingjudge;whatmeasureshadbeentakentowardsthepreventionoftortureandotherinhumantreatment,andwhetherinstancesofitsusewererapidlyandseverelysuppressed;whetherthesubjectionofapersontomedicalorscientificexperiments,withouthisorherfreeconsent,wasexpresslyprohibitedunderTanzanianlegislation;whattypeofcorporalpunishmentwasimposedonoffendersconvictedofrapeorotherviolentcrime;onwhatgroundshad14membersofaBurundioppositiongroupbeentakenintocustodybyauthoritiesinTanzania;whetherthePresidentwasstillabletoorderthearrestanddetentionwithoutbailofanypersonheconsidereddangeroustothepublicorderornationalsecurity;andwhethertherehadbeenexecutionscarriedoutinsecretand,ifso,whytheyhadbeencarriedoutinthismanner.Membersalsorequestedfurtherinformationconcerningthesystemofresidencezonesemployedwithrespecttotheissuanceofresidencepermitstoimmigrants;ontheamendmentpassedin1985tobringthePreventiveDetentionActof1962intoconformitywiththeCovenant;onresorttocorporalpunishmentinsentencingandintheschools;andonthefactorsanddifficultiesencounteredintheapplicationofarticle14oftheCovenant.157.2 .2Inresponse,therepresentativeofthereportingStatenotedthatonlyaverysmallnumberofdeathsentenceshadbeencarriedout.OnlytheHighCourtandtheCourtofAppealcouldhanddownadeathsentenceandsuchasentencehadtobeapprovedbythePresidenthimself.Theconsiderabletimelapsebetweentheverdictandtheexecutionallowedampleopportunityforapresidentialpardon.Inregardtothedifferencesinpolicybetweenthemainlandandtheisland,ZanzibarmaintaineditsownConstitutioninadditiontotheUnionConstitutionthatcoveredboth.Asfarasdifferencesinlegislationwasconcerned,iftherewasnospecificstatementthataparticularlawappliedtoZanzibaraswellastothemainland,Zanzibarwasassumedtohaveitsownseparatelegislation.Thejudiciarywasseparate,oneAttorneyGeneralservingforthemainlandandanotherforZanzibar.158.2 .2Incaseswheretherehadbeenamisuseoffirearmsbypoliceandsecurityforces,actionwasalwaystakenagainstthesecurityofficersinvolved.TheStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonerswerebeingcompliedwith,thoughproblemssometimesoccurred.EffortswereconsistentlymadetoeducatepoliceofficersinthisregardthroughnationalseminarsorganizedbytheMinisterofHomeAffairsandthroughtheprovisionoffellowshipsforofficerstoattendseminarsabroad.Medicalserviceswereavailabletoprisonersintheirplacesofdetention.Whennecessary,prisonersweretransportedundersecuritytohospitalsfortreatment.159.2 .2Section54(1)oftheCriminalProcedureActstipulatedthat,whenarrestinganindividual,apoliceofficermustinformthatpersonofhisrightsinalanguageheunderstood.Oneofthoserightswastocontactafriend,arelativeoralawyer.ThelawyercouldeitherbechosenbytheindividualoroneassignedbytheGovernment.Allpersonswhowerearrestedhadtobebroughtbeforeajudgewithin24hours,exceptinsituationswherethearresthadtakenplaceonaFriday,inwhichcasearraignmentbeforeajudgewouldtakeplaceontheMonday.Inruralareaswheretherewerenojudgesandtheremaybetransportproblems,villageshadacourtcomposedofpoliceforthepreliminaryexaminationofcasesbeforetheyweresenttodistrictcourts.Thejusticeofthepeacewhopresidesoversuchacourtisnotaprofessionaljudgebutmay,nonethelessbefamiliarwithminorinfractions.160.2 .2Inregardtohowconfessionsinducedbyforcemightbeused,section29oftheEvidenceActstipulatedthatnoconfessionscouldbeusedasevidenceifthecourtwasoftheopinionthattheyhadbeeninducedincircumstancesthatwerelikelytocauseanuntrueadmissionofguilttobemade.Section27(3)ofthesameActdefinedaconfessionasinvoluntaryifthecourtbelievedthatithadbeeninducedbyathreatorpromiseonthepartofpoliceofficersorotherauthorities.161.2 .2Therewasalargenumberoflawyersinthecountry.TheGovernmentwasendeavouringtoensurethatlegalserviceswereavailabletotheentirepopulation,notonlythefortunatefewwhocouldaffordthecostofprivatelegalservices.Presently,theLegalAidCommitteeoftheUniversityofDar-es-SalaamandtheTanganyikaLawSocietyassistedindividualswhohadlegalproblemsbutcouldnotaffordtoengagealawyer.Additionally,theTanzaniaWomenLawyers'Associationhadrecentlybeenestablishedforthepurposeofassistingwomenwhocouldnotaffordprivatelegalservices.162.2 .2Withregardtotheimprisonmentofchildren,theChildandYoungPersonsActgovernedcourtdecisionsonoffencescommittedbypersonsundertheageof16.ItprovidedforthehandlingofsuchcasesinaJuvenileCourt,whichwasessentiallyadistrictcourtwhoseproceedingswereclosedtothepublic.Amongmanyotherprovisions,theActindicatedthatpoliceofficersmustimmediatelycontactayoungperson'sparentorguardiantoenablethemtopostbailassoonaspossibleafterheorshewasarrested.Itstipulatedthatnochildshouldbesentencedtoimprisonmentandthatyoungpeople,ifsosentenced,mustnotbeallowedtoassociatewithadultprisoners.Itwasmadeclearthatyoungpeopleshouldnotbeimprisonedexceptforthecommissionofseriousoffences.Freedomofexpression,assemblyandmovement163.2 .2Regardingthoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhetheracitizenwhodisagreedwiththepoliticalprogrammeoftheGovernmentwasfreetoexpresshisviewspublicly;whatthe"establishedforums"mentionedintheConstitutionandparagraph15ofthereportwere;withreferencetoparagraph181ofthereport,whattheterm"majorqualification"fortheformationofpoliticalpartiesmeant;andhowtherighttoformtradeunionswasensuredinpractice.MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowhowcontrolwasexercisedbytheStateoverradioandtelevisionandwhetherthatwouldchangewiththeemergenceofamultipartysystem;whetherpersonsconsideredasathreattopublicorder(ordrepublic)couldbeexpelledfromtheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniaorexiledtoanotherpartofthecountry;whethercensorshipexistedwithregardtothepress;andwhethernewspapersandotherpublicationsinthecountryexperiencedproblemsinsecuringsufficientsuppliesofpaper.Membersrequestedfurtherinformationontherestrictionsinforceconcerningtheexerciseoffreedomofexpression.164.2 .2Inherreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthatJUWATA,whichpreviouslyhadbeentheonlyunioninthecountry,hadrecentlybeendissolvedandreplacedbytheOrganizationofTanzanianTradeUnions(OTTU).Therewerenowanumberofunions,includingaunionforstudents,andthereweremanyprofessionalorganizationsaswell.Itwasexpectedthatasthemultipartysystemdeveloped,therewouldbemanymoreunionsthantherewereatpresent.Equalityofthesexes,nondiscriminationandrightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities165.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhetheranyadditionalmeasureswerebeingcontemplatedtoguaranteeequalityofthesexes;inwhatrespectstherightsofaliensdifferedfromthoseofthecitizens;andwhatethnic,religiousorlinguisticminoritiesexistedintheUnitedRepublicofTanzania.166.2 .2Replyingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartypointedoutthatthecountry's127tribescoexistedinpeaceandconstitutedasinglenation.AlthoughSwahiliwasthelanguagecommontoall,eachregionalsohaditsownlanguage.Freedomofreligionwasguaranteedtoalland,inthisregard,therewereanumberofdifferentfaithspractisedinthecountry.Withrespecttoforeigners,theyhadthesamerightsascitizens.Thereweresomerestrictions,however,whichchieflyconcernedtherighttovoteandtherighttowork.Therightsofthenearly300,000refugeeslivingintheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniawerealsoguaranteed.167.2 .2Referringtothequestionoftheequalityofwomen,theGovernmenthadtakenmanystepstoenhancethestatusofwomen.In1978,forexample,asystemhadbeenintroducedtoenablemorewomentoattenduniversities.InParliament,aspecificnumberofseatswerereservedforwomen.Additionally,therewerewomenwhowereseniorgovernmentofficials,ambassadors,etc.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers168.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteecommendedthefranknessandsincerityoftheTanzaniandelegationwhichhadcontributedtoensuringafruitfuldialogue.ThereportrepresentedenormousprogresscomparedtotheratherbriefpreviousreporttheStatepartyhadsubmitted.169.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedthatanumberofimportantdevelopmentswereunderway,mostnotablyamendmentstotheConstitutionandtherestructuringofthepoliticalframeworktoachievegreaterdemocracythroughamultipartysystem.Membersexpressedthehopethatthetransitiontoanewpoliticalsystemwouldtakeplaceinaspiritofopenness,andthatdifferentpartieswouldbeallowedtoestablishthemselveswithequalaccesstothemedia.Inthatregard,itwouldalsobehelpfultodispensewiththerequirementofpriorauthorizationforpoliticalmeetings.170.2 .2TheStatepartyhadacknowledgedinitsreportthatthereweresomegapsanddeficienciesinitslegalsystemwhichindicatedthatitwasnotinfullcompliancewiththearticlesoftheCovenant.Variouslegalandespeciallypenalprovisionsneededtobereviewed,particularlythoserelatingtotorture,familylawandfreedomofmovementandresidence.Itwasalsonotedthatsection30oftheConstitutionprovidedforverygeneralrestrictionsoncertainrights,inparticularthosesetforthinarticles6and8oftheCovenant.Furthermore,section25oftheConstitutionraisedproblemsinregardtotheissueofforcedlabour,anareawheretherewasclearlyaneedtoensureconformitywithstandardsoftheInternationalLabourOrganization.171.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedconcernovertheconstitutionalprovisionsallowingderogationsfromtherighttolife,whichwerenotcompatiblewitharticle4oftheCovenant.Inthisregard,changeswereclearlynecessary.ThePresident'sauthoritytoorderarrestsalsoseemedexcessiveandnotinconformitywitharticle9oftheCovenant.Itwasunfortunatethatnofigurescouldbemadeavailableondeathsentencescarriedoutintheprevious10years.Inthisregard,itwaspointedoutthatinformationondeathsentencesneededtobemonitoredcarefullybyanyStateanddidnotrequirealargestatisticaldatabase.172.2 .2ConcernwasexpressedoverthelackofclarityinthesituationinZanzibar.TheCommitteehadbeeninformedthattherewerenopoliticalprisonersinZanzibar,yetnumerouscasesofpoliticaldetentionhadbeenreported.173.2 .2Theviewwasexpressedthatitwasdegradingtreatmenttoapplycorporalpunishmentinschoolsandotherinstitutions.Childrenshouldbetreatedwithrespectfortheirintegrityandteachersshouldbeabletomaintainauthoritywithoutresortingtosuchprimitivemeasures.TheuseoffloggingandsimilarpunishmentsinsentencingwasnotcompatiblewiththeCovenant.174.2 .2Althoughtherehadbeensomeprogresstowardsequalitybetweenmenandwomen,therestillappearedtobealackofequality,especiallywithrespecttoproperty,inheritanceandparentalauthority,anditwashopedthatthoseformsofdiscriminationwouldbeprohibitedinthefuture.175.2 .2AnothermatterthatdeservedhighprioritywasthedisseminationofinformationontheprovisionsoftheCovenantinschoolsanduniversitiesandamongmembersofthelegalprofession.176.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthatthedelegationwouldtransmittheresultsofthedialoguetoitsGovernment,placingparticularemphasisonaspectsofthelegalsystemwhichneededtobemodifiedinordertoensureconformitywiththeCovenant.Underthemultipartysystemtherewouldbemoretransparencyandpoliticalfreedomand,itwashoped,aconsiderableimprovementinthosehumanrightsareaswhichshoweddeficiency.̇177.2 .2TheChairmanoftheCommitteeexpressedhisappreciationfortheexpertiseofthedelegation.TheCommitteehadrecognizedthatthereportwasanexcellentandinformativeoneandwashelpfulindemonstratingthedifficultiesencounteredbytheStatepartyinmeetingitsobligationsundertheCovenant.SincetheStatepartywaspassingthroughatransitionperiodaccompaniedbyarevisionofexistinglawsandregulations,theCommitteehadviewedthedialoguewiththedelegationasanopportunitytoassisttheauthoritiesintheirefforts.ThedialoguehadbeenausefuloneandhehopedthatthedelegationwouldconveytotheGovernmentallthecommentsmadebymembersoftheCommittee.CommentsoftheCommittee178.2 .2Atits1203rdmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon5November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.  UK     \R3'\ X  X    +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)SU882^     +Introduction179.2 .2TheCommitteecomplimentstheStatepartyonthehighqualityofitsreport.Inadditiontogivingtherelevantlawsandregulations,thereportcontainsdetailedinformationonactualpracticeandthefactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementationoftheCovenant.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatthereportincludesacandidappraisalofexistinglegislativedeficienciesinthelightoftherelevantgeneralcommentsadoptedbytheCommittee.TheCommittee,however,regretsthatthereportwassubmittedafteradelayofsomefiveyearsandexpectsthat,giventhereportingexperiencewhichtheStatepartyhasnowacquired,similardelayswillnotoccurinthefuture.180.2 .2TheCommitteeobservesthatanswersprovidedbythedelegationtothenumerousquestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommitteegreatlycontributedintheconsiderationofthereportandinestablishingaconstructivedialogue.Positiveaspects181.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasuresundertakenbytheStatepartyandthesubstantiveprogressrecentlyachievedtowardsdemocratization,whichshouldprovideamoreeffectivelegalframeworkfortheeffectiveapplicationoftheCovenant.TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthatabillofrightshasbeenincorporatedintotheConstitution;thatpoliticalpartiesarenowbeingregisteredunderamultipartysystemandthatthefirstmultipartyelectionstotheNationalAssemblyandtothePresidencyhavebeenscheduled;andthatamoreimportantroleisforeseenforthejudiciaryintheprotectionofhumanrights.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant182.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatsomeaspectsofdemocraticreformmayhavebeenadverselyaffectedbystructuraladjustmentpoliciestendingtodecreasetheresourcesavailableforimplementingthosereforms.Atthesametime,theCommitteeunderlinesthatthisdoesnotexempttheStatepartyfromthefullandeffectiveapplicationoftheCovenant.Principalsubjectsofconcern183.2 .2Whilewelcomingthewiderangingpoliticalandlegalreformsinprogress,theCommitteerecognizesthatthetransitiontotruedemocracyisfarfromcomplete.AnumberofgapsstillneedtobeaddressedregardingpresentlegislationandtheguaranteesprovidedforundertheCovenant.TheCommitteeemphasizesthat,inundertakinganyreviewofexistingnationallawandinformulatingnewlegislationandadministrativerules,aprimaryconsiderationshouldbecompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.184.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedovertheunclearpositionoftheCovenantinnationallaw,particularlyincaseswhereconflictscouldarisebetweentheCovenantandtheConstitution.Inthisregard,article32oftheConstitutionregardingemergenciesisclearlynotinconformitywiththeinternationalobligationsoftheStatepartyunderarticle4oftheCovenant.Underthatprovisionnoderogationispermissiblefromcertainfundamentalrights,amongwhichistherighttolife.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthegroundsfordeclaringastateofemergencyaretoobroadandthattheextraordinarypowersofthePresidentinanemergencyaretoosweeping.OtherconcernsoftheCommitteeinregardtospecificprovisionsoftheConstitutionwhichareincompatiblewiththeCovenantincludearticle30(1)whichprovidesawidescopeforlimitationsofrightsandfreedomsandarticle25whichprovidesforthepossibilityofforcedlabour.185.2 .2Otherareasofconcernincludetheunavailabilityofstatisticsconcerningtheapplicationofthedeathpenalty;theextraordinarypowersaccordedtothePresidentwithregardtopreventativedetention;theextentofdelayswithregardtotheschedulingofcriminalproceedings;therestrictionoftherighttopeacefulassemblybytherequirementofprepermissionbylocalauthorities;insufficientpublicitygiventotheCovenantwiththeresultthatthegeneralpublicmaynotbeinformedoftheprotectionsaffordedunderit;continuinginequalitywithregardtothestatusofwomen;andthecontinueduseofcorporalpunishment,theapplicationofwhichtheCommitteeconsiderstobedegradingandinhumantreatment.186.2 .2Additionally,theCommitteeisconcernedthatsomeaspectsofcustomarylawwhicharestillbeingappliedinmanyofthelowercourtsmaynotbeincompliancewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Suggestionsandrecommendations187.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyshouldprovideaclearlegalbasisforgivingfulleffecttotheprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststheenactmentoflegislationtoprovidethatcustomarylaw,whichisincompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant,isnullandvoid.188.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstheamendmentofthoseprovisionsoftheConstitutionandothernationallawwhicharenotinconformitywiththeCovenant.Inparticular,theCommitteesuggeststhatathoroughreviewbeundertakenofprovisionsrelatingtostatesofemergencywithaviewtoensuringtheirfullcompatibilitywitharticle4oftheCovenantinallrespects.TheCommitteeaffirmsthevitalroleplayedbytheresponsibleexerciseofthefreedomofexpressioninthetransitiontodemocracyandrecommendsthattheStatepartyensurethattheexerciseofthisrightbefullyrespected.Stepsshouldalsobetakentoguaranteefreedomofassemblywithouttherequirementforprepermissionorsuchotherrestrictionsasmayjeopardizethefreedominquestionwithoutnecessarilybeingathreattopublicorder.Ongoingandactivemonitoringshouldbeundertakentoensurethatdemocraticguaranteeswhichhaverecentlybeenestablishedinlawareobservedinpractice.Tothisend,theCommitteeconsidersthatanactiveandindependentjudiciaryisindispensableandrecommendsthatmeasuresbetakeninthisregardtofurtherstrengthenit.189.2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatactivemeasuresshouldbetakentoensurethattheprovisionsoftheCovenantaremadewidelyknowntothegeneralpublicand,inparticular,tomembersofthejudiciaryandthelegalandotherprofessionsmostdirectlyconcernedwithitsapplication.BothCovenantsshouldbetranslatedintothenationallanguage,Swahili,andintegratedintoeducationalcurriculaatalllevels.Althoughwelcomingtheimprovementsmadewithrespecttoensuringequalopportunityforwomen,theCommitteenotesthatthesituationstillwarrantsfurtherprogress,particularlyinrelationtopropertyandinheritancerightsandquestionsconcerningparentalauthority.IslamicRepublicofIran190.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportoftheIslamicRepublicofIran(CCPR/C/28/Add.15)atits1193rdto1196th,1230thto1231stand1251stto1253rdmeetings,heldon29and30October1992,7Apriland22and23July1993(seeCCPR/C/28/Add.15,paras.180212,213227and228245,respectively)(CCPR/C/SR.11931196,12301231and12511253).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)̇191.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whosaidthattheCovenantwasconsideredbytheauthoritiesasavaluableinstrumentwhosecorrectenforcementcouldhelptopreservetheinherentvalueanddignityofhumanbeings.TheIslamicRepublicofIranendeavouredtoimplementtheprinciplesoftheCovenantandtherebytoattainsocialjustice.Ifanyviolationswerecommittedbytheauthorities,effortsweremadetoputanendtothem.192.2 .2Basedonthewillofthepeople,theobjectiveoftheGovernmentwastoestablishjustice,equity,politicalandeconomicfreedom,solidarityamongnationsandavoidanceoftyranny.Fromitsinception,theIslamicRepublicofIranhadmadeeveryefforttosetupthenecessaryinstitutionstothatendandrestorethemafteracruelwarwhichhaddevastatingeffectsandcausedirreparabledamage.Anumberofparliamentary,presidentialandotherelectionsandreferendumshadbeenheld,thejudicialorderhadbeenreorganizedandsteadyprogresswasbeingachievedinimprovingtheperformanceofthelegalsystemandtheprotectionofpeople'srights.AnumberofhumanrightsseminarshadbeenconvenedinthecountrywiththeGovernment'sparticipationand,followingthecessationofhostilities,theIslamicRepublicofIranhadenteredintoclosecooperationwiththeUnitedNationsonhumanrightsmatters.Furthermore,therewasahumanrightsofficewithintheMinistryofForeignAffairsandacourseonhumanrightswasgivenintheFacultyofLaw.ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisimplemented,stateofemergency,nondiscriminationandequalityofthesexes193.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhatthestatusoftheCovenantwaswithintheIranianlegalsystem;whetherindividualscouldinvokeitsprovisionsdirectlybeforethecourts;howaconflictarisingbetweentheprovisionsoftheCovenantandIslamiclawwasresolved;whether,inviewofthestatementmadebytherepresentativeoftheIslamicRepublicofIranduringtheconsiderationoftheinitialreport,anygeneralreviewofcompatibilityoftheprovisionsoftheCovenantwithIslamiclawhadbeenundertaken;whethertheGuardianCouncil,providedforunderarticle91oftheConstitution,hadtheopportunitytopronounceitselfonthecompatibilityoflegislationwithIslam;whetherprovisionsinarticles3and20oftheConstitutionprovidingfortheequalprotectionunderthelawofallcitizensofthecountry,inconformitywithIslamiccriteria,werecompatiblewitharticles2,paragraph1,and26oftheCovenant;andinwhichrespect,otherthantheexerciseofpoliticalrightswere,therightsofaliensrestrictedascomparedwiththoseofcitizens.Membersalsowishedtoreceivefurtherinformationontheparticipationofwomeninthepoliticalandeconomiclifeofthecountry;ontheapplicationinpracticeoflegalprovisionsconcerningthedowrysystem;ontheimpactofarticle2(1)oftheConstitutionupontheprovisionsofarticle26oftheCovenant,inrespectofallthecitizensoftheIslamicRepublicofIran;andonthelawandpracticerelatingtotheemploymentofminors.194.2 .2Inaddition,memberswishedtoreceiveinformationontheextenttowhichlimitationstotheenjoymentofhumanrightsandfreedomsimposedduringthewarwerestillbeingretained;onactivitiesrelatingtothepromotionofgreaterpublicawarenessoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant;onthefunctionsandactivitiesoftheAdministrativeJusticeTribunal;ontheroleoftheclergyinthejudiciary;ontheextentofliabilityofcivilservantsfordamagecausedinthedischargeoftheirduties;andonthejurisdictionofthemilitarycourtsandonmeansofappealfromtheirdecisions.Itwasalsoaskedwhetherpersonsbornoutofwedlockwereexcludedfromthejudiciary;whatsafeguardsandremedieswereavailabletoanindividualduringastateofemergency;andwhetheranynotificationunderarticle4,paragraph3,oftheCovenanthadeverbeenmadebytheIslamicRepublicofIrantotheSecretary-General.Inthatconnectionitwasaskedwhymartiallawhadnotbeendeclaredduringthewar.195.2 .2Manyclarificationswererequestedregardingtheimplementationofarticle3oftheCovenant,withparticularreferencetothedresscodeforwomenandthemeasuresallegedlytakenagainstwomennotcomplyingwiththecode;theextremelyhighleveloffemaleilliteracy;discriminatoryprovisionsregardingmarriage,divorceandtherighttowork;andthedifferinglegalprovisionsandpenaltiesapplicabletomenandwomeninthecaseofadultery,inheritance,transmissionofnationalityandfreedomofmovement.ClarificationswerealsorequestedastoallegationsthatIranianwomendemonstratingagainstpracticesrelatingtotheIslamicdresscodeforwomeninJune1991hadbeenkilledbyrevolutionaryguardsandastothedistinctionbetweenpermanentandtemporarymarriages.ItwasalsoaskedwhethertheActof14May1982whichstipulatedthatjudgesweretobechosenfromamongmenwascompatiblewitharticle3oftheCovenantandwhetherwomencouldtravelabroadwithouttheconsentoftheirspouses.196.2 .2Memberswishedtoknowwhethertherewasanystatutoryprohibitionofdiscriminationongroundsofpoliticalopinionornationalorigin;whetheradherentsofreligionsnotenumeratedinthereportwereaccordedthesametreatmentasthelistedreligions;andwhatthesituationwasoflinguisticornationalminorities.Inthatconnection,clarificationswererequestedregardingmembersoftheBaha'icommunityandthemanydifficultiestheywerereportedtoface,includingprohibitionofthepracticeoftheirreligion,dismissalfrompublicemployment,exclusionfromuniversityeducation,bansonthesettingupofbusinesses,restrictionsonfreedomofmovementandthedemolitionofsomeoftheirplacesofworship.Moregenerally,clarificationswererequestedregardingthelegalprovisionsrelatingtotherightsofindividualsactingcontrarytothepreceptsofIslamorplottingagainsttheState.197.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthat,inaccordancewitharticles77and125oftheConstitution,theCovenantwasanintegralpartofIranianlaw.ManyofthegeneralprinciplessetoutintheCovenanthad,infact,alreadybeenreflectedindomesticlegislation.Itwasthusunlikelythataconflictwouldarisebetweenitandotherprovisionsofdomesticlaw.Ifonedid,theconflictwouldberesolvedinaccordancewithdomesticlegislation.Inmakingdecisions,judgescouldinvokearticlesoftheCovenant,buttherehadneverbeenaninstanceinwhichaprovisionofdomesticlawhadbeenfoundtobeinconflictwiththeprinciplessetoutintheCovenant.TheLegalDepartmentoftheJudiciary,whichelucidatedmattersthatmightbeunclear,hadgivenanadvisoryopiniontotheeffectthattherewouldbenodifficultyinvolvedininvokingtheCovenantbeforethecourts.198.2 .2Manynationshadmisgivingsaboutthemechanicalapplicationofinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsandbelievedthatthetraditions,cultureandreligiouscontextofacountryshouldbetakenintoaccountinevaluatingthehumanrightssituationthere.StudyoftheIslamicDeclarationofHumanRightswouldbringoutwhatwas,intheIslamiccountries'view,lackingintheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandtheCovenant.SomedifferencesofinterpretationwerepossibleandtheprovisionsoftheCovenantmightnotbefullyconsistentwithIslamiclaw.ThefactremainedthattheIranianConstitutionembodiedthebasicprincipleofrespectforjusticesetoutintheCovenant.ItwaswrongtooverstatethedifferencesbetweendomesticlegislationandtheCovenantandtotakearigidstandthatwoulddonooneanygood.Nowthatthecountrywasnolongeronawarfooting,stepshadbeentakentoimprovetheIranianpeople'sawarenessoftherightssetoutintheCovenant,forexamplebyorganizingcoursesonhumanrightsforcivilservantsandlawyers.199.2 .2ThedutiesoftheGuardian'sCouncilweretoscrutinizeallthelawspassedbyMajliestoensurethattheydidnotinfringetheprinciplesoftheConstitution.Althoughithadnotyethandeddownanydecisiondealingspecificallywithhumanrights,allitsdecisionsreflectedaregardforthefreedomandequalityoftheindividualbeforethelaw.ThefunctionsoftheAdministrativeJusticeTribunalweretoinvestigatecomplaints,grievancesandobjectionswithrespecttogovernmentofficials,organsandstatutes.AnyonehadtherighttoapplytoitfortheannulmentofanystatuteorregulationthatwasinconflictwiththelawsorthenormsofIslam,orofmeasuresfallingoutsidethecompetenceoftheexecutivepower.JudgeswereappointedhavingregardtotheirqualificationsandexperiencetoservewithinalegalsystemthatwasbasedontheprinciplesofIslam.SincetheRevolution,membersoftheclergyhadbeenabletoactasjudgesiftheywerequalifiedandhadreceivedprofessionaltraining.200.2 .2Referringtoquestionsraisedrelatingtonondiscriminationandequalityofthesexes,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthattherewasnoconflictbetweentheCovenantandarticles3and20oftheConstitution.Article21oftheConstitutionrequiredtheGovernmenttoensuretherightsofwomeninallrespects.Somedistinctionshad,however,tobemadebetweenmenandwomensincetheydifferedbynature.Onlywomencouldbearchildren,forinstance,andthelawhadtomakesomespecialprovisionsforthem.UnderIranianlaw,theyweregivenlongerholidaysthanmenandthekindofworktheyperformedhadtotakeaccountoftheirwelfare.TheLabourCodespecifiedthatwomenhadtoreceivethesamepayasmenforworkofequalvalueandestablishedmanyrulesaimedatimprovingthewelfareandstatusofwomen.OthermeasurestoensureprotectionforwomenincludedalawrecentlypassedbyParliamentthatincorporatedsocialsecurityrightsforwidowsanddivorcedwomen.201.2 .2Thescopeofwomen'sactivitiesinsocial,politicalandeconomicaffairshadexpandednotably.Anumberofbodieswereactivelyengagedineffortstoimprovethestatusofwomen.AWomen'sCulturalandSocialCouncilhadpreparedadraftcharterofwomen'srights,familycommitteesmetonceaweektoreviewlegislationandmakeproposals,andaPresidentialAdviseronWomen'sIssueshadbeenappointed.Inthemostrecentparliamentaryelections,90womencandidateshadstoodforofficeand9ofthemhadbeenelected.Atotalof443,840womenwereemployedinthevariousministries,governmentofficesanddepartmentsand,ofthatnumber,45percentweredirectorsofofficesordepartments.Twenty-fivepercentofallattorneyswerewomenandthereweremanywomendoctorsandgraduatesofhighereducationalinstitutions.Theclaimthat89percentofIranianwomenwereilliterateandthatgirls'schoolsinruralareashadbeencloseddownforlackofwomenteacherswasentirelyerroneous.Some300,000womenandgirlshadbeenmembersofvarioussportscommittees.202.2 .2ThedowrysystemexistedinallIslamiccountriesandrepresentedaformofprotectionandsecurityforwomenandawayofestablishingfinancialequalitybetweenmenandwomen.Throughoutthemarriage,themanboreallthehouseholdexpensesandtheexpensesofthewifeandchildren.Inviewofallthoseconsiderations,thefactthatthewoman'sshareoftheinheritancewasonlyhalfthatofthemancouldnotberegardedasdiscriminatory.Onthequestionofdivorce,therewasnowaspecialcivilcourtinwhichadivorcepetitioncouldbebroughteitherbythehusbandorbythewife.Islamictheologianshaddeclaredwomenineligibleforinvestigatingcasesorrenderingjudgements;thatrulewasappliedthroughouttheIslamicworld.Theneedtoemploymorewomeninvariouspositionsinthejudicialbranchhad,however,beenrecognizedbythePresidentoftheJudiciaryandbytheFacultyofLaw.Itwasanticipatedthatanannouncementwouldbemadeearlyin1993invitingwomentoapplyforpostsinthatbranch.203.2 .2MostMuslimwomenpreferredtoweartraditionalgarmentsoutsidethehome.ThechoicewasamoralandreligiousonetakentorespectIslamiclaw,andtheirwishshouldberespected.OnoccasiontheGovernmenthadhadtointerveneinordertomaintainpublicorderinsituationswhereexcessesmighthaveoccurred,buttheclasheshadbeenduetodifferencesininterpretationofculturalandreligiouscriteria.Expertswerestudyingpossiblechanges.Thephilosophyunderlyingtheinstitutionofthetemporarymarriagecontractwasthatsinceapermanentcontractrequiredthecommitmentofresourcesthatwereperhapsbeyondthemeansofyoungpeople,atemporarycontractwouldenablesuchindividualstolegitimatetheirsituationevenbeforetheyhadacquiredthenecessarymeans.Insuchmarriages,thehusbandhadtopayadowrybutwasnotobligedtomeetallthelivingexpensesofthewife.204.2 .2Respondingtootherquestions,therepresentativeexplainedthat,evenwhenanindividualhadcommittedanoffenceunderarticle14oftheConstitution,suchasconspiracyagainsttheIslamicRepublicofIran,hishumanrightswerepreserved.ThemonotheismpractisedintheIslamicRepublicofIranwasinnowayinconflictwiththeprinciplesofhumanrights.IntheIslamicRepublicofIran,societyandthesocialorderweregovernedbyIslamicprinciples.Therulesandlawswerenotimmutableandcouldbeamendedinthelightofchangingcircumstances.TheologiansandqualifiedexpertsweregiventhetaskofadaptingIslamicpreceptstotheconditionsofmodernsocietyandcouldrecommendtheamendmentoflegislation.Thefactofbelongingtoaparticularreligion,raceorethnicgroupdidnotbestowanyprivilege.TheConstitutionstipulatedthattherehadtobeoneJewish,oneZoroastrianandthreeChristianrepresentativesinParliament.TheBaha'ihadnotbeenaccordedthesameadvantagesaspractitionersofotherreligionssinceitwouldbeimpracticaltoextendsuchadvantagesindiscriminately.TheemergenceoftheBaha'ifaithnearly150yearsagohadbeenaccompaniedbyserioussocialconflicts,violenceanddeath.ThathistoricalbackgroundandthefactthattheBaha'ipresentedtheirfaithastheexclusivegatewaytoGod,accountedfortheintensityofthereactionamongthecountry'sMuslimpopulationtotheproselytisingefforts.Nevertheless,theGovernmentandthejudiciaryalwaysendeavouredtodefuseconfrontationandpreservetherightsoftheBaha'i.205.2 .2Underdomesticlegislation,certainrestrictionshadbeenplacedonforeignersinsuchareasasownershiprightsandtherighttoformcompaniesdealingwithcommerce,industry,agricultureormining.Theemploymentofminorsundertheageof15wasforbiddenunderthelabourlegislation.Minorsovertheageof15couldbeemployedprovidedcertainregulationsdesignedtoprotecttherightofsuchminorswereobserved.Righttolife,treatmentofprisonersandotherdetaineesandlibertyandsecurityofperson206.2 .2Withreferencetothatissue,theCommitteewishedtoknowhowoftenandforwhatcrimesthedeathpenaltyhadbeenimposedandcarriedoutsincetheconsiderationoftheinitialreport;whichoffences,ifany,otherthanthosementionedinparagraph59ofthereport,werepunishablebythedeathpenalty;whetherIranianlawwasinconformitywitharticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenantwhichprovidedthatthedeathpenaltyshouldbeimposedonlyforthemostseriouscrimes;whetheranyrevisionsofthelaw,withaviewtocurtailingthenumberofoffencescurrentlypunishablebythedeathpenalty,werebeingcontemplated;howarticles18,205,219and257oftheIslamicPunishmentLawwereappliedinpractice;whethertherehadbeenanypublicexecutionsintheIslamicRepublicofIranand,ifso,whetherthatprocedurewascompatiblewitharticles6and7oftheCovenant;whethertherehadbeenanycomplaintsduringtheperiodunderreviewofallegeddisappearancesandextrajudicialexecutionsand,ifso,whethersuchallegationshadbeeninvestigatedandwithwhatresults;andwhatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtherecurrenceofsuchpractices.Membersalsowishedtoknowwhatweretherulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforces;whethertherehadbeenanyviolationsofsuchrulesandregulationsand,ifso,whatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtheirrecurrence;whatconcretemeasureshadbeentakenbytheauthoritiestoensurethestrictestobservanceofarticle7oftheCovenant;whetherconfessionsortestimonyobtainedundertorturecouldbeusedincourtproceedings;whatthearrangementswereforthesupervisionofplacesofdetentionandforreceivingandinvestigatingcomplaints;whatthemaximumtimelimitswereforremandincustodyandpretrialdetention;howquicklyafterarrestaperson'sfamilywasinformedandhowquicklyafterarrestapersoncouldcontactalawyer;andwhethertheprovisionsrelatingtoincommunicadodetentionwerecompatiblewitharticles7and10oftheCovenant.207.2 .2Inaddition,clarificationwasrequestedoftherulethatanindividualwouldnotbeliabletothedeathpenaltyifconvictedofmurderingamentally-illperson;theprovisionsofarticle19ofthePenalCodeunderwhichpersonsconvictedofadulterywereliabletodeathbystoning;theconsistencywitharticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenantofdeathsentencesforapostasy,corruption,oppositiontoIslamandfraud;casesinwhichadeathsentencecouldbeimposedonthebasisofIslamicsourcesandreligiousorders;andthemanydeathsentencesreportedtohavebeenimposedonpoliticalgroundsin19881989.Membersalsoaskedwhetherappealscouldbemadeagainstdeathsentences;underwhatlegislationBaha'ishadbeensentencedtodeath;andwhetherthefatwaauthorizingtheexecutionofprisonerswhodidnotperformtheirreligiousdutiesinprisonwasstillinforce.208.2 .2ClarificationswerealsorequestedregardingthedeathsentenceonthewriterSalmanRushdieandtheconsistencyofthesentencewitharticle6,paragraph2,andarticles18and19oftheCovenant.Inparticular,itwasaskedwhatcompetentcourt,withinthemeaningofarticle6oftheCovenanthadimposedthesentence;andwhetherwritinganoffensiveworkcouldberegardedasamostseriouscrimewithinthemeaningofarticle6oftheCovenant.209.2 .2Clarificationswerealsosoughtregardingtheconsistencywitharticles7and10oftheCovenantof"legalsanctions",suchasflogging,stoningoramputationoffingersfortheft.Itwasalsoaskedwhethertherehadbeenanyinvestigationoftheextremelyhighnumberofcasesofextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandilltreatmentthathadbeenbroughttotheattentionoftheIslamicRepublicofIran,particularlybytheSpecialRepresentativeoftheCommissiononHumanRights;howcertaindramaticallystagedexecutionsinwhichoffenderswerecrucifiedorthrownfromahighplacecouldbereconciledwiththeCovenant;whetherapoliticaldetaineewhohadservedhissentencehadtosignadeclarationofrepentancebeforehecouldbereleased;andwhatactionhadbeentakentoimplementtheNovember1991agreementauthorizingtheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrosstomakeregularvisitstoprisons.210.2 .2InresponsetotheCommittee'squestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatthedeathsentencecouldbeimposedforthemostseriouscrimessuchashomicide,premeditatedmurder,armedrobbery,drugtrafficking,armedrebellionandcomplicityinmurder,kidnappingorrape.Dependingonthecircumstances,offendersmightbesentencedtoimprisonment,capitalpunishmentbeingreservedforthemostseriouscrimesinaccordancewitharticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.TheIranianauthoritieshadinstitutedsafeguardstolimitasfaraspossibletheimpositionofdeathsentences.AnewlyestablishedunitintheOfficeofthePublicProsecutorwaslookingintothebestwaysofcombatingcrime.TheGovernmentregrettedthenumberofexecutions,shortlyaftertheRevolution,ofsupportersoftheoldregimewhohadhelpedtodestroythecountry'sbasicinstitutions,aswellastheexecutionsofcollaboratorswiththeenemyafterthewarthathadbeenwagedagainsttheIslamicRepublicofIran.Bothsituationshadbeenexceptional.211.2 .2Underarticles219and257oftheIslamicLawonthepreventionofcrime,thedeathsentencecouldbecarriedoutonlywiththeconsentofthevictim'snextofkin.Thelattercouldagreetocommutationofthesentence.Ithadbeenbelievedthatpublicexecutionswouldhaveadeterrenteffect.Inview,however,oftheirpossibleundesirablepsychologicaleffectsonthepopulation,executionswerenowasarulecarriedoutinsidepenalestablishments.NocomplaintsallegingdisappearancesorextrajudicialexecutionshadbeenlodgedintheIslamicRepublicofIran.ThecasesmentionedinthereportoftheSpecialRepresentativeoftheCommissiononHumanRightshadbeeninvestigatedandtheresultshadbeenmadepublic,butmostwerestillunderinvestigation.Intheearlydaysoftherevolution,therewerecasesinwhichmembersoftheoldregimewereattackedorkilled.Whenthefactswereclear,theGovernmenthadtakenstepstoprosecutethoseresponsible.212.2 .2Iranianlawestablishedtheprinciplethatanypenaltyimposedmustbeprovidedforbylawandcouldonlybeappliedinaccordancewiththedecisionofacourtoflaw.Officialsdenyingahearingtoapersonimprisonedinviolationofthelawweredismissedorbarredfromcivilserviceemployment.Anyoneresponsibleforactsoftortureordeaththreatsmustsubmithimselftothelawoncompensationorbeimprisoned.Alawenactedundertheoldregimespecifiedthatmembersofthearmedforcescouldusetheirfirearmswhentheyhadtodefendthemselvesagainstarmedattack;whentheywereattackedandafirearmwastheirsolemeansofdefence;toprotectthelifeofapersonorpersonsindanger;againstafugitiveprisonerifthelatterwasarmedanddangerous;andtodefendpropertyandinstallationsplacedunderthecareofthemilitaryauthorities.Alawhadrecentlybeenpromulgatedwhichprovidedthatanymemberofthearmedforceswhoviolatedthoseregulationscommittedanoffenceforwhichhewasaccountable.213.2 .2Article38oftheConstitutionprohibitedallformsoftortureusedtoextractconfessionsorobtaininformation.Itwasforbiddentoforceanyonetotestify,confessorswearanoathagainsthiswill.Offenderswerepunishedinaccordancewiththelaw.Ifaprisonerwastreatedinanunlawfulwayhecouldlodgeacomplaint,andtheprisongovernorwasobligedtotransmithiscomplainttothecompetentauthorities.214.2 .2Incaseofarrest,thedetaineehadtobebroughtbeforetheStateProsecutorwithin24hoursforquestioning.InstraightforwardcaseshewaschargedandbroughtbeforeaCourt.Inmoredifficultcases,thesuspectcouldberemandedincustodyforuptofourmonths.Theaccusedalwayshadtherighttocommunicatewithhislawyerandhisfamily.Underarticle130oftheCodeofPenalProcedure,theaccusedcouldnotcommunicatewithhisfamilyorfriendsifcontactswithotherpersonscouldleadtodestructionofevidenceorcollusionwithwitnesses.215.2 .2Inreplytoadditionalquestionsraisedinconnectionwitharticles6and7oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthatadeathsentencecouldbeappealedinaccordancewiththeLawpertainingtoRevisionofCourtJudgementsandtheManneroftheirInvestigationadoptedin1988.In1992,920casesdecidedbytheRevolutionaryCourtshadactuallybeenreviewedbytheSupremeCourtand190decisionshadbeennullifiedforvariousreasons,includingimproperlegalproceduresduringthetrialstage.Withregardtothepunishmentofdrugtraffickingbydeath,heexplainedthatnarcoticstradehaddevelopedatanalarminglyhighratethroughthecountry'sunguardedeasternborder,whiletheGovernmenthadbeenoccupiedindefendingitswesternborderduringthenineyearwarwithIraq.Thatsituationhadcurrentlyreachedcriticalproportionswhichrequiredaverytoughapproachifitwastobecontrolled.216.2 .2UnderIranianlaw,noonecouldbeexecutedforpoliticalreasonsalone.Allegationsthat2,500personshadbeenexecutedforpoliticalreasonsduringthesixmonthperiodbetweenmid1988andthebeginningof1989werenottrue.ReferringtoaquestionraisedontheallegedexecutionofanassistantprofessorattheUniversityofTabrizforhavingcriticizedtheGovernment'seconomicandsocialpolicytherepresentativesaidthathehadactuallybeensentencedtofourmonthsinprisonandwasstillteachingattheUniversityofTabriz.217.2 .2ReferringtothedeathsentencepassedonMr.SalmanRushdie,therepresentativeemphasizedthatMr.Rushdie'sbookwasasevereinsulttoIslamandtotheprophet.Althougharticle19,paragraph2,oftheCovenantguaranteedtherighttofreedomofexpression,itsparagraph3statedthattheexerciseofthatrightcarriedwithitspecialdutiesandresponsibilitiesandmightbesubjecttocertainlimitations.Anindividualwhohaddisregardedthoselimitationsshouldbepunished.However,theImamKhomeini,asareligiousleaderandnotasarepresentativeoftheGovernment,hadissuedareligiousdecree.Anyactiontakeninresponsetothatfatwawouldbebasedonanindividual'sreligiousbelief.218.2 .2Accordingtoarticle23oftheConstitution,noonecouldbepunishedorprosecutedforhisbeliefs.Nocourthadeverprosecutedanyindividualforhisbeliefsbutevenifithad,theSupremeCourtwouldhavepreventedthesentencefrombeingcarriedout.IfpersonsbelongingtononIslamicreligiousdenominationshadbeenexecuted,itwasbecauseofcrimestheyhadcommittedandnotbecauseoftheirbeliefs.TwoBaha'issaidtohavebeenexecutedhadindeedbeensentencedtodeathbyalowercourtonothercharges,includingtreason,andthesentencehadsubsequentlybeensetasideonappealtotheSupremeCourtbecausethedegreeoftreasonhadnotwarrantedcapitalpunishmentandbecausethecourthadfailedtoappointalawyereventhoughtheaccusedhadrefusedlegalrepresentation.219.2 .2Article39oftheConstitutionensuredthatdetainedpersonswouldbetreatedwithrespectandarticles58and59oftheIslamicPunishmentLawprovidedforapenaltyofuptooneyearimprisonmentforthetortureofanaccusedperson.Iraniancriminallawprovidedforcertainformsofcorporalpunishment,includingfloggingandlapidation.Ifacourtdecidedthatapersonwhohadbeenfoundguiltyshouldbeflogged,thefloggingwasnotconsideredtobeaformoftorture,sincethatformofpunishmentexistedunderIslamiclaw.Theavailabilityofinflictingsuchformsofcorporalpunishmentwascurrentlybeingdiscussedatthehighestlevelsofgovernment,andforcertaincrimesthesentenceofflogginghadbeenabolishedandcommutedtoimprisonmentorthepaymentofafine.Righttoafairtrial220.2 .2Withreferencetothatissue,theCommitteewishedtoreceivefurtherinformationonprovisionsgoverningthetenure,dismissalanddiscipliningofmembersofthejudiciary;onhowtheindependenceofthejudiciarywasensured;onthejurisdictionandactivitiesoftheNationalGeneralInspectorate,theAdministrativeJusticeTribunalandtheRevolutionaryCourts;onthelegalstatusoftherevolutionaryguardsandtherevolutionaryprosecutorsandontheirrelationshipwithordinarycourts;andontheorganizationandfunctioningoftheBar.Theyalsorequestedclarificationofthestatementinthereportthatprosecution,trial,issuanceandenforcementofaretributionverdictdependedontherequestofthenextofkin.221.2 .2Moreover,membersoftheCommitteerequestedfurtherinformationonproceedingsbeforetheRevolutionaryCourtsanditwasasked,inparticular,whethertheirdecisionscouldbeappealedagainst;whatthepermittedgroundsforappealwere;whetherdefendantsbeforethosecourtshadunlimitedaccesstolawyers,adequatetimeandfacilitiesforthepreparationoftheirdefenceandthepossibilityofcallingwitnessesontheirbehalf;andwhethertrialsbeforesuchcourtswerealwaysheldincamera.Clarificationwasrequestedastotheroleofrepentanceinreleaseofasentencedpersonwhohadservedhisterm;astatementinthereportthatcourtsofjusticeweretobeformedinaccordancewiththecriteriaofIslam;thejurisdictionofthespecialclericalcourtsreferredtointhereport;theindependenceoftheBarAssociationandwhethertheGovernmentwasenabledtodismissitsmembers;andregardingreportsthatawomanwasnotconsideredacompetentwitnessinconnectionwithaseriouscriminalcharge.Itwasalsoinquiredwhetheralawhadbeenadopted,pursuanttoarticle168oftheConstitution,regardingthedefinitionofpoliticaloffenses;whetherthosewhohadbeensentencedaspoliticalprisonersweresubjecttorecall;whetherauthoritativeIslamicsourcesandauthenticfatwacouldbeconsideredpartofnationallaw;andwhatremedieswereavailableinthecaseofadiscrepancybetweenfatwaandtheapplicablelaw.222.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattheindependenceofthejudiciarywasguaranteedbytheConstitutionandthatjudgeswereelectedonthebasisoftheirprofessionalqualificationsandhighmoralcharacter.Ifajudgewasallegedtohavecommittedanerror,hisactionswerereviewedbyaspecialdisciplinaryoffice,whichtookappropriateadministrativemeasures.Furthermore,underarticle164oftheConstitution,ajudgecouldnotberemovedwithoutproofthathehadcommittedviolationsofthelaw.TherewerethreelawschoolsinTehranwhichwereopentobothmaleandfemalestudentsandtherewereplanstobeginadmittingwomentothejudicialcollegesin1994.223.2 .2TheNationalGeneralInspectoratemonitoredtheadministrationofgovernmentandtheimplementationofthelaws.Hereviewedcomplaintsbroughtbyindividualsandsubmittedreportstotheparliamentarycommissionortotherelevantministryforinvestigation.TheAdministrativeJusticeTribunalreviewedcomplaintsbroughtbyindividualsagainstgovernmentagencies.ThepowersandfunctionsoftheRevolutionaryCourts,whichhadbeenestablishedatthebeginningoftheIslamicRevolution,werestipulatedinarticle150oftheConstitution.Therevolutionaryguardsweremembersofthearmedforcesandplayedaroleinenforcingdiscipline.224.2 .2TheindependenceoftheBarwasguaranteedbylawandlawyerswerefreetoacceptanyclientstheywished.Inallcourts,includingmilitarycourts,alldefendantshadtherighttoalawyer.Inevitably,thereweresituationsinwhichviolationsofthatrightoccurred,buttheyweredealtwithinanappropriatemannerandmanyeffortshadbeenmadetoimprovethesituationinrecentyears.Inthecaseofaccusationsthatwereliabletocapitalpunishmentortolifeimprisonment,itwascompulsorytoappointalawyer.Furthermore,defendantscouldhavelawyersassignedtothemfreeofchargeiftheywereunabletopay.225.2 .2Alldecisionsofallcourtsweresubjecttoappealand,eveninthecaseofmurderconvictions,theywerenotexecuteduntilallappealshadbeenexhaustedorrequestsforclemencyconsidered.Furthermore,theConstitutionprovidedforawaitingperiodbetweentherenderingofafinaldecisionandtheexecutionofsentence.Duringthatperiod,sentencescouldbeappealedtotheSupremeCourt.226.2 .2Respondingtootherquestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthattherewascurrentlynodefinitionofpoliticaloffencesandnolawhadbeenpassedtoimplementorexplainarticle168oftheConstitution;thequestionwascurrentlyunderreview.Judgescouldonlyissuejudgmentsonthebasisoffatwawhenthecaseinquestionwasnotcoveredbycodifiedlaw.Intheeventofconflictbetweenafatwaandthecivillaw,thecivillawalwaystookprecedence.Underarticle165oftheConstitution,alltrialshadtobeheldopenly,unlessthecourtdeterminedthatanopentrialwouldbedetrimentaltothemoralsofpublicorder.Headdedthat,althoughviolationsofproperproceduresdidinevitablyoccur,manyofthereportsconcerningthosecaseswerenotproperlydocumentedandreliedonunsubstantiatedallegations.Freedomofmovementandexpulsionofaliens227.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoreceiveinformationonthecasesinwhichanindividualmightbebanishedfromhisplaceofresidence,preventedfromresidingintheplaceofhischoice,orcompelledtoresideinagivenlocality;thecompatibilityofthoseprovisionswitharticle12oftheCovenant;theenjoymentoftherightofeveryonetoleaveanycountry,includingtheirown;andtheconditionsandproceduresrelatingtotheissuanceofexitvisasforforeignerswhosedurationofstayexceeded90days.228.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthat,underarticle90oftheIslamicPunishmentLaw,anindividualwhohadcommittedcertaincrimescouldreceivebanishmentinadditiontothepunishmentdeterminedbythecourt.IntheviewofIraniancourts,thatprovisiondidnotcontradictarticle12oftheCovenant.229.2 .2Foreignersweregrantedvisasaccordingthemtherighttostayinthecountryfor90days.Ifsuchforeignerscouldnotrenewtheirvisas,andiftheyhadnootherlegalstatusenablingthemtoremaininthecountry,theywerecompelledtoleave.Nogovernmentalauthoritywithoutajudicialdecreecouldpreventanindividualfromleavingthecountry.Certainrestrictionsdidhoweverapplyinthecaseofindividualswhowerebeingprosecuted,convictedcriminalsandinotherlimitedlegalcircumstances.230.2 .2Inreplytoadditionalquestionsraisedinconnectionwitharticles7and10oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatprisonerswerereleasedaftercompletionoftheirsentence,unlesstheyhadcommittedafurtheroffenceinthemeantime.Theirrepentanceduringtheprisontermwasoneofthefactorsthatwouldbetakenintoaccountwhenconsideringthepossibilityofgrantingapardon.Headdedthataparliamentarycommissionhadrecentlybeensetuptoinvestigateallegationsofhumanrightsviolations.Itsdutiesincludedmakingvisitstoprisonsinordertodealwithindividualcomplaintsandsuggestingimprovementswhereappropriate.231.2 .2Withreferencetoarticle14oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthatanyfailuretoensurethatlegalproceedingsbeforeRevolutionarycourtswereheldinpublicandinthepresenceofcounselconstitutedgroundsforannullingthoseproceedingsandrevokinganysentenceshandeddown.Headdedthat,underarticle167oftheConstitution,judgementsweretobedelivered,intheabsenceofacodifiedlaw,onthebasisofauthoritativeIslamicsourcesandauthenticfatwa.TheBarAssociationdidnotcurrentlyenjoytherighttoelectitsBoardindependently,butmeasureswerebeingtakentogiveitfullyindependentstatusatanearlydate.̇Freedomofreligionandexpression232.2 .2Withregardtothatissue,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhether,underarticle18oftheCovenant,therightsofnonbelieversorfollowersofnon-revealedreligionswereaffectedbytheprinciplesetoutinarticle2,paragraph1,oftheConstitution;whatwasthepositionofreligiousminoritiesthatwerenotrecognizedbyarticles12and13oftheConstitution,includingtheBaha'is;whatwasthemeaningofthetermconspiracyoractivitiesagainstIslamandtheIslamicRepublicofIraninthecontextofarticle14oftheConstitution;whatwasthemeaningofthestatementinarticle24oftheConstitutionthatthepresswasfree,providedthematterwrittenwasnotdetrimentaltotheprincipleofIslam;howmanynewspaperstherewereinthecountry;andwhetherforeignpublicationswerereadilyavailable.233.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteealsoaskedforfurtherdetailsregardingtherestrictionsimposedonpersonsprofessingrecognizedreligionsandontheparticularsituationofthosewhoprofessedreligionsthatwerenotrecognized,suchastheBaha'is,whoseemedtobesubjecttoverysevererestrictions.TheyreferredinthatconnectiontothereportoftheSpecialRepresentativeoftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsintheIslamicRepublicofIran(E/CN.4/1993/41),whichdrewattentiontonumerouscasesoftortureandilltreatmentinflictedonthemembersofthatcommunityaswellasthedestructionofholyplacesandcemeteries.234.2 .2Furtherdetailswererequestedregardingthemanyrestrictionsplacedontheexerciseoffreedomofspeechandopinion,inparticularinconnectionwithfreedomofthepress,ongroundsofprotectingtheinterestsofthecountryorthepreceptsofIslam,andtheneedforapermitforthepossessionoftypewriters,photocopiers,faxmachinesorradios.Explanationswereagainaskedforinconnectionwiththesentencingtodeathofanauthor,Mr.SalmanRushdie,forhiswritings,andthecompatibilityofthatsentencewiththeprovisionsofarticle18oftheCovenant.235.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatjudicialrulesandregulationsappliedtoallcitizensandthattherightsofallindividualswereensuredprovidedthattheydidnotconspireagainstthesystemorcommitcrimesagainstit.TheConstitutionrecognizedthreereligionsapartfromIslam,namelytheJewish,ChristianandZoroastrianreligions.Membersofthosereligiousminoritieswerefreetopractisetheirownritesandfollowtheirownsocialcustomsintheirpersonallife.Therightofallindividualstoprayandprofessthereligionoftheirchoicewasrespected.NodistinctionwasmadeintheIslamicRepublicofIranbetweenrecognizedreligionsandothers.Theconsequencesofrecognitionwerethat,inmattersofpersonalstatusandinheritance,marriageordivorce,thesocialrulesofthereligionprofessedbythepersonconcernedwereapplicable.Choiceofreligionwasamatterofindividualfreewillandnobodycouldbepunishedonaccountofhisreligion.TheBaha'iscould,intheirowncommunities,practisetheirritesincompletefreedom.Inaddition,inresponsetotheallegationthatBaha'is'cemeterieshadbeendestroyed,heexplainedthat,accordingtothemunicipalauthoritiesofTehran,therehadbeennoquestionofdestroyingtombsbutratherofcreatingopenspaces.236.2 .2Theterm"conspiracyoractivitiesagainstIslamandtheIslamicRepublicofIran"hadclearlybeendefinedintherelevantrulesandregulationsastheactionofindividualswhoendangeredthesecurityorindependenceofthecountryoroftheIslamicsystem.Article24oftheConstitutionprovidedforfreedomofthepresswithinthelimitsofIslamicprinciples.IfapublicationdeliberatelysetouttocontraveneandinsultthebeliefsofIslam,itwouldbebanned.Ontheotherhand,whereindividualswishedtoengageinrationalacademicdiscussion,theywerefreetodosoeveniftheyadoptedanattitudehostiletoIslam.FourhundredandfiftysevenlicensedpublicationsandmostforeignnewspaperswereavailableintheIslamicRepublicofIran.ThegroupresponsibleforexaminingapplicationsforlicencesforpublicationsconsistedofajusticeoftheSupremeCourt,arepresentativeoftheMinistryofCulture,arepresentativeofParliament,auniversityprofessorandadirectorofanorganofthepresschosenbyhispeers.Ingeneral,theIslamicRepublicofIrancompliedstrictlywiththeprovisionsofarticle19,paragraph3,andarticle20oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeshouldconfineitselftoconsideringthereportsofStatesparties;matterssuchastheaffairofMr.SalmanRushdieandtheIslamicDecreeofwhichhewastheobjectwereentirelyoutsideitstermsofreference.Freedomofassemblyandassociationandrighttoparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairs237.2 .2Inconnectionwiththoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoreceivefurtherinformationconcerningthenumberoftradeunionsandpoliticalpartiesintheIslamicRepublicofIranandhowtheywereorganized;andontheimplementationinpracticeofthelimitationstofreedomofassemblyandassociationprovidedforinarticles6and16oftheLawpertainingtoActivitiesofParties,Societies,PoliticalandProfessionalAssociations.238.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteealsoaskedforexplanationsregardingtheexactcriterialimitingfreedomofassociation;thepossibilityforBaha'istojointradeunions,establishassociationsorbeemployedinthepublicservice;thesmallnumberofpoliticalgroupsauthorizedtotakepartinnationalpoliticallife;andtherestrictionsimposedonpoliticalactivity,particularlyinrespectofcontactswithforeignembassiesandstatementsregardedasdefamatoryoftheState.239.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthataveryactivelabourorganizationexistedforthebenefitofallworkersandcovered1,450manufacturingunitsthroughoutthecountry.Thepoliticalandsocialstructureofthecountryconsistedof16groupswhichwereauthorizedtoengageinpoliticalactivitiesandafurther57groupswhichengagedinsocialandpoliticalactivitieswithinthelimitslaiddownintheConstitution.&  ThemembersoftheIslamicConsultativeAssemblywereelecteddirectlybytheIranianpeoplewithoutthemediationofanyofthosegroups.Article16oftheActpertainingtotheActivitiesofParties,Societies,Politicaland'  ProfessionalAssociationsprohibitedactivitieswhichmightviolatetheindependenceofthecountry,attemptstoexchangeinformationwithforeignpowers,violationsoftheterritorialintegrityofthecountry,activitiesinfringingthefreedomsandrightofothersandanyattemptstounderminethesolidarityoftheIranianpeople.TherestrictionsimposedinIranianlawonfreedomofassociation,assemblyandpeacefuldemonstrationwerealtogetheranalogoustothoseprovidedforinarticle21oftheCovenant.Rightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities240.2 .2Withreferencetothatissue,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhetherpersonsbelongingtominorities,asdefinedunderarticle27oftheCovenant,wererepresentedintheIslamicConsultativeAssembly;andwhatarrangementshadbeenmadetosecuretherightsofpersonsofKurdishorigin,inparticularinKurdistan.241.2 .2Inaddition,themembersoftheCommitteeaskedforinformationonminoritiesotherthanreligiousminorities,onwhichthereportgavenodetails,andthestepstakentoprotecttheirrightsunderarticle27oftheCovenant;andonthepositionoftheauthoritiesinresponsetoallegationsthatIranianKurdishvillageshadrecentlybeenbombed.242.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthatthereligiousminoritygroupsrecognizedbytheConstitutionwererepresentedintheIslamicConsultativeAssemblybyfivememberswhowereelectedbytheminoritygroupsthemselves.RepresentativesofthosegroupsenjoyedthesamerightsasothermembersoftheAssembly.Therewerenoracialproblemsinthecountryandallgroups,whetherofKurdish,Farsi,Baluchiorotherorigin,enjoyedequalrightsandcouldengageinpoliticalactivitiesorperformjudicialfunctionsonanequalbasis.AnyoneengaginginactivitiesendangeringtheindependenceoftheIslamicRepublicofIran,forexamplebypromotingKurdishethnicity,wouldbeliabletopunishment.ThemembersofminoritygroupssuchasTurksorKurdswereentirelyfreetospeaktheirownlanguageandtopublishtheirownnewspapers.TheactsofviolenceagainstcertainKurdishvillageswhichhadbeenreferredtowereprobablytheresultofhostilitiesbeingwagedbyneighbouringcountriesoftheIslamicRepublicofIran.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers243.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteethankedthedelegationoftheIslamicRepublicofIranforitsappearancebeforetheCommitteetorespondtonumerousquestionsoverthecourseofthreeconsecutivesessions,aswellasforitsreportwhichhadlargelyfollowedtheCommittee'sguidelines.Thereport,however,containedlittlereferencetotheimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandprovidedvirtuallynoinformationaboutfactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenantintheIslamicRepublicofIran.MembersnotedwithinterestthataHumanRightsOfficehasbeenestablishedwithintheMinistryforForeignAffairsandwelcomedthemeasuresunderconsiderationintheIslamicRepublicofIrantoimprovethestatusofwomenandtoreplacefloggingbyotherformsofpunishment.Theyalsonotedtheeffortsbeingundertakentodevelopanawarenessofhumanrightsonthepartofseniorofficialsofministriesandadministrationsandthat,atthetimeoftheGulfwar,morethan1.5millionrefugeeshadbeenshelteredbytheIslamicRepublicofIran.244.2 .2Atthesametime,membersexpressedconcernattheextremelyhighnumberofdeathsentencesthathadbeenpronouncedandcarriedoutintheIslamicRepublicofIranduringtheperiodunderreview;thenumberofexecutionsthathadtakenplaceinpublicasaresultoftrialsinwhichtheguaranteesofdueprocessoflawhadnotbeenproperlyapplied;aboutthedeathsentencethathadbeenpronounced,withouttrial,inrespectofaforeignwriter,Mr.SalmanRushdie,forhavingproducedaliterarywork;andatthemanycasesofextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandilltreatmentthathadbeenbroughttotheCommittee'sattentionandwhichweredescribed,interalia,inthelastreportoftheSpecialRepresentativeoftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsintheIslamicRepublicofIran(E/CN.4/1993/41).Theapplicationofdisciplinarymeasuresofextremeseverity,suchasflogging,lapidationandamputation,wasnotconsideredtobecompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle7oftheCovenant,andseriousquestionswereraisedaboutrequiringrepentancefromdetaineesasaconditionoftheirreleasefromcustody.245.2 .2Membersalsodeploredthelackofrespectfordueprocessoflaw,particularlybeforetheRevolutionarycourtsaswellasthelackofanindependentBarAssociationwhichhadanadverseeffectontheadministrationofjustice.ConcernwasalsoexpressedatthelackoftransparencyandpredictabilityintheapplicationofIraniandomesticlaw;atthenumerous,explicitorimplicit,limitationsorrestrictionsassociatedwiththeprotectionofIslamicvalues;atthepersistenceandextentofdiscriminationagainstwomen;aboutlegalprovisionsallowingforthepossibilityofbanishingindividuals,preventingthemfromresidingintheplaceoftheirchoice,orcompellingthemtoresideinagivenlocality,whichwerenotcompatiblewitharticle12oftheCovenant;attheextentoflimitationstothefreedomofexpression,assemblyandassociation;andattheextentofthelimitationsandrestrictionsonthefreedomofreligion.Theynoted,inthelatterregard,thatconversionsfromIslamwereprohibitedandthatfollowersofthethreerecognizedreligions(Christians,JewsandZoroastrians)werefacingseriousdifficultiesintheenjoymentoftheirrightsunderarticle18oftheCovenant.Moreover,concernwasexpressedabouttheextentofdiscriminationagainstfollowersofnonrecognizedreligions,notablytheBaha'is,whoserightsundertheCovenantweresubjecttoextremelysevererestrictions,someamountingtoopenviolationsofbasicrightsandliberties.246.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartythankedthemembersoftheCommitteefortheirdemonstrationofunderstandingandgoodwillandforthevariousexpressionsofencouragementthathadbeenvoiced.Heexpressedthehopethat,notwithstandingthenoteofscepticismthathadalsobeensounded,thedialoguewouldbepursued.ThedialoguewiththeCommitteecouldonlybeusefulifitprovidedsomeconstructivecriticismandanobjectiveanalysisofsuchinconsistencieswiththeCovenantasmightstillexistaswellassuggestionsforpossiblewaysofresolvingthoseproblems.HisdelegationhadbenefitedgreatlyfromguidanceofferedbytheCommittee,whichhewouldwillinglyconveytothecompetentauthoritiesinhiscountrywithaviewtoimprovingthecurrentsituation.Hereiteratedthedeterminationoftheauthoritiestopromote,interalia,theentryofwomenintothemagistratureaswellasotherprofessions.247.2 .2InconcludingtheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportoftheIslamicRepublicofIran,theChairmanthankedthedelegationforitscooperationandemphasizedthathehadbeenencouragedbytheassurancethattheviewsofmembersoftheCommitteewouldbeconveyedtotheIranianauthoritiesforcarefulscrutiny.CommentsoftheCommittee248.2 .2Atits1260thmeeting(fortyeighthsession),heldon29July1993,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.  UK     \R3'\ X  X    +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)SV882^    8,    :IntroductionS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S2249.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreport,whichlargelyfollowedtheCommittee'sguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofreports(CCPR/C/20/Rev.1)andwhichcontaineddetailedinformationonsomelawsandregulationsrelatingtotheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant.However,theCommitteenotesthatthereportcontainedlittlereferencetotheimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandprovidedvirtuallynoinformationaboutfactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenantintheIslamicRepublicofIran.2250.3  , .,TheCommitteeregretsthat,despitethedelegation'seffortstorespondtothenumerousqueriesraisedbymembers,theresponseswerenotcompleteandtheconcernsoftheCommitteehavenotbeenadequatelyanswered.Positiveaspects2251.3  , .,TheCommitteetakessatisfactionintheresumptionofitsdialoguewiththeIslamicRepublicofIranafteraperiodofnearly10years.However,difficultiesinthedialoguemadeitnecessaryfortheCommitteetoinvitetheIslamicRepublicofIrantothreeconsecutivesessionsandtheCommitteeappreciatesthereadinessoftheStatepartytodoso.ItregardstherequestfortheCommittee'sassistanceintheStateparty'sendeavourtobringitsdomesticlawandpracticemoreintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantasaparticularlyimportantfeatureoftheStatepartyrepresentative'sconcludingremarks.2252.3  , .,TheCommitteenoteswithinteresttheestablishmentofaHumanRightsOfficewithintheMinistryforForeignAffairs,themeasuresunderconsiderationintheIslamicRepublicofIrantoimprovethestatusofwomenandthepromisetoreconsiderthequestionofcorporalpunishments.Italsonotesthateffortshavebeenundertakentodevelopanawarenessofhumanrightsonthepartofseniorofficialsofministriesandadministrations,includingthepromisethatthecommentsoftheCommitteewouldbebroughttotheirattention.TheCommitteealsoappreciatesthefactthat,atthetimeoftheGulfwar,morethan1.5millionrefugeeswereshelteredbytheIslamicRepublicofIran.Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplication . .oftheCovenant2253.3  , .,InviewofthelackoftransparencyandpredictabilityintheapplicationofIraniandomesticlaw,theCommitteehasfounditsomewhatdifficulttodeterminetheextenttowhichthelatterwascompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Italsonotesthatnumerous,explicitorimplicit,limitationsorrestrictionsassociatedwiththeprotectionofreligiousvalues,asinterpretedbyIranianauthorities,havealsoseriouslyimpededtheenjoymentofsomehumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenant.2254.3  , .,Furthermore,theCommitteeobservesthattheemergencymeasuresadoptedbytheauthoritiesduringthewarwithaneighbouringcountry,andtheparalleldestructionofthecountry'seconomy,haveundoubtedlyhadnegativeeffectsontheenjoymentoftherightsandfreedomsprovidedforundertheCovenant.Principalsubjectsofconcern2255.3  , .,TheCommitteedeplorestheextremelyhighnumberofdeathsentencesthatwerepronouncedandcarriedoutintheIslamicRepublicofIranduringtheperiodunderreview,manyofwhichresultingfromtrialsinwhichtheguaranteesofdueprocessoflawhadnotbeenproperlyapplied.Inthelightoftheprovisionofarticle6oftheCovenant,requiringStatespartiesthathavenotabolishedthedeathpenaltytolimitittothemostseriouscrimes,theCommitteeconsiderstheimpositionofthatpenaltyforcrimesofaneconomicnature,forcorruptionandforadultery,orforcrimesthatdonotresultinlossoflife,asbeingcontrarytotheCovenant.TheCommitteealsodeploresthatanumberofexecutionshavetakenplaceinpublic.2256.3  , .,TheCommitteealsocondemnsthefactthatadeathsentencehasbeenpronounced,withouttrial,inrespectofaforeignwriter,Mr.SalmanRushdie,forhavingproducedaliteraryworkandthatgeneralappealshavebeenmadeorcondonedforitsexecution,evenoutsidetheterritoryoftheIslamicRepublicofIran.ThefactthatthesentencewastheresultofafatwaissuedbyareligiousauthoritydoesnotexempttheStatepartyfromitsobligationtoensuretoallindividualstherightsprovidedforundertheCovenant,inparticulararticles6,9,14and19.2257.3  , .,Inaddition,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthemanycasesofextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandilltreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertythathavebeenbroughttoitsattentionandwhicharedescribed,interalia,inthelastreportoftheSpecialRepresentativeoftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsintheIslamicRepublicofIran(E/CN.4/1993/41).2258.3  , .,Furthermore,theCommitteeconsidersthattheapplicationofmeasuresofpunishmentofextremeseverity,suchasflogging,lapidationandamputation,isnotcompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle7oftheCovenant.Italsohasseriousquestionsaboutrequiringrepentancefromdetaineesasaconditionoftheirreleasefromcustody.2259.3  , .,TheCommitteealsodeploresthelackofrespectfordueprocessoflaw,particularlybeforetheRevolutionarycourts,wheretrialsincameratendtobetheruleandwhereapparentlynorealpossibilityisprovidedtotheaccusedtoprepareadefence.ThelackofanindependentBarAssociationalsohasanadverseeffectontheadministrationofjustice,intheviewoftheCommittee.2260.3  , .,TheCommitteeobservesthatthepersistenceandextentofdiscriminationagainstwomenisincompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle3oftheCovenantandrefers,inparticular,tothepunishmentandharassmentofwomenwhodonotconformwithastrictdresscode;theneedforwomentoobtaintheirhusband'spermissiontoleavehome;theirexclusionfromthemagistracy;discriminatorytreatmentinrespectofthepaymentofcompensationtothefamiliesofmurdervictims,dependingonthevictim'sgenderandinrespectoftheinheritancerightsofwomen;prohibitionagainstthepracticeofsportsinpublic;andsegregationfrommeninpublictransportation.2261.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsidersthatlegalprovisionsallowingforthepossibilityofbanishingindividuals,preventingthemfromresidingintheplaceoftheirchoice,orcompellingthemtoresideinagivenlocality,arenotcompatiblewitharticle12oftheCovenant.2262.3  , .,Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedattheextentoflimitationstothefreedomofexpression,assemblyandassociation,exemplifiedbyarticles6and24oftheConstitutionandarticle16oftheLawPertainingtoActivitiesofParties,SocietiesandPoliticalandProfessionalAssociations,notinginthisconnectionthat,contrarytotheprovisionsofarticles18and19oftheCovenant,membersofcertainpoliticalpartieswhodidnotagreewithwhattheauthoritiesbelievetobeIslamicthinkingorwhoexpressedopinionsinoppositiontoofficialpositionshavebeendiscriminatedagainst.Self-censorshipalsoseemstobewidespreadinthemediaandseverelimitationsappeartohavebeenplacedupontheexerciseoffreedomofassemblyandofassociation.̇2263.3  , .,Finally,theCommitteewishestoexpressitsconcernattheextentofthelimitationsandrestrictionsonthefreedomofreligionandbelief,notingthatconversionfromIslamispunishableandthatevenfollowersofthethreerecognizedreligionsarefacingseriousdifficultiesintheenjoymentoftheirrightsunderarticle18oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisparticularlydisturbedabouttheextentofdiscriminationagainstfollowersofnonrecognizedreligions,notablytheBaha'is,whoserightsundertheCovenantaresubjecttoextremelysevererestrictions.Intheforegoingconnection,theCommitteereceivednosatisfactoryanswerregardingthedestructionofplacesofworshiporcemeteriesandthesystematicpersecution,harassmentanddiscriminationoftheBaha'is,whichisinclearcontradictionwiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Suggestionsandrecommendations2264.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatthecommentsithasmadeinconnectionwiththeconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportoftheIslamicRepublicofIranshouldbestudiedbytheauthoritieswithaviewtoadoptingnecessarylegalandpracticalmeasurestoensuretheeffectiveimplementationofalltheprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteewishes,inparticular,toemphasizethefollowingsuggestionsandrecommendations.2265.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatdomesticlawsshouldberevisedwithaviewtocurtailingthenumberofoffencescurrentlypunishablebythedeathpenaltyandtoreducingthenumberofexecutions.Publicexecutionsshouldbeavoidedandtheaccusedshould,inallcases,beprovidedwithallnecessaryguarantees,includingtherighttoafairtrialasprovidedforunderarticle14oftheCovenant.2266.3  , .,Effectivemeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoensurethestrictestobservanceofarticles7and10oftheCovenant.Allcomplaintsofextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandilltreatmentshouldbedulyinvestigated,theculpritsshouldbepunishedandmeasuresshouldbetakentopreventanyrecurrenceofsuchacts.SevereformsofpunishmentincompatiblewiththeCovenantshouldberemovedfromlawandpracticeandtheconditionsofdetentionofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyshouldbeimproved.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattrainingcoursesshouldbeorganizedformembersofthepolice,thearmedforcesandthesecurityforcesaswellasforotherlawenforcementofficials,soastobetteracquaintthemwithbasichumanrightsprinciplesandnorms.2267.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatIranianlegislationandpracticebebroughtintolinewiththeprovisionsofarticles9and14oftheCovenant,whichprovidethatallpersonsshouldhavetherighttoafairtrial,includingtheassistanceofcounsel,therighttobebroughtpromptlybeforeajudgeandtherighttobetriedinpublic.UrgentconsiderationshouldalsobegiventotheabolitionoftheRevolutionarycourts.2268.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatactivemeasuresshouldbetakentoenhancethestatusofwomenintheIslamicRepublicofIraninaccordancewitharticles2,3and23oftheCovenantandtoguaranteetheirequalenjoymentofrightsandfreedoms.2269.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatitsrecentlyadoptedgeneralcommentNo.22(48)bestudiedbytheauthoritiestobringitslegislationandpracticeintolinewiththerequirementsofarticle18oftheCovenant.Inthatregard,theCommitteewishestoemphasizethatrecognitionofareligionasaStatereligionshouldnotresultinanyimpairmentoftheenjoymentofanyoftherightsundertheCovenant,includingarticles18and27,norinanydiscriminationagainstadherentsofotherreligionsornonbelievers,sincetherighttofreedomofreligionandbeliefandtheprohibitionofdiscriminationcannotbeabrogatedbytherecognitionofanofficialreligionorbelief.Measuresrestrictingeligibilityforgovernmentservicetomembersofthepredominantreligion,orgivingeconomicprivilegestosuchpersons,orimposingspecialrestrictionsonthepracticeofotherfaiths,areincompatiblewiththeprohibitionofdiscriminationbasedonreligionorbeliefandtheguaranteeofequalprotectionunderarticle26oftheCovenant.2270.3  , .,TheCommitteealsowishestoinvitetheGovernmentoftheIslamicRepublicofIrantoundertakenecessarystepstoensurethattherightsenunciatedinarticles17,19,21,22and25oftheCovenantcanbeexercisedwithoutanylimitationsorrestrictionsotherthanthoseprovidedforintheCovenant.Venezuela2271.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofVenezuela(CCPR/C/37/Add.14)atits1197thto1199thmeetings,on2and3November1992(seeCCPR/C/SR.11971199).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)2272.3  , .,ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStatepartywhoemphasizedtheprogressmadeinthelegislativefieldsincetheconsiderationoftheinitialreportofhiscountry.AnumberofprovisionsoftheCivilCodeincompatiblewiththeCovenant,particularlythoserelatingtotheequalityofhusbandandwifewithinmarriage,hadbeenamended.TheOrganicLawontheProtectionofConstitutionalRightsandGuaranteeshadbeenadoptedinJanuary1988.Ithadintroducedimportantimprovementsasfarastheexerciseoftheremedyofamparowasconcerned.AmendmentshadalsobeenmadetotheOrganicLabourLawtoexpandandstrengthenthehumanrightsofworkers.Asademonstrationofthestrengthofitsdemocraticinstitutions,Venezuelawasplanningtoholdelectionsforthepostsofgovernors,mayorsandcouncillorsinDecember1992.TheGovernmenthadadoptedapolicyofinforming,trainingandsensitizingthesectorsconcernedwiththeprotectionofhumanrightsandwasdeterminedtopunishthosefoundguiltyofviolationsoffundamentalrights.2273.3  , .,ReferringtothefactorsanddifficultieswhichhadaffectedtheimplementationoftheCovenantinVenezueladuringthereportingperiod,therepresentativeexplainedthat,inFebruary1989,asaresultofaseriesofeconomicmeasurestakenbytheGovernment,therehadbeenasocialexplosioninthecountrywhichhadhadseriouseffectsinthehumanrightsfield.Therehadbeenunprecedentedoutburstsofpublicviolenceorarbitrarybehaviouronthepartoflawenforcementofficials.On4February1992,anattemptedmilitarycouphadendangeredthestabilityofthecountry'sdemocraticsystemandmadeitnecessarytosuspendguaranteesbuttheywererestoredon23April1992.ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisimplemented,stateofemergency,non-discrimination,equalityofthesexesandprotectionofthefamilyandchildren2274.3  , .,Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoreceivefurtherinformationonthestatusoftheCovenantwithintheVenezuelanlegalsystem;onthepossibilityforindividualstoinvoketheprovisionsoftheCovenantdirectlybeforethecourts;ontheimpactoftheentryintoforceoftheOrganicLawonProtectionofConstitutionalRightsandGuaranteesontheimplementationofhumanrightscontainedintheCovenant;ontheconformitywitharticle4oftheCovenantofthereasonsfordeclaringastateofemergency,referredtoinparagraphs52to56ofthereport;onremediesavailabletoindividualsduringtheperiodofemergency;onmeasurestakentoinvestigatecasesofdisappearances,extrajudicialexecutionsandotherexcessescommittedduringthestateofemergency,topunishthosefoundguilty,andtocompensatethevictims;onmeasurestakentopreventtherecurrenceofsuchacts;ontheprogressachievedsincetheadoptionofamendmentstotheCivilCodeandtheLabourCodeandofotherreformswithaviewtoeliminatinginequalitiesbetweenmenandwomen;onthelawandpracticerelatingtotheemploymentofminors;andonthelightworkwhichminorsundertheageof14mightbeauthorizedtoperformbytheadministrativeauthorities.2275.3  , .,Inaddition,memberswishedtoknowwhethertheremediesofamparoandhabeascorpuscontinuedtobeapplicableduringastateofemergencyandwhetherrepresentativesofthePublicProsecutor'sDepartmentremainedavailabletodetaineesinsuchcircumstances;whatmeasureshadbeentakentodisseminateinformationontherightsrecognizedintheCovenantandontheOptionalProtocol;whetherhumanrightsweretaughttopoliceofficersandmembersofthearmedforces;howcontradictionsbetweendomesticlegislationandtheCovenant,ifany,wereresolved;andwhethertherewasanyprovisionprovidingforprohibitionofdiscriminationbasedoncolour,language,nationaloriginorpoliticalopinion,whichhadbeenomittedinarticle61oftheConstitution.2276.3  , .,Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthattheCovenanttookpriorityoverlawsadoptedundertheConstitutionandthatindividualscouldinvokeitsprovisionsbeforethecourts.AconstitutionalreformbillwhichintendedtoplacetheCovenantabovetheOrganicandotherlawswascurrentlyunderconsiderationbytheCongress.AlthoughofficialsofthePublicProsecutor'sDepartmentoftenreferredtotherightssetforthininternationalhumanrightsinstruments,thecourtswerenotaccustomedtocitingsuchinstrumentsbecausetheytendedtoassumethatallhumanrightswereadequatelycoveredintheConstitution.EffortshadbeenmadetodisseminateinformationontherightsrecognizedintheCovenantthroughlecturesandseminarsgiventolawyersandjudgesaswellassecurityandpoliceofficers.2277.3  , .,ThedeclarationofastateofemergencyinFebruary1989hadbeeninconformitywitharticle4oftheCovenant.Therightssetforthinarticles6,7,8,11,15,16and18oftheCovenanthadnotbeensuspendedduringthatperiodandpeoplehadcontinuedtoexercisetherightofamparo.TheCommanderoftheNationalGuardhadbeenurgedtobevigilanttopreventexcessesandhumanrightsabusesandpublicofficialshadbeeninstructedtokeepwithinthelimitssetbytheConstitution.ThePublicProsecutor'sDepartmenthadcarriedoutmanyinspectionsattheheadquartersofthemilitarypoliceandinvestigatoryservices.Allcomplaintsaboutdisappearances,arbitrarydetentionandotherhumanrightsviolationshadbeenprocessedandhandedovertothecompetentcourtsforfurtherinvestigation.TheAttorneyGeneraloftheRepublichadmetwithrepresentativesofnongovernmentalorganizationsand,subsequently,weeklymeetingsamongthepartieshadbeenconvenedtogiveeffectivefollowuptoallcomplaintsofhumanrightsviolations.Eighteencomplaintsofdisappearanceshadbeenregistered,butonlytwohadbeenconfirmedthroughinvestigation.Althougheveryefforthadbeenmadetocarryoutthoroughinquiries,inmanycasestherewasnotenoughprooftopermitresponsibilitytobeattributedtoaparticularindividual,whichwasaprerequisiteforprosecution.However,whenwellfoundedindicationsofresponsibilityonthepartofpublicofficialshadbeenuncovered,investigationshadbeenrequestedandsomecaseshadsubsequentlybeenbroughttocourt.2278.3  , .,Duringthesuspensionofrightsandguaranteesfollowingtheeventsof4February1992,theSupremeCourthadgrantedarequestforamparowithoutundertakingapriorinvestigationofitsadmissibility.Ithadthusestablishedaprecedentforhandlinganapplicationforamparoduringastateofemergencyandtheobligationofthecourtstodecideonthesubstanceofthematterhad,subsequently,beenmadepartofthejurisprudenceofVenezuela.2279.3  , .,Respondingtootherquestions,therepresentativesaidthattheadoptionofamendmentstotheCivilCodeandtheLabourCodehadalreadyledtoconsiderableprogressandhadimprovedthesituationofmarriedwomen.ThePublicProsecutor'sOfficeenjoyedwidespreadsupportinitseffortstopromotetherightsofwomeninaccordancewiththeConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.TherewerefivewomenmembersoftheGovernment,5senatorsand19deputies.However,whilethereweremanywomeninofficialpositions,muchremainedtobedonetoachieveequality.TherewerenoproblemsofdiscriminationbasedonraceorreligionornationalorigininVenezuela.2280.3  , .,VenezuelahadratifiedtheMinimumWageConvention,1973(No.138)oftheInternationalLabourOrganizationandotherinternationalinstrumentsspecificallydesignedtoprotectchildren,includingtheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheNationalInstituteforMinorswasresponsiblefortheprotectionofchildrenandtheOrganicLabourLaw,whichenteredintoforceon1May1991,containedachapterdevotedtochildlabourwhosepurposewastoprohibitworkbychildrenundertheageof14,exceptforlightworkbythoseovertheageof12.  Righttolife,treatmentofprisonersandotherdetainees,libertyandsecurityofpersonandrighttoafairtrial2281.3  , .,Withreferencetothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventandpunishthetraffickinginorgans;whetherthePoliceOrganizationBillmentionedinparagraph125ofthereporthadbeenadopted;whattherulesandregulationsweregoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforces;whethertherehadbeenanyviolationsoftheserulesandregulationsand,ifso,whatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtheirrecurrence;whatthestatus,functionsandactivitieswereofthenewsecurityunitsreferredtoinparagraph69ofthereport;whatconcretemeasureshadbeentakenbytheauthoritiestoensurethatallcourtsgivedueattentiontocasesofill-treatmentatthehandsofthepoliceandsecurityforcesandtoensurethatsuchcaseswereinvestigated;whatlegalprovisionsguaranteedthatnoonewassubjectedtomedicalandscientificexperimentation;whatspecificmeasureswereenvisagedtoaddresstheproblemsaffectingthesupervisionofplacesofdetentionandtheproceduresforreceivingandinvestigatingcomplaints;whethertheprovisionsoftheVagrancyActrelatingtothecustodyofvagrantsandmalefactorsinre-educationcentres,farming-settlementsorwork-campswerecompatiblewitharticles8and14oftheCovenant;whetherthatActhadasyetbeenrepealed;whatconcretemeasureshadbeentakenbythePublicProsecutor'sDepartmenttoensurestrictadherencebythepoliceandsecurityforcestorulesrelatingtothelibertyandsecurityofthepersonasenshrinedinarticle9oftheCovenant,andwhethersuchinitiativeshadledtoanyprogresstodate;andwhethertheLegalDefenceBillreferredtoinparagraph251ofthereporthadbeenadoptedbyCongress.2282.3  , .,Inaddition,clarificationwasrequestedconcerningmeasurestakenbytheauthoritieswithregardtothenumerousallegationsofimpunityenjoyedbymembersofthearmedforcesresponsiblefortorture,maltreatmentanddisappearance;thestepsundertakentoprovidevictimswitheffectiveremediesagainstsuchacts;ofthepositionoftheGovernmentregardingthediscoveryofmorethan60bodiesincommongravesand,inparticular,astowhetheritintendedtoconductanappropriateinvestigationintotheatrocitiescommitted;theallegedtransferofdetaineestoinaccessiblerehabilitationcentres,wheretheyweredeprivedoftheirrighttopreparetheirdefencewiththeirlawyers;andthelackofresourcesandexpertisetodeterminewhetheranindividualhadbeensubjectedtotorturethatleftnoexternaltraces.Membersalsoaskedwhethermilitarycourtscouldhandlecasesinvolvingcivilianvictims;howsoonafterarrestapersoncouldcontactalawyerandinformhisfamily;andwhetherenvironmentalquestionsweretakenintoaccountinconnectionwiththerighttolife.2283.3  , .,Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthatunderarticle46oftheVenezuelanConstitution,anyactbythepublicauthoritieswhichinfringedorrestrictedtherightsguaranteedbytheConstitutionwasnullandvoid,andtheofficialswhohadorderedorcarrieditoutborecriminal,civiloradministrativeliability.Article1196oftheCivilCodeprovidedthatajudgecouldgrantcompensationtothevictimintheeventofbodilyinjury,damagetothehonourandreputationofthevictimorhisfamilyorviolationofhisrights.TheHumanRightsDivisionofthePublicProsecutor'sDepartmenthad,during1991,deemeditnecessaryin2,500casestoinvestigatetheconductofcertainofficialsbelongingtothepoliceorprisonservices;800ofthosecaseshadbeenfoundtojustifytheformulationofchargesagainstgovernmentofficials.ReferringtoinstancesofimpunityfollowingtheeventsofFebruary1989,therepresentativesaidthatthecourtshadbeenurgedtoordercorpsestobeexhumedwithaviewtoacquiringevidenceinresponsetotheconcernsexpressedbytherelativesofvictims.Duetodifficultiesinassigningindividualresponsibility,insufficientinformationonthelocationofthecommongraves,andothertechnicalproblems,noresultshadbeenachievedasyet.2284.3  , .,ThePoliceOrganizationBillmentionedinthereporthadnotyetbeenadopted.TheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforceswasgovernedbythePenalCodeandarticle24oftheLawonWeaponsandExplosives.Thearbitraryorabusiveuseofforceorfirearmsbylawenforcementofficialswasconsideredtobeanoffence.2285.3  , .,AccordingtotheSupremeCourt,militaryjurisdictionwastobeviewedastheexceptionandcasesshouldgenerallybehandledintheciviliancourts.However,aftertheeventsofFebruary1989,thepoliceinvestigatorybodieshadcollectedevidenceonciviliandeathsandhadreportedthereontothemilitarycourts.ThePublicProsecutor'sDepartmenthadinformedthemthatsuchconductwasinappropriateandhadremindedthemthattheywereauxiliarybodiesoftheregularsystemforcriminaljusticeandnotofthemilitarycourts.2286.3  , .,ThePublicProsecutor'sDepartmentwasresponsibleforensuringagainstarbitraryorincommunicadodetentionandthattheaccusedcouldcommunicatewithalawyer.SurprisevisitstopolicepretrialdetentioncentreshadbeenmadeatnightbyrepresentativesofthePublicProsecutor'sDepartmentintheCaracasmetropolitanarea.Acomparisonoftheresultsofthatoperationwithasimilaronecarriedoutin1990hadrevealedthatthenumberofarbitrarydetentionshaddeclined.In1991,representativesofthePublicProsecutor'sDepartmenthadinspectedatotalof10,428pretrialdetentionestablishmentsofvariouskinds.ThePublicProsecutor'sDepartmentwasentitledtovisitplacesofdetentioninmilitaryunitsbutitwasrarelypossibletoorganizesuchvisitsonasurprisebasisand,underastateofemergency,accesstomilitarydetentioncentresbecameevenharder.Thelengthofpretrialdetentionwasmuchtoolongandwaslikelytoopenthedoortoabusesandarbitraryaction.Stepswerebeingtakentoreformtheentirejudicialsystemandtointroduceanewcourtconsistingofjusticesofthepeacetorelievethejudgesofcourtsoffirstinstanceoftheirenormousworkload.TheJudicatureCouncilhadalsoappointeditinerantjudgestotrycasesincourtswheremagistrateswereoverwhelmedwithwork.2287.3  , .,TraffickinginorganswascoveredbytheOrganTransplantsandAnatomicalMaterialofHumanOriginAct.UnderthatAct,humanorganscouldberemovedandusedfortherapeuticpurposesonlyatinstitutesandhospitalcentresauthorizedtodoso.Personswho,forprofit,actedasintermediariesinobtainingorganswerepunishablebyfourtoeightyears'imprisonment.Sincetrafficinorganswasobviouslyconnectedwiththesaleofchildren,Venezuelahadinsistedontheinclusion,intheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,ofarticle35whichobligedStatespartiestotakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventtheabductionof,saleofortrafficinchildrenforanypurposeorinanyform.UndertheMedicalDeontologicalCode,theconsentofapersonhadtobeobtainedtoperformmedicalexperimentation.2288.3  , .,TheVagrancyActof1956hadbeenpromulgatedbeforetheadoptionofthedemocraticConstitutionin1961andviolatedtherightsofindividuals,particularlytherighttolegalcounsel.TheauthoritiesagreedthattheActshouldbeabolishedandanewsystemfordealingwithvagrantsputintoplace.AdraftlawdesignedtoachievethatendwasbeingdiscussedinParliament.AspecialofficewithinthePublicProsecutor'sDepartmentsoughttominimizethearbitraryapplicationofthelawandtohaveadministrativeactsrevokedwheretheycoveredcasesinvolvingirregularities.2289.3  , .,Respondingtootherquestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidtheLegalDefenceBillreferredtointhereporthadnotyetbeenadoptedbyCongress.Ifanaccuseddidnothavethemeanstopayalawyerofhischoice,hewasprovidedwithlegaldefenceservicesfromthemomenthewascharged.TheAsociaci;nnacionaldeclnicajurdicaalsoprovidedlegaldefenceservicesfreeofcharge,mainlyinlowincomeareas.ThreepublicprosecutorswerequalifiedtoactinenvironmentalmattersandanOrganicLawontheEnvironmenthadbeenadopted.Freedomofmovementandexpulsionofaliens,righttoprivacy,freedomofreligion,expression,assemblyandassociationandrighttoparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairs2290.3  , .,Inconnectionwiththoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoreceivefurtherinformationonthepenaltyofbanishment,asprovidedforbyarticles53to56oftheCriminalCodeandtheActontheCommutationofSentencesbyPardonorBanishmentfromtheNationalTerritoryof15December1964,andonthecompatibilityofthoseprovisionswitharticle12oftheCovenant;onthecontentoftheProtectionofPrivacyBill,referredtoinparagraph309ofthereport;andonwhethertheDemonstrations,MarchesandOtherPeacefulProtestActivitiesActandtheCrowdControlActhadbeenadoptedand,ifso,whethertheyhavebeensuccessfulinfightingexcessescommittedbysecurityforcesagainstpeacefulgatherings.2291.3  , .,MembersoftheCommitteealsoinquiredaboutthegroundsfordeprivationofaperson'srighttovote;whetheraconscientiousobjectorcouldbringanactionofamparoinordertoprotecthisfreedomofthoughtandconscience;andabouttheimplementationofarticle20oftheCovenant.2292.3  , .,Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatthepenaltyofbanishmentwasorderedbythecourtsonlywhenrequestedbythecitizenhimselfandinvolvedthecommutationofasentencealreadyhandeddownbythecompetentjudicialauthorities.Itwasconsideredtobeabenefitinthatitofferedthecitizenfreedomofmovementaslongasheremainedoutsidethenationalterritoryandwas,therefore,fullycompatiblewiththeCovenant.ThepurposeoftheProtectionofPrivacyBillwastoprotecttheprivacy,confidentiality,inviolabilityandsecrecyofcommunicationsbetweenindividuals.Itprovidedforpenaltiesinconnectionwiththerecordingorhamperingofsuchcommunications.TheBillhad,however,notyetbeenendorsedbytheCongressasawhole.TheDemonstrations,MarchesandOtherPeacefulProtestActivitiesActandtheCrowdControlActwerestillbeingconsideredinCongress.Stepshad,however,alreadybeentakentoavertexcessesbythesecurityforcesduringpeacefuldemonstrations,suchasthecreationofspecialunitsamongtheranksofthedemonstratorsthemselvestopreventviolence.2293.3  , .,Inresponsetootherquestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattherewasnohistoryofconscientiousobjectioninVenezuela.TheGovernmentwas,however,studyingthepossibilityofchangingthelawtoprovideanalternativetomilitaryservice.Therewerenumerouscategoriesofpersonswhowereexemptfrommilitaryservice,suchasstudents,personswithdependantparentsandJehovah'sWitnesses.Onlyprisonersincarceratedunderthecategoryofpresidio(rigorousimprisonment)losttheirrighttovote.Rightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities2294.3  , .,Withregardtothatissue,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhatfactorsanddifficultiesaffectedtheimplementationofarticle27oftheCovenant,particularlywithregardtothetreatmentofindigenouspeoplesasindividualsandgroups;whethertheDraftActontheOrganizationofIndigenousCommunities,PeoplesandCultureshadbeenadoptedbyCongress;whetherthedelegationtoCatholicmissionsofthetaskof"subduingandcivilizingindigenouspersons"wascompatiblewiththerightsofIndiancommunitiesasenvisagedintheDraftActaswellaswitharticle27oftheCovenant;andwhetherarticle77oftheConstitutionhadbeenreformulatedtoincludespecificrecognitionoftheland,traditions,religionsandlanguagesofIndiancommunitiesinVenezuela,pursuanttotheadvicegivenbytheBicameralCommissionreferredtoinparagraph470ofthereport.2295.3  , .,Inaddition,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowhowtheStateensuredthattheindigenouspopulationswereabletoexercisetheirpoliticalrightsandseekrepresentation;whetheranyindigenouspersonhadeverheldoneofthehighpublicofficesmentionedinparagraph450ofthereport;and,ingeneral,howequitableaccessofmembersofindigenousgroupstopublicservicewasensured.2296.3  , .,Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthataspecialofficehadbeencreatedatthenationalleveltodealwithindigenousmatters.TheDraftActontheOrganizationofIndigenousCommunities,PeoplesandCultureshadnotyetbeenadopted.Theword"subduing"(reducir)usedinthereportreferredtoasystembywhichtheIndianswereexemptfromcomplyingwithsomeoftheelementsoftheadministrativeandjudicialsysteminVenezuela.ThepurposeofthoseexceptionswastoenabletheIndianstoliveinconformitywiththeaspectsoftheirculturethatdidnotcoincidewiththeculturalpatternsofotherinhabitantsofVenezuela.IntheMissionsActof1915,theStateofVenezuelahaddelegatedtotheCatholicChurchthetaskof"civilizing"theIndiansandpersuadingthemtoliveinestablishedsettlements.Abillwas,however,underconsiderationinCongressdesignedtoamendarticle77oftheConstitutionwithregardtotheincorporationofindigenouspopulationsintothelifeofthenation.Itpurportedtomodifytheintegrationistphilosophyunderlyingthatarticlebyprovidingforapluralistandmulticulturalvisionbasedonrespectfortheirlanguagesandbeliefs.AbiospherezoneintheAmazons,coveringanareaof3.9millionhectares,hadbeenestablishedtoensurethephysicalandculturalsurvivaloftheindigenouspeople.&  Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers2297.3  , .,MembersoftheCommitteethankedtherepresentativeoftheStatepartyforhiscooperationinpresentingthereportandforrespondingtothevarious'  questions.Thereportcontaineddetailedinformationonlawsandregulations,butfullerinformationcouldhavebeenprovidedonthepracticesrelatingtotheimplementationoftheCovenant.TheynotedwithappreciationthatthereporthighlightedfactorsanddifficultieswhichhadimpededtheimplementationoftheCovenantinVenezueladuringtheperiodunderreview.MemberswelcomedthefactthatdemocracywasthrivinginVenezuelaandthatagreatmanylawsandregulationsdealingwithhumanrightshadbeenadoptedorsubmittedtoParliamentinrecentyears.2298.3  , .,Atthesametime,itwasnotedthatsomeoftheCommittee'sconcernshadnotbeenfullyallayed.Membersexpressedconcern,inparticular,attheserioushumanrightsviolationssuchasdisappearances,torture,extrajudicialexecutionsandarbitraryarreststhathadbeencommittedduringthestatesofemergencyinFebruary1989andearly1992.Theywerefurtherdisturbedbythefailuretotakesufficientstepstopunishthosefoundguiltyofsuchviolations.Additionally,concernwasexpressedinrespectoftheexcessivelylongperiodsofpretrialdetention;theapplicationofarticle35oftheAliensAct;theconditionsofdetentioninprisons;thetrialofciviliansbymilitarycourts;andovertheGovernment'sdesiretointegrateindigenousgroups,whichmightconflictwiththeirrightunderarticle27oftheCovenanttoenjoytheirownculture.2299.3  , .,TherepresentativeoftheStatepartyassuredmembersoftheCommitteethattheircommentswouldbetransmittedtohisGovernment,particularlyinsofarastheneedtocarryoutfurtherinvestigationsintotheeventsofFebruary1989wasconcerned.2300.3  , .,InconcludingtheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportofVenezuela,theChairmanexpressedhissincereappreciationtothedelegationforitsfrankandcordialdialoguewiththeCommitteeandfortheexcellentreport,whichhadfollowedtheCommittee'sguidelines.Heexpressedthehopethatthecompetentauthoritieswouldtakeactionthatwouldenablefurtherprogresstobereportedinthethirdperiodicreport.CommentsoftheCommittee2301.3  , .,Atits1203rdmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon5November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction2302.3  , .,TheCommitteecommendstheStatepartyonitsreport,drawnupinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sguidelines(CCPR/C/20/Rev.1).Thereportcontainsdetailedinformationonthelaw,althoughfullerinformationcouldhavebeenprovidedonpracticerelatingtotheimplementationoftheCovenant.Furthermore,ithighlightsfactorsanddifficultieswhichimpededtheimplementationoftheCovenantinVenezueladuringtheperiodcoveredbythereport.TheCommittee,does,however,regretthatthereportwassubmittedmorethansevenyearsbehindschedule.2303.3  , .,TheCommitteealsothankstheStatepartyforthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.3),drawnupinaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofStatespartyreportstobesubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/1991/1).2304.3  , .,TheCommitteepaystributetothecompetenceofthedelegationfromtheStateparty,whichendeavouredtoreplyfranklyandfullytothemanyquestionsraisedbyCommitteemembers.Positiveaspects2305.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatdemocracyisthrivinginVenezuelaandnoteswithsatisfactiontheadoptionbyorsubmissiontoParliamentinrecentyearsofagreatmanylawsandregulationsdealingwithhumanrights.Theseincludeimportanttextsdealingwith,forexample,theprotectionofindigenouspeoplesandequalitybetweenmenandwomen.TheCommitteetakesnoteofprovisionsgrantinginternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsprecedenceoverVenezuelandomesticlaw.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheCovenant2306.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatanumberofstatesofemergency,resultingfromriotscausedbyeconomicreforms,havebeendeclaredinthepastinVenezuela,themostrecentextendingfrom4Februaryto30April1992.EmergencymeasuresnotifiedtotheSecretaryGeneralhavesuspendedanumberofthesafeguardscalledforintheCovenant,andimpededthefullimplementationoftheCovenantduringthoseperiods.TheCommitteealsonotesthatoutdatedlegislationwhichisstillinforcedespitebeingseverelycriticizedinVenezuelaisoneofthefactorsimpedingthefullandcompleteimplementationoftheCovenant.Principalsubjectsofconcern2307.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernattheserioushumanrightsviolations,suchasenforcedandinvoluntarydisappearances,tortureandextrajudicialexecutions,thatwerecommittedduringtheattemptedcoupd'tatin1989andearly1992.Itisdisturbedbythefailuretotakesufficientstepstopunishthoseguiltyofsuchviolations,andconcernedthatmembersofthepoliceforceandthesecurityservicesandmilitarypersonnelarelikelytogounpunishedasaresult.Itnotesthatjudicialinvestigationsintosuchcaseshaveclearlybeentooslow,especiallywheremembersofthearmedforcesareconcerned.2308.3  , .,TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatcustodycanlastaslongas16daysandemphasizesthatitispreciselyduringsuchperiodsthataccusedpersonsaremostvulnerable,inparticulartoactsoftortureorilltreatment.ThepossibilitythatciviliansmaybetriedbymilitarycourtsislikewiseamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.2309.3  , .,TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernovertheapplicationofarticle35oftheAliensAct,whichdoesnotprovideforanypossibilityofappeal,andoverconditionsofdetentioninplacesofimprisonment.Suggestionsandrecommendations2310.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendstheStatepartytotakewhateverstepsarenecessarytocombatallhumanrightsviolations,inparticularthosethatmayhavebeencommittedduringthevariousstatesofemergency.TheStatepartyshouldseetoitthatallmembersofthearmedforcesofthepolicewhohavecommittedviolationsoftherightsguaranteedbytheCovenantaretriedandpunishedbyciviliancourts.Thedurationofcustodyshouldbereviewed,andanaccusedpersonshouldbeallowedtoundergoamedicalexaminationuponrequestandtohaveaccesstohislawyerfromthetimeofarrest.Stepsshouldalsobetakentomaketheremedyofamparoeffective,andtoimproveconditionsinplacesofdetentionsubstantially.Thelistofrightsthatcannotbederogatedfrom,evenduringstatesofemergency,shouldbeextendedtoincludealltherightscoveredbyarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.Furthermeasuresshouldbetakenpursuanttoarticle27oftheCovenant,inordertoguaranteeindigenouspeoplestheirownculturallifeandtheuseoftheirownlanguage.Lastly,aspecialeffortshouldbemadetosupporttheactivitiesoftheHumanRightsOffice.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattrainingcoursesshouldbeorganizedformembersofthepolice,thearmedforcesandthesecurityforcesaswellasforotherlawenforcementofficials,soastobetteracquaintthemwithbasichumanrightsprinciplesandnorms.RepublicofBosniaandHerzegovina2311.3  , .,DeeplyconcernedbyrecentandcurrenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenant,havingnotedthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant,findingthatthenewStateswithintheboundariesoftheformerYugoslaviasucceededtotheobligationsoftheformerYugoslaviaundertheCovenant,insofarastheirrespectiveterritorieswereconcerned,andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,on7October1992theCommitteerequestedtheGovernmentoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinatosubmitashortreportoncertainissuesinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingunderitsjurisdiction(fortheCommittee'sdecision,seepara.36andannexVII).2312.3  , .,ThereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinapursuanttothisdecisionwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1200thmeeting,on3November1992(seeCCPR/C/SR.1200).(Forthemembershipofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)2313.3  , .,ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whosaidthatterriblecrimeswerebeingcommittedintheterritoryofBosniaandHerzegovinathatwascontrolledbytheaggressor(Serbia,theSerbianDemocraticPartyanditsarmedformations),forwhichethniccleansingwasanintegralpartofthewarobjectives.TheSerbianDemocraticParty'spolicywasbasedontheprinciplethatpersonsofdifferentreligionsandethnicoriginscouldnotlivesidebyside,andtheconceptofethniccleansingwasacorollaryofthatconcept.Forexample,intheterritorycontrolledbytheaggressor,massexecutionsandarrestsweretakingplace,hundredsofthousandsofpeoplewerebeingdeportedorinternedinconcentrationcampsanddetentioncentres,andtherightofindividualstowork,freedomofmovementandpropertywerebeingdenied.Sofar,165,000personshadlosttheirlives,insomecasesalmosttheentirepopulationofanarea.Moreover,1,200membersoftheJewishcommunityinSarajevohadbeencompelledtofleewithouthopeofevercomingback.2314.3  , .,TheGovernmentoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaopposedanethnicwarandhadtakenanumberofstepstodeterminethecircumstancesinwhichalargepartofthepopulationoftworegions,onewithaSerbianmajorityandtheotherconsistingmainlyofMuslims,hadfled.Inactualfact,600,000MuslimcitizenshadbeenforcedtoabandontheirhomesinvariousregionsofBosniaandHerzegovina.Insomeplaces,virtuallytheentirepopulationhadbeenforcedtoleave.YettheBosnianStatewasaStateforallthosewholivedinitsterritoryanditcomprisedpeopleswhohadfusedtothepointofforminganindivisibleentity.Ithaddoneeverythinginitspowertopreventethniccleansingintheterritoryunderitscontrol.EthnicwarwasthereforesomethingthathadbeenimportedintoBosniaandHerzegovinaandwascausedbytheambitionsofneighbouringStatesseekingtoannexpartoftheterritoryandpopulationofthecountry.2315.3  , .,BosniaandHerzegovinahadneitheritsownarmynoritsownweapons;thepopulationhadthereforeorganizedspontaneouslytodefendtheircountryandstanduptoaggression.ThesituationhadgivenrisetosomecasesoftortureandarbitraryexecutionsbywayofreprisalsforthemassandarbitraryexecutionsandthetortureforwhichtheSerbswereresponsible.Stepshadbeentakentoputanendtosuchactions,suchasdismissingcertainofficersanddisbandinglocalselfdefenceunitswhosereprehensiblebehaviourwasnotorious.TheBosnianauthoritiesundertooktoestablishhighlevelcommissionsofinquiryandwerecontinuingtodefendtheprincipleofthecommunitieslivingalongsideeachother.2316.3  , .,ThemembersoftheCommitteenotedthat,insubmittingthereportrequestedandsendingadelegation,theRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinahadshown,sofarasitsterritorywasconcerned,thatithadsucceededtotheformerSocialistFederalRepublicofYugoslavia'sobligationsundertheCovenant.OnthebasisofthetworeportsbytheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRights(E/CN.4/1992/S1/9andE/CN.4/1992/S1/10),thereportoftheMissionoftheConferenceonSecurityandCooperationinEuropetoBosniaandHerzegovinainAugust1992andotherreportsonthesituationincertaincamps,theydeploredtheunprecedentedtragedythatthecountrywassuffering.Theyexpressedtheirconsternationattheextentoftheviolationsoftherulesofhumanitarianlawingeneral,theGenevaConventionsof12August1949fortheprotectionofwarvictimsandtheCovenant.TheynotedthatthesituationinthecampsunderthecontroloftheauthoritiesofBosniaandHerzegovinawerebetterthanintheothercampsandthatnopolicycomparabletoapolicyofethniccleansingwasbeingappliedintheterritoryunderthecontroloftheBosnianauthorities.2317.3  , .,ThemembersoftheCommitteeaskedwhatstepshadbeentakentoprotecttherightsenunciatedintheCovenant,inparticulartherightstolife,toprotectionagainsttortureandotherill-treatment,tolibertyandtofreedomofmovement.Inthecaseofpersonsdeprivedoftheirfreedomasaresultoftheconflict,theyaskedforclarificationabouttheconditionsincertaindetentioncentres,particularlythoseatKonjicandZenicaandanyotherprivatedetentioncentresaroundSarajevo;thesituationintwovillagesinBosniaandHerzegovinawherethepopulationwassaidtobeunabletoleave;theresultsofinquiriesconductedintothequestionofextrajudicialexecutionsandcasesoftorture;thestepstakensothattheabusesnotedinthelattercentreswouldnotrecur;themeasurestoidentifydetaineesandtoexchangeinformationaboutthem;theregistersofdetaineesandanytransfers;andthenumberofpeopleheldbytheBosnianauthorities.TheyalsoaskedwhethertheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrosshadbeenkeptfullyinformedofthenumberofdetainees;whethertheplacesofdetentionhadallbeendeclaredassuchandcouldbevisited;andwhetherinstructionshadbeenissuedsothatpersonsnotbearingarmswouldnotbearrestedsimplyinordertoexchangethemagainstMuslimsheldbytheopposingforces.2318.3  , .,Inresponsetothequestionsraised,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthat,astheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightshadpointedout,therewasnocomparisonbetweenthehumanrightsviolationsintheterritorylegallycontrolledbytheGovernmentandthecrimescommittedinthepartoftheterritorythatwastemporarilyoccupied.Inthewarconditionsforceduponthecountry,humanrightsviolationswereinevitableandcasesofdisappearances,illtreatmentinflictedondetaineesincertainprisonsorcamps,arbitraryarrestanddetentionwithouttrialhadbeennoted.Inthecircumstances,stepshadbeentakenbytheGovernmentand,fromnowon,anyarrestotherthanbyorderofthepolicewasforbiddenandthepowersofthemilitarypolicewerereduced.Furthermore,militaryprisonswerenowsolelyformembersofthearmyfoundguiltyofoffencesandnociviliancouldbeimprisonedinthem.Maintenanceofpublicorderwasexclusivelytheresponsibilityofthecivilianpoliceandjudicialbodies.TheGovernmentwasendeavouringtoseekoutandpunishpersonsresponsibleforillegalactsand,tothatend,aCommitteeofInquiryhadbeenestablishedtofindthoseresponsibleforcrimescommitted,regardlessofwhethertheywereMuslims,Croats,Serbsorpartisansofanypoliticalfaction.AnotherSpecialCommitteehadbeeninstructedtoexaminecomplaintsofactscommittedbythemilitaryauthorities,namelyarbitraryarrestsanddetentionsandviolationsoftherighttoproperty,tofreedomofmovementandtowork.TheBosnianauthoritiesinnowayactedasMuslimauthoritiesandthevictims,intheterritoryundertheircontrol,althoughgenerallyMuslim,alsobelongedtootherethnicgroupsorreligions.2319.3  , .,Nevertheless,stepstorestorerespectforthelawwerehinderedintheSarajevoregionbecauseitwassubjectedtoconstantbombardmentsandbecauseofthelackofwater,electricity,fuel,food,medicinesandmeansofcommunication.Itwasthereforedifficulttosetupanappropriatemechanismfortheprotectionofhumanrights.Itwastobenotedthatintheregionswhichhadleastsufferedfromenemyinfiltration,publicorderwasbeingmaintainedandnoviolencehadbeenfoundinthedetentioncamps.CitizensofSerbianoriginwhohadfeltthattheywerethreatenedhadbenefitedfromspecialprotectionmeasures.Furthermore,theGovernmentregardeditselfaslegallyresponsibleforthepopulationlivingintheoccupiedpartoftheterritoryandwasconductinginvestigationssothatvictimswouldonceagainenjoytheirrightsandbecompensatedinsofaraspossible,althoughthetaskwasextremelydifficultwithoutthesupportoftheinternationalcommunity.2320.3  , .,TheGovernmentofBosniaandHerzegovinahadbeenpatientandshowngoodwillbynegotiatingapoliticalagreementinGenevathatcouldleadtoacease-fire.Ithadundertakentorespectallinternationalhumanitarianlawinstruments,particularlytheGenevaConventionswhichprovidedforthereleaseofpersonsdetainedinthe"camps".Inthatregard,theparticipantsintheLondonConferencehadrecognizedthatbesiegedtownsandvillagescouldnodoubtberegardedasconcentrationcamps.Over400,000personswerebeingdetainedinwhatcouldberegardedasthelargestconcentrationcampevertoexistintheworldandthesituationwasgrowingworsefrommonthtomonth,withouttheinternationalcommunitydisplayinganyintentionofcomingtotheassistanceoftheinhabitantsofSarajevo.Therepresentativesoftheinternationalcommunity,andinparticulardelegatesoftheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross,hadbeeninvitedtovisitdetentioncampsandprisonsunderBosnianjurisdiction.Shortlyaftertheagreementof1October1992toopenupthecamps,theGovernmenthadrespecteditscommitments.However,theaggressorhadcontinueditspolicyofethniccleansingbypreventingreleasedpersonsfromreturningtotheirhomesorvillagesoforigin,bythreateningtheirsecurity,bypressuringthemtoemigratetoCroatiaandbyusingforcetomovethemthere.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers2321.3  , .,ThemembersoftheCommitteenotedthat,whilethereportdidnotmethodicallyandsystematicallyanswerthequestionsincludedintheCommittee'sdecision,thedelegationoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinahadansweredthemorally.TheynotedthattheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaconsidereditselfaslegallyresponsibleforeverythingwhichhadhappened,notonlyinthepartoftheterritoryeffectivelyunderitscontrolbutalsointheotherparts.TheyalsonotedthestepstakentocombatandpreventhumanrightsviolationscommittedbytheforcesplacedunderthecontrolofGovernmentinaconflictwhichhadbeenimposedonit.2322.3  , .,ThemembersoftheCommitteesaidtheywererevoltedbythecrimescommittedbytheforcesnotunderthecontroloftheGovernment.Inthatconnection,itwaspointedoutthatethniccleansingwasaformofgenocideandwasaccompaniedbymassiveviolationsofarticles6,7,12and26oftheCovenant.Theyalsosaidthatallplacesofdetentionshouldbeofficiallydeclaredassuch,thatalistofalldetaineesshouldbedrawnupandpublishedandthatICRCshouldbeabletovisitthosecamps.Campsnotcomplyingwiththoserequirementsshouldbedismantled.2323.3  , .,TherepresentativeoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaassuredmembersoftheCommitteethathiscountrywasmakingeveryefforttobringtheconflicttoanendandtohonouritsobligationsandguaranteerespectforeveryone'shumanrights.AdraftConstitutionguaranteeingprotectionofallthehumanrightssetoutintheinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentshadbeenelaborated.2324.3  , .,OncompletionoftheconsiderationofthereportsubmittedbytheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinapursuanttotheCommittee'sdecisionof6October1992,theChairmanthankedthedelegationfortheusefulinformationithadsuppliedinresponsetothequestionsraised.HeexpressedthehopethatthecurrentnegotiationswouldleadtoaradicalchangeinthesituationandthatallthosewholivedintheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinawouldsoonbeabletoenjoytherightsprotectedbytheCovenant.CommentsoftheCommittee2325.3  , .,Atits1205thmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon6November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction2326.3  , .,DeeplyconcernedbyrecentandcurrenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheinternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights;notingthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant;andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b)oftheCovenant;theCommitteeon7October1992,requestedtheGovernmentoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinatosubmitashortreportonthefollowingissuesinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingunderitsjurisdiction:, .,(a)  . Measurestakentopreventandcombatthepolicyofethniccleansingpursued,accordingtoseveralreports,theterritoryofcertainpartsoftheformerYugoslavia,inrelationtoarticles6and12oftheCovenant;, .,(b)  . Measurestakentopreventarbitraryarrestsandkillingsofpersons,aswellasdisappearances,inrelationtoarticles6and9oftheCovenant;, .,(c)  . Measurestakentopreventarbitraryexecutions,tortureandotherinhumantreatmentindetentioncamps,inrelationtoarticles6,7and10oftheCovenant;, .,(d)  . Measurestakentocombatadvocacyofnational,racialorreligioushatredconstitutingincitementtodiscrimination,hostilityorviolence,inrelationtoarticle20oftheCovenant.2327.3  , .,Pursuanttothatrequest,theGovernmentofBosniaandHerzegovinasubmittedabackgroundpaperdatedAugust1992ontheviolationsofhumanrightsthathadoccurredintheterritoryoftheRepublic,whichwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1200thmeeting,heldon3November1992.TheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinawasrepresentedbyMr.MuhamedFilipovic,VicePresidentoftheAcademyofScienceandArtoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovina,MemberoftheAssemblyoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovina,MemberoftheStateDelegationoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaattheInternationalConferenceontheFormerYugoslavia;Mr.KasimTrnka,MemberoftheConstitutionalCourtoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovina,MemberoftheStateDelegationoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaattheInternationalConferenceontheFormerYugoslaviaandMr.MustafaBijedic,MinisterCounsellor,Chargd'affaires,MissionoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinatotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva.ThedocumentsubmittedwassupplementedorallyindetailandindepthintheperspectiveoftheparticularareasofconcernonwhichtheCommitteehadrequestedareport.2328.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatbycomplyingwithitsrequesttosubmitareportandbysendingadelegationbeforeit,theRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinahadconfirmeditssuccessiontotheobligationsundertakenundertheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsbytheformerSocialistFederalRepublicofYugoslaviainrespectoftheterritoryformingpartoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovina.Positiveaspects2329.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomedthedelegation'saffirmationthattheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaconsidersitselflegallyresponsibleforwhateverhastakenplacenotonlyinthatpartofitsterritoryonwhichithasfactualandeffectivecontrolbutalsoinotherpartsofitsterritory.TheCommitteehasalsotakennoteofthemeasurestakentocombatandpreventviolationsofhumanrights,inparticular,measurestoensurethatarrestanddetentionofpersonsarecarriedoutonlybythelegalauthoritiesandnotbyuncontrolledindividuals;thedemarcationoflegalresponsibilitybetweenthemilitaryandcivilianpoliceauthorities;thereplacementofcommanderswhohavebeenresponsibleforviolations;andthedisbandingofgroupsandunitswhichhavebeenresponsibleforviolations.TheCommitteehasalsotakennoteofthemeasurestakentoprotectthepersonandpropertyofSerbs.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant2330.3  , .,SinceBosniaandHerzegovinabecameaseparateState,asignificantpartofitsterritoryhasremainedoutofitscontrolandhasbeensubjectedtomilitaryactionentailingmassivehumanrightsviolationsresultinginlossoflife,torture,disappearances,summaryexecutions,rapesandgeneralilltreatmentofpersons.Thedelegationstatedthatmuchofthiswastheresultoftheactionofoutsideforcesanduncontrolledgroupsandindividuals.Principalsubjectsofconcern2331.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpresseditsconcernatthelargenumberofkillings,arbitraryarrests,detentions,theoperationofprisonsbyprivatepersonsandthegeneralmistreatmentofpersons.Recommendations2332.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovinaformalizeitssuccessiontotheCovenantbysubmittingtheappropriatenotificationtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthemeasuresalreadytakenbytheRepublicshouldbefurtherintensifiedandsystematicallymonitoredsoastoensurethatethniccleansingdoesnottakeplace,whetherasamatterofrevengeorotherwise;thatprisonersarenottakenforthepurposeofeventualexchangeofprisoners;thatallplacesofdetentionareofficiallyproclaimed;thatrecordsofallpeopledetainedarekeptandmadepublic;andthatsuchplacesofdetentionareopentovisitsbytheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrossandthefamiliesofthepeopledetained.Allplacesofdetentionthatdonotcomplywiththeseconditionsshouldbeimmediatelydismantled.Administrativearrangementsshouldbemadetoenablepersonstoretracemembersoftheirfamilywhohavedisappearedandpromptinvestigationsshouldtakeplacetobringallthoseresponsibleforviolationstotrial.  UK     \R3'\ X  X    +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)SW882^     KCroatia333.2 .2DeeplyconcernedbyrecentandcurrenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenant,havingnotedthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviawereentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant,findingthatthenewStateswithintheboundariesoftheformerYugoslaviasucceededtotheobligationsoftheformerYugoslaviaundertheCovenantinsofarastheirrespectiveterritorieswereconcerned,andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,on9October1992,theCommitteerequestedtheGovernmentoftheRepublicofCroatiatosubmitashortreportoncertainissuesinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingunderitsjurisdictionby30October1992(seepara.36andannexVII).334.2 .2ThereportsubmittedbytheRepublicofCroatiapursuanttotheaforementioneddecisionwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1201stand1202ndmeetings,on4November1992(CCPR/C/SR.1201and1202).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)335.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStatepartywhoexplainedthatanyconsiderationofthesituationinCroatiahadtobebasedonadistinctionbetweentheaggressorandthevictimandtakedulyintoaccountthebackgroundagainstwhichthedevelopmentandpresentstatusofhumanrightsinCroatiahadevolved.Thefirstfreeelectionsinthespringof1991andCroatia'sdeclarationofindependenceinJune1991hadledtoriotsandrebellionbyapartoftheSerbianminorityinCroatiawiththeincitementandstrongsupportoftheregimeinBelgradeandoftheso-calledYugoslavPeople'sArmy.ThoseeventsculminatedinopenmilitaryaggressionagainstCroatiaaimingatoccupation,ethniccleansingandannexationofitsterritory.Thataggressionhadleft20,000peopledeadand80,000wounded.336.2 .2AquarteroftheCroatianterritorywasstillunderSerbianoccupation.AlmosthalfoftheCroatianeconomyhadbeendestroyedandmanychurches,cemeteries,schools,hospitalsandhistoricalmonumentsseverelydamagedorcompletelyruined.Additionally,Croatiahadbecomehosttosome300,000displacedpersonsandtomorethan450,000refugeesfromBosniaandHerzegovina.337.2 .2AsoneofthesuccessorStatestotheformerYugoslaviain1992,CroatiahadmadeadeclarationofsuccessiontotheGenevaConventionsof1949andtheCovenant.Italsointendedtomakethedeclarationprovidedforinarticle41oftheCovenantandtoaccedetotheOptionalProtocolsinthenearfuture.TheCovenantshadbeentakenasabasisforthehumanrightsprovisionscontainedinchapters2and3ofCroatia'snewConstitution.TheConstitutiondefinedtheRepublicofCroatiaasanationalStateoftheCroatianpeopleandaStateofmembersofminoritieswhowereitscitizens;itsarticle15providedthatmembersofallnationalminoritiesenjoyedequalrights,freedomtoexpresstheirnationalityandusetheirlanguageandscript,andculturalautonomy.CroatiahadalsobeentheonlyRepublicoftheformerYugoslaviatoenactandimplementthehumanrightsprovisionsadoptedbyTheHagueConferenceontheFormerYugoslavia.Accordingly,ithadadopted,inDecember1991,aConstitutionalLawonHumanRightsandFreedomsandtheRightsofEthnicandNationalCommunitiesorMinoritieswhichguaranteedallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomstomembersofminorities,togetherwithadditionalrightstobeenjoyedbytheminaccordancewithalltherelevantUnitedNationsandEuropeanhumanrightsinstruments.SpecialautonomousstatushadbeengrantedtonationalandethniccommunitiesinthosedistrictsofCroatiawheretheirmembersrepresentedover50percentofthepopulation.Otherlegalprovisionsguaranteeingnationalminorityrightshadalsobeenadopted,inparticulartheLawonElectiontotheCroatianParliamentwhichprovidedthatanationalminoritycomprisingmorethan8percentofthepopulationoftheRepublichadtobeproportionallyrepresentedinparliamentary,governmentalandjudicialbodies.338.2 .2TherehadbeennoorganizedpolicyofethniccleansingintheCroatianterritoryunderthecontroloftheCroatianauthorities,whohadalwaysbeendecisivelyanduncompromisinglyopposedtosuchapolicy.Althoughtherehadbeenindividualcasesofarbitraryarrestsandkillingsduringtheearlystagesofspontaneousself-defenceagainsttheaggressor,theCroatianauthoritieshadappliedtheruleoflawthroughouttheterritoryundertheircontrolandwereprosecutingtheperpetratorsofsuchcriminalacts.TherewerenodetentioncampsintheterritorycontrolledbytheCroatianauthoritiesand,evenduringthemilitaryaggression,thetreatmentofprisonersofwarbelongingtotheso-calledYugoslavPeople'sArmyortoSerbianparamilitarygroupshadbeenregulatedbyaspecialdecreeprovidingfortheapplicationoftheGenevaConventionsof1949.Thepolicyofethniccleansingwas,however,stillbeingpursuedandpractisedagainstCroatiansandothernon-SerbianpopulationsintheterritorynotcontrolledbytheCroatianauthorities.Inthatterritory,therewerestilldetentioncampsinwhichkillings,theworstmethodsoftortureandotherinhumantreatmentwerepractised.339.2 .2TheCroatianGovernmentwasastrongadvocateofnationalandreligioustoleranceandfavouredtheintroductionofpreventivemeasurestoforestallactsofintolerance.IthadestablishedanOfficeforInter-EthnicRelationsandtherewasalsoaparliamentaryCommitteeforHumanRights,includingminorityrights.Policestationsineachdistricthadbeeninstructedtotakethenecessaryprecautionstopreventpossibleattacksinretaliationforthekillings,bombingsandothercrimesfrequentlycommittedbypeopleofSerbiannationalitylivinginthearea.340.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedwithappreciationthat,on12October1992,theRepublicofCroatiahadnotifiedtheSecretary-Generalthatithadsucceeded,asfrom8October1991,tovarioushumanrightstreaties,includingtheCovenant.Theyfurthernotedthat,sinceitsindependence,theterritoryofCroatiahadbeensubjectedtolarge-scalemilitaryactionwhichhadresultedinmassiveviolationsofhumanrights,includingsignificantlossoflife,torture,disappearancesandsummaryexecutions,withentiretownsdestroyedandpopulationsdisplaced.Theyemphasized,however,thatallhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheGenevaConventions,laidobligationsonparties,withoutexoneratingthosewhoregardedthemselvesasvictimsofaggressionfromtheirownresponsibilitiesundertherelevantinstruments.AlthoughhumanrightsviolationsmightwellbereportedinportionsofthecountrythatwasnotunderCroatiancontrol,Croatiawasnonethelessaccountableforwhathappenedinareasthatitdidcontrol.341.2 .2WithregardtothesituationofethnicSerbsinCroatia,membersrequestedclarificationofreferencesinthereportoftheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRights(E/CN.4/1992/S1/9)tomaltreatmentofethnicSerbs,whichhadcausedtheflightofmanyofthemfromtheterritoryofCroatia,andtocasesofdetentionofciviliansonthesolebasisoftheirethnicorigin.Similarly,clarificationwassoughtofotherreferencesinareportpreparedbytheConferenceonSecurityandCooperationinEuropewhichindicatedthattheSerbianpopulationhadbeenthetargetofhumanrightsviolations,includingdestructionofhouses,attacksonshopsbelongingtoSerbs,anddismissalofSerbsfromgovernmentservice.Itwasaskedwhethersuchmeasuresdidnotinthemselvesconstituteaformofethniccleansing.InformationwasalsorequestedonmeasurestakentoinvestigatethecasesofkidnappingandarbitraryarrestsmentionedinthereportsubmittedbyCroatiaandtopunishthosefoundguilty.Membersalsowishedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeentakentoinvestigatecasesofdisappearances,extrajudicialexecutionsortorture,topunishthosefoundguilty,andtopreventtherecurrenceofsuchacts,includinganyactsperpetratedbyCroatianforcesinBosniaandHerzegovina;whetherstepshadbeentakentoensurethatprisonerswerenotbeingtakeninordertobeexchangedforotherprisoners;whatmeasureshadbeenadoptedtoensurethepropertreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyandtopreventconductbycertainindividualsthatmightleadtoforceddeparturesortopreventingthereturnofanysectionofthepopulation;whetherthereweredetentioncampsinBosniaandHerzegovinaunderthejurisdictionofmembersoftheCroatianarmy;andwhatgroupswereconsideredasminoritiesundertherecentlyadoptedConstitutionalLawonHumanRightsandFreedomsandtheRightsofEthnicandNationalCommunitiesorMinorities.342.2 .2Withreferencetotheimplementationofarticle20oftheCovenant,clarificationwasrequestedofthepublishedlistsofCroatiancitizensofSerbianoriginindicatingtheirethnicoriginwhich,accordingtotheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRights,werewidelydistributedandavailableforsaletothepublic(membersoftheCommitteehadacopyofthelistfurnishedbytheSpecialRapporteur).Itwasalsoinquiredwhatmeasureshadbeenforeseentocreatethepreventiveconditionsdesignedtoforestallanycasesofnational,racial,religiousorotherkindsofhatred;whatpracticalmeasureshadbeenadoptedtopromotetoleranceamongthevariouspeoplesresidingintheRepublic;whatstepshadbeentakenagainstmembersoftheCroatianarmywhohadreportedlybeenseenwearingNaziemblems;whethertherewereanyeducationalprogrammes,policycampaignsoreffortstodisseminateinformationthatwouldpromoteethnictolerance;andwhattheOfficeforInter-EthnicRelationsmightdotopromotetheeradicationofethniccriteriainthefuture.343.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthatinOctober1992,hisGovernmenthadnotifiedthedepositariesofmanyinternationaltreaties,includingtheCovenant,ofitsdecisiontoconsideritselfasuccessorStateinrespectoftheratificationoftheformerFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.Underarticle134oftheConstitution,internationalagreementsconcludedandratifiedinaccordancewiththeConstitutionwerepartofCroatia'sinternalorderandprevailedovernationallegislation.Withreferencetothestatementinthereportaccordingtowhichadistinctionhadtobedrawnbetweentheaggressorandthevictims,therepresentativeexplainedthatallviolationsofhumanrightshadconstitutedaggressionandthat,duringthewarinCroatia,partoftheSerbianethnicgrouphadjoinedtheaggressorsandcommittedviolations.344.2 .2Referringtoquestionsrelatingtoethnicgroupsandminorities,therepresentativeexplainedthatanyonewhowishedtobeconsideredasbelongingtoaminorityhadtherighttodosoandenjoyedalltherightsguaranteedundertheConstitution.TherewasnowishonthepartoftheGovernmenttochangeanythinginrespectoftheirgeographicalsituation.ProvisionsrelatingtominoritieshadbeenincludedintheConstitutionalLawofDecember1991,buttheapplicationofthoserulesdependedonadecisionofthepresentrulersoftheSerbianminorityinonepartofCroatiatorecognizethattheywerecitizensofCroatia.SerbslivinginotherpartsofCroatiahadrecentlyreceivednewschools,andaSerbianorganizationcalledtheSerbianCommunityhadbeenre-establishedtoprotectthenationalrightsofSerbsinCroatia.ThebranchesoftheOfficeforInter-EthnicRelationswhichhadbeencreatedinvariousdistrictsofthecountryhadestablishedacouncilwhereallrepresentativesofdifferentethnicgroupsandminoritiescouldmeettopresenttheirproblems.Thebranchesalsoproposedmeasuresformonitoringtheapplicationoflawsandregulationsandassistedpersonswhosecaseshadnotbeendealtwithproperlybyjudicialorotherorgans.345.2 .2WithreferencetothehumanrightsviolationsoccurringinCroatia,therepresentativeexplainedthatadistinctionhadtobemadebetweenthethreequartersoftheterritorycontrolledbytheCroatianGovernment,forwhichtheGovernmentwasresponsible,andtheportionthatwasoccupiedbytheSerbsandundertheprotectionoftheUnitedNationsProtectionForce(UNPROFOR),whereitwasnotpossibletocontrolhumanrightsviolations.TheactivitiesoftheMinistryoftheInteriorandofthepolicewereaimedatpreventingviolence,especiallyofanethnicnature,andprotectingpublicandprivatebuildings,inparticularSerbian-ownedhomes,againstpossibleattacks.TheCroatianGovernmentcould,unfortunately,donothingaboutviolationsinthepartoftheterritoryoutofitscontrol,whereincidentsofethniccleansing,expulsions,arbitraryarrests,executions,torture,andracialandreligioushatredcontinuedtooccur.Furthermore,theCroatianGovernmentcouldnotbeheldresponsibleforviolationsinotherindependentsovereignStates,inparticularBosniaandHerzegovina.TherewerenoconcentrationcampsinCroatiabut,duetothewar,CroatiadidhavethreeprisonerofwarcampsinitsterritorywhichwereunderthecontroloftheMinistryofDefence.RulesforthetreatmentoftheprisonershadbeenlaiddowninadecreeofthePresidentoftheRepublicandtheprovisionsoftheGenevaConventionsof1949werebeingapplied.346.2 .2IntheframeworkofthespontaneousselfdefenceactionsagainstSerbianandMontenegrinaggression,atatimewhenCroatiahadbeenweaponlessandwithoutamilitaryforce,therehadbeensomecaseswheretheinhabitantsofSerbianvillageshadbeentakenhostage.From1Januaryto31August1992,therehadbeen4,014casesofdestructionofhomesinwhichthevictimshadbeenSerbs,1,067casesinvolvingCroatsand115casesinvolvingmembersofothergroups.AttacksonSerbianownedshops,asreportedbythemissionoftheConferenceonSecurityandCooperationinEurope,wereagainstthepolicyoftheCroatianGovernment.Onesuchincidenthadbeensparkedoffbythemurderofalocalpoliceman,whohadbeenambushedbySerbianterrorists.TheCroatianGovernmentwasalsoconductinginvestigationsintoanincidentinwhichmembersoftheCroatianDemocraticUnionhadallegedlywrittenthreateningletterstoSerbianintellectuals,butitappearedthatthoseallegationshadnotbeensubstantiated.ThelistofactsofviolenceagainstSerbsreflectedactsbyindividualsandnotanofficialpolicyonthepartoftheGovernment.Itcould,however,notbeassumedthatacountryemergingfromCommunistrule,havingwonitsindependencethroughanextremelyviolentarmedconflict,wouldrapidlyattainthehighestdegreeofrespectforhumanrights.ViolationsofhumanrightsdidexistinCroatia,buttheGovernmentwasdoingeverythingpossibletoseethatthelawwasappliedtopunishthosefoundresponsible.347.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle14oftheCovenant,therepresentativeexplainedthat,atthebeginningofthewaragainstCroatia,thesystemofcriminaljusticehadoperatedforseveralmonthsunderextremelydifficultconditions.Thepoliceforceshadbeentheonlyonesabletoofferresistancetomilitaryactionand,asaresult,hadbeenunabletoperformtheirnormalfunctionsuntil1January1992.Some21,951criminaloffencesconnectedwiththewarorarmedconflicthadbeenreportedbetweenAugust1990andJuly1992.Othercriminaloffencesclassifiedascrimesagainsthumanityandinternationallawinvolved1,880persons.Atotalof10,635personshadbeenbroughtbeforeordinarycourts,andatotalof6,829membersofthemilitaryhadbeenbroughtbeforemilitarycourts.Therehadsofarbeen423courtjudgements,91percentresultinginconvictions,forcriminaloffencesinconnectionwiththearmedconflict.348.2 .2Referringtoquestionsraisedunderarticle20oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattheextremerightwingpartyanditsmilitarywinghadbeencondemnedbytheCroatianGovernment,andthepartyleadersandthreemembersofParliamenthadhadtheirimmunityremovedandwerebeinginvestigated.ThePublicProsecutor'sDepartmenthadalsorequestedtheopeningofaninvestigationintothatparty'sactivities,possiblyleadingtoitsdissolution.ThepoliticalcampaignfortheAugust1992electionshadplacedstrongemphasisonrespectforhumanrightsandespeciallytherightsofminorities.TheCroatianParliament,furthermore,hadrecentlyadoptedalawonthediscontinuanceofcriminalproceedingsinstitutedforoffencescommittedduringthearmedconflict.Thislaw,whichdoesnotapplytoperpetratorsofcriminalacts,isoneofthemeasureswhichtheCroatianParliamentandGovernmenthavetakenwithaviewtothereconciliationofthepeoplesofdifferentnationalitieswholiveintheterritoryoftheRepublic.Ofthe42reportedcrimesofincitementtonationalorreligiousintoleranceorhatredunderarticle236ofthePenalCode,duringthefirstninemonthsof1992,42hadledtotheopeningofajudicialinvestigation.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers349.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteethankedtherepresentativeoftheStatepartyforreplyingclearlyandindetailtothequestionsoftheCommittee.Theynotedanumberofencouragingfactorswithregardtotheguaranteeofhumanrights,foremostamongwhichwasthedeclarationofsuccessiontothevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments.TheyalsonotedthattheobligationsderivingfromthoseinstrumentswereincorporatedinthenewConstitutionalLawonHumanRightsandFreedomsandtheRightsofEthnicandNationalCommunitiesorMinoritiesadoptedinDecember1991;thatanOfficeforInter-EthnicRelationshadbeenopened;thatpersonschargedwithcrimescommittedduringtheconflicthadbeenbroughttocourt;thatthethreeprisoner-ofwarcampsinCroatiawereopentotheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross;andthattheparamilitarygroupsandtheextremeright-wingpoliticalpartiesandtheirmemberswerebeinginvestigated.&  350.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteeindicated,however,theirdeepconcernaboutthepreambletotheConstitution,whichstatedthattheRepublicofCroatiawasdefinedasthenationalStateoftheCroatiannationembracingmembersof'  othernationsandminoritieswhowereitscitizens.TheyalsoindicatedtheirconcernaboutthediscriminationandharassmentincurredbypersonsofSerbianoriginresidinginCroatia,particularlyinrespectofthelistsofindividualsclassifiedaccordingtotheirethnicorigin;thewearingofFascistemblemsinpublicbycertainmilitarypersonnel;thedismissalofSerbsinthepressagencies;thelackofenergyshownbytheauthoritiesvis--vistherisksofanextensionintheirterritoryoftheethnicpersecutionreferredtointhereportoftheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRights;casesofenforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances;thearbitrarydetentionofmanypeople,ofteninordertoexchangethemforCroatianprisoners;theexistenceinCroatiaofunreportedplacesofdetention;andthedeplorableconditionsofdetentionininternmentcampsplacedunderthecontroloftheCroatianarmyoroflocalCroatianmilitarygroupsinBosniaandHerzegovina,inrespectofwhichtheresponsibilityoftheCroatianGovernmentwasengaged.351.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheRepublicofCroatiathankedthemembersoftheCommitteefortheirobservations,questionsandcriticismsandstressedthatthedialoguewhichhadjusttakenplacewouldhelptostrengthentheeffortsbeingmadebythecompetentauthoritiesofhiscountrytoguaranteetherespectandexerciseofthecivilandpoliticalrightsestablishedbytheCovenant.352.2 .2Inconclusion,theChairmanthankedtheCroatiandelegationforitsextremelyhelpfulanswersandcommentswhichhaddemonstrateditswillingnesstocooperatewiththeCommittee.HerecalledthattheresponsibilitydevolvinguponStatespartiestotheCovenantencompassednotonlytheactscommittedintheterritoryoftheactualState,butalsothoseactscarriedoutbyitsagentsbeyondnationalfrontiers,aswellasincitementtosuchacts.HealsoexpressedthehopethatthedeclarationofsuccessiontotheCovenantwouldbefollowedbyaccessiontothetwoOptionalProtocolstotheCovenant.CommentsoftheCommittee353.2 .2Atits1205thmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon6November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction354.2 .2DeeplyconcernedbyrecentandcurrenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights;notingthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant;andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant;theCommittee,on7October1992,requestedtheGovernmentoftheRepublicofCroatiatosubmitashortreportonthefollowingissuesinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingunderitsjurisdiction:2 .2(a) .Measurestakentopreventandcombatthepolicyofethniccleansingpursued,accordingtoseveralreports,intheterritoryofcertainpartsoftheformerYugoslavia,inrelationtoarticles6and12oftheCovenant;2 .2(b) .Measurestakentopreventarbitraryarrestsandkillingsofpersonsaswellasdisappearances,inrelationtoarticles6and9oftheCovenant;2 .2(c) .Measurestakentopreventarbitraryexecutions,tortureandotherinhumantreatmentindetentioncamps,inrelationtoarticles6,7and10oftheCovenant;2 .2(d) .Measurestakentocombatadvocacyofnational,racialorreligioushatredconstitutingincitementtodiscrimination,hostilityorviolence,inrelationtoarticle20oftheCovenant.355.2 .2Pursuanttothatrequest,Croatiasubmittedashortspecialreportentitled"ReportonmeasurestakentopreventcriminalactsperpetratedinviolationofthehumanrightsandfreedomsintheRepublicofCroatia",whichwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1201stand1202ndmeetings,heldon4November1992.TheRepublicofCroatiawasrepresentedbyMr.SmiljanSimac,AssistantMinisterofForeignAffairsoftheRepublicofCroatia,HeadofDelegation;Mr.BudislavVukas,FacultyofLawZagreb,MemberofDelegation;Mr.DavorKrapac,FacultyofLaw,Zagreb,MemberofDelegation.ThereportwassupplementedbyanoralintroductionbyMr.Simac,andbyresponsesbyvariousmembersofthedelegationtothequestionsandobservationsofmembersoftheCommittee.356.2 .2On12October1992,theRepublicofCroatianotifiedtheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsthatithadsucceeded,asfrom8October1991(thedateofitsproclamationofindependence),tovarioushumanrightstreaties,includingtheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights.Positiveaspects357.2 .2Certainfactorsencouragingtotheguaranteeingofhumanrightswerenoted.TheRepublicofCroatiahadattainedstatehoodafterdemocraticparliamentaryelectionsin1990.ThenewConstitutionalLawofHumanRightsandFreedomsandtheRightsofEthnicandNationalCommunitiesorMinorities,adoptedinDecember1991andamendedinApril1992,incorporatedUnitedNationstreatyobligationsonhumanrights.Anofficeforinterethnicrelationshadbeenopened,whichwouldhavebranchesinvariousdistrictsofCroatiaandawidereachingmandate.TheCroatiandelegationconfirmedthat,intheviewoftheGovernment,theonlyproperuseofethnicidentitywastoensurethatethnicminoritiesreceivedtheguaranteestowhichtheyareentitledunderarticle27oftheCovenant.Itwasalsonotedthatcertainchargeshadbeenbroughtinthecourtsagainstpersonswhowereaccusedofcrimesagainstcivilians,crimesagainstprisonersofwarandthecrimeofgenocide.Thethreeprisoner-of-warcampsinCroatiawereunderthecontroloftheMinistryofDefenceandopentotheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross.TheGovernmenthadcondemnedthepoliciesoftheultrarightparamilitariesandpoliticalpartiesandwasconductinginvestigationsintotheactivitiesofcertainmembersofParliamentbelongingtotheCroatianRightParty.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant358.2 .2Sinceitsindependence,theterritoryoftheRepublicofCroatiahasbeensubjectedtolargescalemilitaryaction.Thishadresultedinmassiveviolationsofhumanrights,includingsignificantlossoflife,torture,disappearancesandsummaryexecutions,withentiretownsdestroyedandpopulationsdisplaced.BecauseoftheconflictinneighbouringBosniaandHerzegovina,Croatiahadalsoreceivedverylargenumbersofrefugees.359.2 .2TherepresentativesalsoinformedtheCommitteethatCroatiacontrolledonlyaboutthreequartersofitsterritory,theremainderbeingundertheauthorityofUNPROFOR.ThedelegationconcededthattherehadbeenperiodsduringthehostilitiesinitsterritorywhenpublicorderhadbrokendownandtherehadbeenaninabilitytocontrolethnicallybasedviolenceagainstSerbs.Itacceptedlegalresponsibilityforthoseevents.Principalsubjectsofconcern360.2 .2TheCommitteewasconcernedwiththepreambletotheConstitution,wherebytheRepublicofCroatiaisdefinedas"thenationalstateoftheCroatnationandastateofmembersofothernationsandminorities".Concernwasexpressedaboutlongstandingdiscriminationagainst,andharassmentof,ethnicSerbsresidingwithinCroatia.Inparticular,thecirculationoflistsofpersonsgroupedonthebasisoftheirethnicoriginwastobedeplored.Purgeshadbeenpermittedofthepublicservicesandthepolicehadbecomeidentifiedwithultrarightnationalism.Membersofthemilitarywereoftenseeninpublic,includinginBosniaandHerzegovina,wearingFascistemblems.Serbshadbeenremovedfromtheirjobsinthepressandtherehadbeenwidespreadarrestsanddisappearances.PersonswerebeingheldindeplorableconditionsinplacesofdetentioninBosniaandHerzegovina,whichwereunderthecontroloftheCroatianarmyorlocalCroatianmilitaryfactionswhoreceivedthebackingoftheRepublicofCroatia.TheinternationalresponsibilityoftheRepublicofCroatiawasengagedinrelationtotheseevents.361.2 .2TheCommitteebelievedthattherewereinCroatiaundesignatedplacesofdetentionwherepersonswereheld,oftenbyprivategroups.Manypersonsforwhomtherewasnolegitimatecauseofdetentionwereunlawfullyheld.SometimestheyweredeprivedoftheirlibertysimplyinordertobeabletoeffectexchangesforCroatiansheldasprisonerselsewhere.Recommendations362.2 .2TheGovernmentofCroatiaisurgedtoactvigorouslyagainstallmanifestationsofracialhatred.Publiccondemnationshouldbemadeofthecirculationoflistsofpersonsbasedonethnicityandfurtherappropriateactionshouldbetaken.StrongeffortsshouldbemadetoidentifyundeclaredplacesofdetentionandtoensurethatonlybonafideprisonersofwarareheldinproperlynotifiedcampsoperatinginaccordancewiththeGenevaConventionsof1949andtheCovenant.ResponsibilitymustbeacceptedfortheactsofthemilitaryinotherterritoriesaswellasinCroatia.ClearinstructionsshouldbeissuedtoallmilitarypersonnelastotheirobligationsundertheCovenant.Theforegoinghadtobeborneinmindinthecontextofsupportafforded,directlyorindirectly,tolocalCroatianmilitiainBosniaandHerzegovina.Thoseresponsibleforviolationsofhumanrightsshouldbebroughtspeedilybeforethecourts.Inthatregard,theexistingdistinctionsbetweenmilitaryandciviljurisdictionsshouldbereviewedsothatmilitarypersonnelmightbetriedand,iffoundguilty,punishedundernormalciviljurisdiction.FederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)363.2 .2DeeplyconcernedaboutrecenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenant,havingnotedthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant,findingthatthenewStateswithintheboundariesoftheformerYugoslaviasucceededtotheobligationsoftheformerYugoslaviaundertheCovenant,insofarastheirrespectiveterritorieswereconcerned,andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommittee,on7October1992,requestedtheGovernmentoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)tosubmitabriefreportoncertainissuesinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingunderitsjurisdiction(seepara.36andannexVIIfortheCommittee'sdecision).364.2 .2ThereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)pursuanttotheaforementioneddecisionwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1202ndmeetingon4November1992(seeCCPR/C/SR.1202andAdd.1).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)365.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whosaidthatboththeFederalGovernmentandalargepartofpublicopinioninYugoslaviawerefullyawareoftheshortcomingsintheobservanceandpromotionofhumanrights.Thoseshortcomingswereduetothefactthatforalmosthalfacenturythecountryhadbeenunderanauthoritarianregime.Variouslegislativeamendmentsconcerningcrimesofopinion,freedomofassociation,freedomofthepressandpolicepowershadbeenadoptedandanewConstitutionhadbeenpromulgated.Assoonasithadtakenofficeon15July1992,thepresentGovernmenthadsetitselfthetaskoftransforminga"party-ruledState"intoaStatesubjecttotheruleoflaw.Ithadformulatedtwoimportantbillsconcerningthegeneralamnestyforoffencescommittedinconnectionwiththeconflictandthestatusofminorities.366.2 .2DifficultiesconnectedwiththecumbersomenatureoftheStatelaw-enforcementsystemandwiththementalityofofficialswereimpedingfullobservanceofhumanrights.AllsocialstructureshadbeenaffectedbytheconflictravagingtheformerYugoslavia,andthathadledtoaresurgenceofcrimeandgeneralinsecurityandconstitutedafurtherobstacletoobservanceofhumanrightsintheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.Themostseriousconsequenceofthatconflictwasitsrepercussionsonrelationsbetweenthevariousethnicgroupsandnationalitieswhich,untilrecently,hadcoexistedwithoutparticularproblems.Anotherconsequenceoftheconflicthadbeentheinfluxof500,000SerbianrefugeesfromCroatiaandBosniaandHerzegovinaorMuslimrefugees.Someofthoserefugeeshadarrivedwiththeirweapons,intentonmakinganewhomeintheRepublic,evenifitmeantusingforceinordertodoso,attheexpenseofmembersofnon-Serbianethnicgroupswhomtheyregardedastheirenemies.Themediahadplayedaverynegativeroleinthatconnectionbypoisoningrelationsbetweenethnicgroups,stirringupnationalandracialhatred.Sincethebeginningofthe"Croatwar"inthesummerof1991,paramilitarygroupsbeyondthecontrolofanyofficialmilitaryauthorityhademerged.ThenewGovernmenthaddisbandedthosegroupsbuttheywerecontinuingtoactinsecret,crossingintoBosniaandHerzegovinaandcommittingseriousviolationsofhumanitarianlawinthatterritory.367.2 .2ThepolicyofethniccleansinghadneverbeenpractisedintheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.Attemptstodosohadbeenmade,notablyinVojvodina,bycertainindividualsorgroupswiththeaimofforcingnon-Serbstoleavetheirhomes;theauthoritieshad,however,reactedafterbeingnotifiedbythevictims.Variousmeasureshadbeentakenbytheauthorities,includinggreaterpolicesupervision,thearrestandprosecutionofpersonsaccusedofhavingviolatedthelibertyandrightsofpersonsofanothernationalityorhavingencouragedethniccleansing,thetrialof145personsforillegalpossessionofweapons,andtheseizureoflargeamountsofweaponsandammunition.ThosemeasureshadledtoadecreaseinthenumberofcasesofviolenceagainstCroatsinVojvodina,wherenocaseofforcibleexpatriationhadbeenrecordedsinceSeptember.TheCroatfamilieswhohadfledinthetensofthousandswerebeingencouragedbytheauthoritiestoreturntotheirhomes.MeasureshadalsobeentakentoremedythesituationinthePlevljaarea,whereMuslimshadbeenattackedandthreatened,investigationshadbeenstartedandweaponsseized.368.2 .2Noarbitraryarrests,so-calledpoliticalkillingsordisappearanceshadoccurredintheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.AfewcasesofabuseofauthoritybyStateofficialsmighthavebeencommittedand,inthatconnection,101complaintshadbeenlodged,50percentofthemhavingbeenfoundtobewithoutlegalfoundation.Criminalproceedingshadbeenbroughtagainst32personsand12sentenceshadbeenpronounced.369.2 .2TherewerenodetentioncampsintheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.PrisonerstakenintheCroatwarhadbeenexchangedthroughtheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrossandpersonswhohadnotyetbeenexchangedwerebeingheldinordinaryprisonsthatwereregularlyvisitedbytheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross.Aninvestigationhadbeeninitiatedintoallegationsofilltreatmentatthetimewhentherehadbeendetentioncampsforprisonersofwar,andpersonswhohadcommittedactsoftortureorotherseriousviolationsoftheGenevaConventionswouldbebroughttojustice.370.2 .2Theimplementationofthemeasuresprescribedbylawagainstpersonswhoadvocatednational,racialorreligioushatredwasaverysensitiveissue,andanumberofnewspaperarticlesandstatementsontelevisionshouldaccordinglybecondemned.Inacontextwherenationalismwasverymuchinevidence,thepublicprosecutorswerenot,intheopinionoftheFederalGovernment,sufficientlyresoluteinbringingcharges.Regulationsdesignedtopreventadvocacyofhatredandatthesametimeprotectfreedomofexpressionwerecurrentlyunderstudy.371.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommittee,onthebasisofvariousconsistentreportsoriginating,inparticular,fromtheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightsandthereportsoftheConferenceonSecurityandCooperationinEurope,stronglydeploredtheextentofviolationsofhumanrightsintheterritoriescontrolledbytheGovernment.TheypointedoutthatthescaleofthemilitarymeansusedinCroatia,BosniaandHerzegovina,theuseofmatrielofthefederalarmyoftheformerYugoslavia,thedeploymentofair-forcesandtheuseoftanksandlargecalibregunsagainsttheheavilybombedtownsofCroatiaandBosniaandHerzegovinadidnotlendcredencetotheGovernment'scontentionthatethniccleansingwasbeingcarriedoutoutsidetheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviaandwastheresponsibilitysolelyofparamilitaryunitsbeyondthecontrolofthecivilandmilitaryauthorities.Ethniccleansingwas,accordingtothesamesources,oneoftheobjectivesofthewarandhadinfactalreadybeenlargelyattained,thankstotheuseofmethodssuchassummaryexecution,tortureandrape.TheactsthuscommittedincurredtheinternationalresponsibilityoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.372.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteeneverthelessaskedwhatmeasureshadbeentakentoterminateethniccleansing,andinparticular,thelongseriesofsummaryandarbitraryexecutionsandcasesoftorture,rapeanddisappearance;whetheratribunalhadbeenformedtotrycrimesagainsthumanity;whatwastheextentoftheamnestyenvisagedforviolationscommittedinconnectionwiththearmedconflict;whethermeasureshadbeentakentolessentheseriousnessofthehumanrightssituationinKosovo,whichwascharacterizedbyarbitraryarrestsanddetentions,summaryexecutions,illtreatmentofdetaineesandmeasuresintendedtoimpedetheactivitiesofpoliticalopponents;whatmeasureshadbeentakentoensurerespectfortheexistingfrontiers;and,ingeneral,forwhatreasonthevariousnationalitieswhichhadpreviouslylivedinharmonyintheformerYugoslaviahadsuddenlymanifestedsuchhatredtowardsoneanother.373.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviaemphasizedthat,althoughdismayedattheeventsinBosniaandHerzegovina,thefederalauthoritieswereunabledirectlytoinfluencethesituationandconductinvestigationsof,forexample,membersofthefederalarmywhohadremainedinBosniaafterthewithdrawalofmilitaryforcesfromthatterritory.TheFederalGovernmentconsideredthattheareaofBosniawheretheSerbswereinamajoritywasanintegralpartoftheRepublicofBosniaandHerzegovina.Itavoidedallrelationswiththeso-calledSerbianGovernmentinBosniaandwasnotattheoriginoftheatrocitiescommittedinBosnianterritory.Theconflictitselfhadmushroomedfromacivilwarintoaninternationalconflictand,consequentlytheenforcementoftherulesofhumanitarianlawandtheapportionmentofresponsibilitiesposedextremelycomplexquestions,whichmustberesolvedinthecontextoftheInternationalConferenceontheFormerYugoslavia.374.2 .2TheGovernmentwasfirmlyresolved,despitetheverycomplexproblemsofsuccessionintheexistingYugoslavia,toprosecuteallpersonssuspectedofwarcrimesorcrimesagainsthumanity.Thegeneralamnestywouldapplyonlytooffencesconnectedwiththeconflict,suchasdesertions,andwouldnotcoverwarcrimesorcrimesagainsthumanity.Ethniccleansingwasbynomeansanofficialpolicyaimedatdrivingtheinhabitantsoutoftheareaswheretheylived,apolicywhichpublicopinionwouldstronglyoppose.ItwastobehopedthatthecaseofYugoslaviawouldbethefirstopportunityforinternationaljusticetopronounceonwarcrimesandcrimesagainsthumanity.375.2 .2AstheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightshadnoted,therewerenoconcentrationcampsorexterminationcampsintheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.Astopossibleviolationsofhumanrightsinprisoncamps,thecompetentbodiesoftheFederalPublicProsecutor'sOfficehadintheirpossessionalltheinformationtheyneededinordertoascertainthefactsandpunishthoseresponsible.InKosovo,wherecoexistencebetweenAlbaniansandSerbsinevitablyledtohumanrightsviolations,certainmembersofthepolicehadalreadybeencharged,butwhattheyhaddonecouldcertainlynotcomeundertheheadingofmasskillingsorsystematictorture.InVojvodina,acensushadbeenconductedinordertoascertainthenumberofyoungpeoplewhohadlefttheregiontoevadetheirmilitaryobligationsandwhonowqualifiedundertheGeneralAmnestyAct.376.2 .2Referringtotheoriginofthecurrentsituation,hestatedthatunderthepreviousregimepoliticianshadbrazenlyembarkedonhatecampaigns,usingthemediaforthatpurpose.Thepassionsofthepeoplewerenowunbridledanditwasdifficulttomakethemseereason.ParamilitarygroupshadorganizedthemselvesatthebeginningofthecivilwarinthepartsoftheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviawheretheSerbswereinamajorityandhadeffectivelytakenoverresponsibilityforthepoliceorthearmy.Formorethan30years,theYugoslavarmyhadkeptitsmilitaryarsenalinBosniaandHerzegovina,anditspersonnelweremostlySerbsoriginatingfromthatregionorCroatia.Itwasthereforenotsurprisingthatthemajorityofthosesoldiershadstayedbehindafterthefederalarmyhadwithdrawn.377.2 .2Replyingtofurtherquestions,hesaidthat,inthenewcontextinwhichfrontiershadbeenrecentlyestablished,itwasdifficulttoestablishborderfacilitiesrapidly.DemarcationlineswerenotalwaysaccurateanditwasdifficulttomonitorthecomingsandgoingsofinhabitantsinthemountainousregionseparatingMontenegrofromBosniaandHerzegovina.Thefederalpolicewereunabletointervenedirectlyinareaswherefightingwasgoingonandthefederalauthoritieswerenotcompetenttoactdirectlytoprotecthumanrights.However,theConstitutionwouldprobablybeamendedaftertheelectionsofDecember1993soastogivetheFederalGovernmentafreehandintheprotectionofhumanrights.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers378.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteesaidtheywereappalledbythehumanrightssituationintheformerYugoslavia.TheywereunabletoaccepttheargumentoftherepresentativeoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia,whohadsimplyrestatedthatnodeliberatepolicyofethniccleansinghadbeenorwasbeingpursuedintheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviaandthatmostoftheatrocitieshadbeencommittedoutsidetheterritorybyuncontrolledelements.Theyagainemphasizedthat,inviewofthemeansused,theywereunabletoendorsetheargumentthatordinarydemobilizedsoldiersthatwerebadlyorganizedhadbeenabletowagetheconflictandpursuesystematicethniccleansing.Statespartieswereresponsiblefortheobservanceofhumanrightswhentheirrepresentativeswereinvolvedandwhentheiractsaffectedhumanbeingsevenoutsidetheirnationalterritory.TherewereobviouslinksbetweentheSerbianforcesandauthoritiesoutsidethefederalterritoryandtheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviaandtheFederalGovernmentwasdirectlyorindirectlyresponsiblefortheviolationsoccurringthere.ThemembersoftheCommitteesaidtheywereextremelyconcernedaboutthefactthatmeasureshadnotyetbeentakentoterminateethniccleansingandtheseriousviolationsofarticles6,7,9,10and20oftheCovenantderivingtherefromoutsideandwithinthefederalterritory,toinvestigatetheeventswhichhadoccurredandwerecontinuingtooccur,ortopunishthoseresponsible.TheyalsoexpressedtheirdeepconcernaboutthespecialsituationinKosovo,whichneededtobeaddressedrapidly.379.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartystatedthattheFederalGovernmentwasnotlackinginpoliticalwill,butdidnothavethemeanstofulfilitsinternationalobligationtopunishpersonsfoundtoberesponsibleforviolationsofhumanitarianlaw.Itdidnotdenyitsresponsibility.̇380.2 .2InconcludingconsiderationofthereportsubmittedbytheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia,theChairmanoftheCommitteesaidthatthesubmissionofthereportandthepresenceofadelegationintheCommitteewereproofthattheFederalGovernmentintendedtofulfilitsobligationsundertheCovenant.Heneverthelessregrettedthatthedialoguehadnotbeenmoreconstructivebecauseofthedelegation'srefusaltocommentonhumanrightsviolationsoutsidethefederalterritory.ItwassurprisingthattheGovernmentshouldstatethatitwaspowerlesstoreacttoeventsthatweretakingplaceonitsbordersandrefusedtoshoulderanyresponsibilityforpoliciespursuedinthenameoftheSerbiannation.Atthedomesticlevel,noeffectiveinvestigationseemedtohavebeenundertakenintothehumanrightsviolationsthathadoccurredthere.ItwastobehopedthattheFederalGovernmentwouldproveitsgoodwillthroughrealactionandgenuinelyfulfilitsresponsibilitiesinordertoputanendtoasituationthatwasdeploredthroughouttheworld.CommentsoftheCommittee381.2 .2Atits1205thmeeting(fortysixthsession),heldon6November1992,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction382.2 .2DeeplyconcernedbyrecentandcurrenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectinghumanrightsprotectedundertheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights;notingthatallthepeopleswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenant;andactingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommittee,on7October1992,requestedtheGovernmentoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)tosubmitashortreportonthefollowingissuesinrespectofpersonsandeventsnowcomingunderitsjurisdiction:2 .2(a) .Measurestakentopreventandcombatthepolicyofethniccleansingpursued,accordingtoseveralreports,intheterritoryofcertainpartsoftheformerYugoslavia,inrelationtoarticles6and12oftheCovenant;2 .2(b) .Measurestakentopreventarbitraryarrestsandkillingsofpersons,aswellasdisappearances,inrelationtoarticles6and9oftheCovenant;2 .2(c) .Measurestakentopreventarbitraryexecutions,tortureandotherinhumantreatmentindetentioncamps,inrelationtoarticles6,7and10oftheCovenant;2 .2(d) .Measurestakentocombatadvocacyofnational,racialorreligioushatredconstitutingincitementtodiscrimination,hostilityorviolence,inrelationtoarticle20oftheCovenant.383.2 .2Pursuanttothatrequest,theFederalRepublicofYugoslaviasubmittedaspecialreportdated30October1992,whichwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1202ndmeeting,heldon4November1992.TheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviawasrepresentedbyMr.KonstantinObradovic,DeputyFederalMinisterforHumanRightsandEthnicMinorities;Ms.SladjanaPrica,Expert,FederalMinistryofForeignAffairs;Mr.MiroslavMilosevic,Counsellor,PermanentMissionoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviatotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva;andMrs.OlgaSpasic,ThirdSecretary,PermanentMissionoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviatotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva.Thereportwastakenupanddevelopedbythedelegationinitsoralstatement.384.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomedthedelegation,explainingthatitregardedthesubmissionofthereportbytheGovernmentandthepresenceofthedelegationasconfirmationthattheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviahadsucceeded,inrespectofitsterritory,totheobligationsundertakenundertheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsbytheformerSocialistFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.ImplementationoftheCovenantbytheStateparty385.2 .2Initsreplies,theFederalGovernmentreferredexclusivelytothesituationintheterritoryofSerbiaandMontenegro.Itmentionedanumberofinstancesofcriminalproceedingstakenagainstpersonsresponsibleforviolationsofindividualfreedoms(32cases)andethniccleansing(5cases).TheGovernmentaffirmedthatthosewereisolatedactsandthatitwasnotconductinganypolicyofethniccleansing.Itindicatedthattherewasnoconcentrationcampestablishedinitsterritory.ItsaiditwasdismayedbytheatrocitiescommittedincertainpartsofCroatiaandBosniaandHerzegovinabutdeclaredthatitcouldnotassumeresponsibilityforactscommittedoutsideitsterritoryandhencebeyonditscontrol.InregardtoKosovo,theGovernmentdidnotdisputeitsresponsibilitybutattributedthecurrentstateofaffairsinthatregiontoantagonism,whichitwasdifficulttoovercomebetweentheSerbsandtheAlbanian"minority".ConcernsoftheCommittee386.2 .2VariousconcordantsourcesofinformationMr.T.Mazowiecki,SpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRights,RapporteursoftheConferenceonSecurityandCooperationinEuropeandnongovernmentalorganizationsdescribemassarrests,summaryandarbitraryexecutions,enforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances,torture,rapesandlootingcommittedbySerbiannationalistsbothinCroatia(Krajina)andinBosniaandHerzegovina.Itisreportedthatsome20campsarecontrolledbythesearmedmenandthattheyareholdingthousandsofcivilians,includingwomen,childrenandelderlypeople,inconditionsunworthyoftherespectduetothehumanperson.Massiveviolencehasbeenunleased,interalia,againstDubrovnikandVukovarandisstillbeingdirectedagainstSarajevo.TheCommitteeobservedthatthemeansdeployedandtheinterestsinvolveddemonstratedtheexistenceoflinksbetweenthenationalistsandSerbiawhichinvalidatedtheFederalGovernment'sclaimtobeexemptfromresponsibility.387.2 .2AccordingtotheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRights,Mr.Mazowiecki,thepurposeoftheseactsistodisplaceoreliminateMuslims,Croatsorothernationalitiesandthusconstituteethnicallyhomogenousareas.388.2 .2TheCommitteestronglydeploredthissituationandregrettedtherefusaloftheFederalGovernmenttoacknowledgeitsresponsibilityforsuchactsonthegroundsthattheywerecommittedoutsideitsterritory.Recommendations389.2 .2TheCommitteefirmlyurgedtheFederalGovernmenttoputanendtothisintolerablesituationfortheobservanceofhumanrights,andtorefrainfromanysupportforthosecommittingsuchacts,includinginterritoryoutsidetheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia.ItcalledupontheGovernmenttoshowaclearpoliticalwillandtoeffectivelydissociateitselffromtheSerbiannationalistmovementsbytotallyrepudiatingtheirideologyandcondemningtheirschemes.TheCommitteeconsidersthatashowofunwaveringfirmnessonthispointwoulddeprivetheextremistsofsupportthatisessentialtothem.TheFederalGovernmentwasinvitedtodoitsutmosttofosterpublicawarenessoftheneedtocombatnationalhatredandtocrackdownforcefullyontheperpetratorsofviolationsofindividualrightsbybringingthemtojustice.TheCommitteealsorecommendedthattheFederalGovernmentputanendtotherepressionoftheAlbanianpopulationintheprovinceofKosovoandadoptallnecessarymeasurestorestoretheformerlocalselfgovernmentintheprovince.Niger390.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNiger(CCPR/C/45/Add.4)atits1208thand1212thmeetings,heldon23and25March1993(CCPR/C/SR.1208and1212).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)391.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStatepartywhosaidthathisGovernmentregrettedthatithadbeenunabletosubmitthereporttotheCommitteewhenoriginallysuggested.HefurtheraddedthataNationalConferencehadbeenconvenedin1991asaresultofwhichatransitionalGovernmentheadedbyanelectedPrimeMinisterandaHighCounciloftheRepublichadbeenestablished.AnewConstitutionhadbeenadoptedbynationalreferenduminDecember1992andmanyoftheprinciplessetoutintheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandtheAfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples'Rightshadbeentakenintoaccountinitsformulation.Withtherejectionofthesingle-partysystem,some40politicalpartieshadbeenformedand,intherecentlegislativeelections,candidatesfrom12ofthosepartieshadrunforoffice.Furthermore,eightpartieshadnominatedcandidatesforthefirstroundofthepresidentialelectionswhichhadtakenplaceon27February1993.Allthenecessaryconditionsforestablishingatruedemocracyandanenvironmentfavourabletothepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofindividualsandofsocietyasawholehadthusbeencreatedduringthepasttwoyears.392.2 .2WithregardtotheconstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantwasimplemented,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoreceivefurtherinformationonthestatusoftheCovenantwithinNiger'slegalsystem;ontheextenttowhichtheprovisionsoftheCovenanthadbeenincorporatedintothenewConstitution;ontheremediesreferredtoinparagraph13ofthereport;ontheorganizationofthejudiciary;ontherelationshipbetweentheNationalConferenceandtheGovernmentandbetweentheConstitutionandtheNationalCharter;onmeansusedtodisseminateinformationabouttheConstitutionandhumanrights;andondifficultiesexperiencedbyNigerinimplementingtheprovisionsoftheCovenant,suchasextremepovertyorthehighrateofpopulationgrowth.ItwasalsoinquiredwhatimpacttheTuaregrebellioninthenorthernpartofthecountryhadonthehumanrightssituation;whethertherewereanypoliticaldetaineesinthecountry,and,iftherewereany,whatstepshadbeentakentoensuretheirrelease.393.2 .2Withregardtoarticle4oftheCovenant,memberswishedtoreceiveadditionalinformationonthespecialsecurityzonesreportedlyestablishedincertainpartsoftheterritoryandaskedwhetheranyrightsprovidedforintheCovenanthadbeensuspendedinthoseareasbyvirtueofarticle4andwhetherastateofemergencyhadeverbeendeclaredinNiger.394.2 .2Astotheprohibitionofdiscriminationonvariousgrounds,memberswishedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeenenvisagedtoaddresstheimbalancebetweenthesexesinsuchareasasschoolattendanceandliteracy;whatstepswerebeingtakentoeradicatethepracticeofmarriageofgirlsbelowtheageof14;whetheranywomenhadbeenappointedmembersoftheNationalConference;howmanywomenhadbeenelectedduringtherecentparliamentaryelections;whetherthenewConstitutioncontainedanyprovisionstoensureequalitybetweenthesexes;whetherwomenhadactuallybeendemonstratingfortheirrightsascitizens;whatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventdiscriminationonethnicgrounds;whethertheprovisionsofarticle11oftheoldConstitution,guaranteeingequalityofallcitizenswithoutdistinctionastoorigin,race,sexorreligion,hadbeenextendedtoincludetheothercategoriesspecifiedintheCovenant;andhowthelegalprovisionsregardingchildrenwereimplementedinpractice.395.2 .2Inconnectionwitharticles6,7,8and10oftheCovenant,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowhowoftenandforwhatcrimesthedeathpenaltyhadbeenimposedandcarriedoutinthepastyears;towhatextenttheprovisionsofarticle6,paragraph5,oftheCovenantwereimplementedinNiger;whethertheallegationsofextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandcrueltreatmentandarbitraryarrestsbythearmyorthesecurityforces,particularlyofmembersoftheTuaregethnicgroup,hadbeeninvestigatedand,ifso,withwhatresults;whetherthosefoundguiltyofsuchviolationshadbeenpardonedandreinstated;whetherthenewconstitutionalsystemhadestablishedcompensationforvictimsofpastviolationsofhumanrights,suchastortureordisappearance;whatweretherulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforces;whethertherehadbeenanyviolationsoftheserulesandregulationsand,ifso,whatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtheirrecurrence;whetheranewcommissionofinquiryintopoliticalcrimesandabuseshadbeensetuptoinvestigateviolationswhichhadoccurredduringthe19911992transitionalperiod;andwhethertherewasanyinstitutioninvestigatingcomplaintsfromprisonersawaitingtrialorconvictedprisoners.ClarificationwasalsorequestedontheunderlyingsocialproblemaddressedbyActNo.6127mentionedinthereport,whichseemedtosuggestthatslaverywasacontinuingsocialproblem,particularlyamongtheTuaregpeople.396.2 .2Withreferencetoarticle9oftheCovenant,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoreceiveinformationonNiger'slegislationgoverningarbitraryarrestordetentionandonmeasurestakentoensurerespectforthe48hourlimitonpolicecustody.397.2 .2Regardingarticle14oftheCovenant,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoreceivefurtherinformationontheindependenceandimpartialityoftheJudiciary;onthesafeguardstoguaranteetherightsprovidedforinarticle14oftheCovenant;ontherighttolegalrepresentation;andontheavailabilityoffreelegalassistance.Itwasalsoaskedwhethermagistratesweresubjecttoremovalfromoffice;whetherthecurrentlegislationcriminalizingunlawfulenrichmentembodiedapresumptionofguiltcontrarytotheprovisionsofarticle14,paragraph2,oftheCovenant;whethertheHighCourtofJusticesetupunderthetransitionalregimewasstillinexistence;whethertheStateSecurityCourt,reinstatedin1992,wouldcontinuetoexistunderthenewConstitutionandwhatthestatus,competenceandcompositionofthatcourtwere.398.2 .2Inconnectionwitharticles17,18,and19oftheCovenant,additionalinformationwasrequestedontherelationshipbetweentheindependentandtheStaterunpress.Itwasinquiredwhetheranysubsidieswereprovidedtoindependentpressorgans;whetheracommissionofinquiryhadbeensetuptoinvestigateallegedviolationsofprivacyduringthetransitionalperiod,includingsearcheswithoutwarrantsandillegalsearches;andwhetherprivatenongovernmentalorganizationswereabletopublishanddistributenewslettersaboutthehumanrightssituationinthecountryandhadaccesstopublicbroadcasting.399.2 .2Withreferencetoarticle25oftheCovenant,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoreceiveadditionalinformationonthelegalprovisionsfortheestablishmentofpoliticalparties,onthemeaningof"provisionally"authorizingpoliticalparties,andinquiredwhetherpoliticalpartieswereformedonthebasisofethnicityorlanguage.400.2 .2Regardingarticle27oftheCovenant,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoreceiveadditionalinformationonthesizeandsituationofthevariousethnicgroups,onconflicts,ifany,betweensuchgroupsandontheirrepresentationintheGovernmentandthecivilservice.401.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyemphasizedthatmanyproblemsexperiencedinNigerwithregardtotheexerciseofcivilandpoliticalrightswereduetotheupheavalscausedbythedismantlingoftheoldorderandtheinstitutionofanewordercommittedtothebuildingofdemocracyandtheprotectionofhumanrights.Themediahadanimportantroletoplayindisseminatingknowledgeofhumanrightsandincreatinganatmospheremoreconducivetoawarenessofnationalandinternationallegalinstrumentsinthatarea.402.2 .2Therewerenopoliticalprisonersinthecountry.TheTuaregrebellionhadcomplexhistoricalrootswhichcouldbedatedbacktotheaccessiontopowerofGeneralAliSa5bouin1987whohadproclaimedapolicyofrelaxationofethnictensionandissuedageneralamnesty.Thatpolicyhadledtothereturnofmanyrefugeeswhohadfledthecountryinthe1980sbecauseofthedrought.However,thesepersonshadbeenunabletoresumetheirpreviouseconomicactivities.Inaddition,thenorthernpartofthecountryhadbeeninastateofconsiderableupheavalcausedbytheconflictbetweentwoneighbouringcountries,intowhichsomeofthosepeoplewhohadreturnedtoNigerin1987hadbeendrawn.Allthosefactorshadcombinedtobringabouttheactsofinsurrectioninthatpartofthecountrywhich,inturn,hadbeenexploitedbycertainpoliticianstofurthertheirownambitions.Therepresentativehoweveremphasizedthataceasefirehadbeendeclaredwiththe"FrontdeLibrationdel'A5retdel'Azaouad"(FLAA)effectivefrommidnighton20March1993.AlthoughtheGovernmenthadreleasedseveralrebelprisonerslittleinformationwasavailableonhostagesinrebelhands.403.2 .2ReferringtoquestionsrelatingtothestatusoftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthat,underarticle120ofthenewConstitution,dulyratifiedtreatiesprevailedoverdomesticlaw.Furthermore,iftheSupremeCourtwasapprisedthataninternationalcommitmentcontainedaclausecontrarytothecountry'sConstitution,ratificationcouldonlyproceedoncetheConstitutionhadbeenrevised.TheprovisionsoftheCovenantandoftheOptionalProtocolweredirectlyapplicablebythecourts.However,victimsofhumanrightsviolationsoftenpreferredtoseekredressbeforetraditionalbodies.404.2 .2Withregardtoquestionsrelatingtothestatusofwomen,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattherewasacertaininteractionbetweenthepreceptsofIslamandtheprovisionsofpositivelaw.Althoughtwonewwomen'sorganizationshadbeenestablishedsincetheonsetofthedemocraticprocessnosignificantprogresshadbeenachievedinthatareaduetotheextremepovertyinthecountryandagenerallackofpoliticalwill.However,effortswerebeingmadetodraftanewfamilycodeandaruralcodeand,inrecentyears,manywomenhadbeenappointedtopositionsofhighresponsibility.Campaignstoremedythelowliteracyratesinthecountryhadbeenmountedbywomen'sassociationsandnongovernmentalorganizationsandconsiderableprogresshadbeenmadeinendeavourstoeradicatesuchpracticesasmarriageofveryyounggirls.Allunacceptablecustomsregardingthestatusofwomenwithinsocietywerewidelycondemnedbytheauthoritiesbutdifficulttocombatbecauseofthecovertmannerinwhichtheywerepractised.405.2 .2Turningtoquestionsrelatingtotherightsofthechild,therepresentativeexplainedthatalegislationenactedin1967defendedthecivilrightsofminorsbroughtbeforethejudicialauthoritiesandprovidedformandatorycounseltoensurethedefenceofchildreninsuchinstances.Furthermore,rehabilitationofyoungoffenderswascarriedoutatspecialboardinginstitutions,usuallywiththeapprovalofthefamily,wheretechnicalskillsweretaught.NigerhadratifiedtheConventionontheRightsoftheChildin1990.406.2 .2Withreferencetoarticles6,7and10oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthat,followingtheeventsinTchinTabaradeninMay1990,measureshadbeentakenagainstthehighestechelonsofthearmyandpublicservicewhohadbeendirectlyorindirectlyresponsible.Otherexcessescommittedbythearmyhadbeeninvestigatedandtheculpritsbroughttojustice.Thosemeasureshad,however,stillbeeninsufficienttosatisfycertainextremistswho,fortheirownpart,wereunwillingtomakeanyconcessions.407.2 .2WhilecapitalpunishmentwasstillatheoreticalpossibilityinNiger,ithadnotbeenadministeredformorethan10yearsandthosepersonswhohadbeensentencedtodeathinthatperiodhadreceivedapresidentialpardon.TrainingwasprovidedforpoliceandmembersoflawenforcementagenciesatthepolicecollegeinNiamey,whosecurriculumincludedacourseonhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.408.2 .2Regardingarticle8oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthattheexistenceofthepracticeofslaverywasdifficulttoestablishbecauseoftheconditionsprevailinginthenorthernpartofthecountry.409.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle9oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthattheGovernmenthadjoinedallthevariousorganizationsinvolvedinthedefenceofhumanrightsinordertoreachasettlementoftheproblemofarbitraryarrestsandforthefreeingofallthoseheldwithoutcharge.Thoseeffortshadledtothereleaseofallbut60detainees,whosecaseshadbeenreferredtothejudicialauthorities.410.2 .2Referringtoquestionsrelatingtoarticle14oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthataspecialassociationformagistrateshadbeenestablishedtoensuretheirindependencevisvistheExecutivebranch.Acommissiononpolitical,economicandothercrimesandabuseshadbeenestablishedtoinvestigatesocialabuses,misappropriationoffundsandotherillegalpractices.TheCommissioncarriedoutitsinquiriesthroughregularchannels,transmittingtheresultsofitsinvestigationstotheHighCounciloftheRepublic.Alawenactedin1991guaranteedlegalaidforthosewholackedtheresourcestoexercisetheirrighttojusticeasplaintiffordefendant.411.2 .2Inresponsetoquestionsrelatingtoarticles17,18and19oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatthepresswasfreeandreceivednoStatesubsidy.Itexperiencedcertainfinancialdifficultieswhichaffectedthequalityofitsoutputanditsrolewaslimitedbyilliteracy.412.2 .2Fifteenpoliticalpartieshadbeenprovisionallyauthorizedunderthe1989Constitution,becauseitmadenoprovisionforamultipartysystem.ThosepartieshadthereforebeenapprovedpendinganewlawonpoliticalpartiesandtheadoptionofanewConstitution.Theonlyremainingrestrictionontheestablishmentofpoliticalpartiesandassociationswasthatnopoliticalpartycouldbeformedonthebasisofethnicityorreligiousaffiliation.413.2 .2Inconnectionwitharticles25and27oftheCovenant,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyexplainedthatthecountrywascurrentlyengagedinthesecondroundofpresidentialelections,inwhichtwomajorpoliticalgroupshademerged.Allethnicgroupswererepresentedinthedifferentpoliticalparties,although,inevitably,theirleadersderivedmoresupportfromtheirnativeregions.Nigerhadeightmajorethnicgroupswhichwerecloselyinterrelatedand90percentofthepopulationwasMuslim.Consequently,issuesweregenerallysettledamongthosegroupsinapeacefulmannerandfollowingtheconceptofUmmahandthepreceptoftolerance.Popularparticipationintherecentelectionhadbeenaslowas8percentinthenorth,ascomparedto31percentcountrywide.TheGovernmenthadestablishedanewMinistryofStateforNationalReconciliation,withaviewtoentrustingproblemsofnationalunityandtheparticipationofminoritypopulationsinpublicaffairstoasinglepoliticalstructure.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers414.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteethankedtherepresentativeoftheStatepartyforhiscooperationinpresentingthereportandforhavingendeavouredtorespondtoquestionsraisedbymembers.However,thereportlackedinformationonlawsandregulationsrelatingtotheimplementationoftheCovenant,andonfactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant.415.2 .2MembersnotedwithsatisfactionthemovetoestablishamultipartydemocracyinNiger,theadoptionofanewConstitution,theestablishmentoflocalhumanrightsgroups,theattemptstoovercomereligiousandethnicdivisionsinthecountry,thereleaseofmanyprisonersandthesigningofaceasefireagreementwithaviewtoendingtheTuaregrebellion.416.2 .2Atthesametime,itwasnotedthatsomeoftheconcernsexpressedbymembersoftheCommitteehadnotbeenfullyallayed.Deepconcernwasexpressedoverthefactthattherehadbeennoinvestigationofcasesofextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandarbitraryarrestsbythearmyandmembersofthearmedforcesin19901991,particularlyofmembersoftheTuaregethnicgroup.Membersalsoexpressedconcernatpersistingdiscriminationagainstwomeninsomerespects;theexcessivelylongperiodsofdetentionincustodyandpretrialdetention;theactualimplementationofarticles10,14and19oftheCovenant;andthelowlevelofpopularparticipationintherecentelections.417.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartyassuredthemembersoftheCommitteethatthecommentsthathadbeenmadewouldbetransmittedtohisGovernment.418.2 .2InconcludingtheconsiderationoftheinitialreportofNiger,theChairmanthankedthedelegationforhavingengagedinaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.CommentsoftheCommittee419.2 .2Atits1232ndmeeting(fortyseventhsession),heldon8April1993,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction420.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentoftheStatepartyforitsreportandforengaginginadialoguewiththeCommitteeontheimplementationoftheCovenantinNiger.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatthereport,whichisextremelysuccinct,wasnotdrawnupinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sgeneralguidelinesonthedraftingofinitialreports.Thelackofinformationbothonlegalnormsandthepracticeconcerninghumanrights,inparticularthenewConstitution,aswellasonthefactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant,preventedtheCommitteefromgainingaclearideaoftherealhumanrightssituationinthecountry.TheCommitteeneverthelessthanksthedelegationofNigerforendeavouringtoreplytothequestionsraisedandthusmakeupforthereport'sshortcomings.Positiveaspects421.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatnewdevelopmentsrecentlytookplaceinNiger,whichhadapositiveimpactonthehumanrightssituationinthecountry.Aprocessofdemocratizationisunderway;ithasbeenmarkedbythemeetingofaNationalConference,theadoptionofaNationalCharterandthenanewConstitution,theestablishmentofamultipartysystem,theorganizationofgeneralelections,therelaxationofcontroloverthepress,andtherecenttrucewithTuaregmovements.Thus,therearepositivefactorsthatshouldleadtotheestablishmentofapluralistdemocracyinNiger,particularlysinceonecanpointtootherelementssuchasgreateraccessonthepartofwomentohighlevelcivilservicepostsandthetrainingoflawenforcementagentswithregardtohumanrightsandpublicfreedoms.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingimplementationoftheCovenant422.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheeventsthatoccurredinthenorthofthecountryin1991and1992andbroughtthegovernmentforcesintoconflictwithTuaregmovementshadaverynegativeimpactonthehumanrightssituationthroughoutthecountry.TherepresentativeofNigerindicatedthat,owingtothecontinuedexistenceofcertaintraditionsandcustoms,NigerisnotfullycomplyingwithitsobligationsundertheCovenant.Mainsubjectsofconcern423.2 .2TheCommitteeisextremelyconcernedaboutthecasesofextrajudicialexecutionsandtorturethatoccurredinthecontextofthedisturbancesin1991and1992inthenorthofthecountryanddeploresthefactthatthesecaseshavenot,todate,beenthesubjectofinvestigationsorcompensationonthepartoftheauthorities.TheCommitteerecallsinthisregardthattheCovenantdoesnotauthorize,inanycase,derogationsfromarticles6and7oftheCovenant.TheCommitteestressesthattheimplementationofarticles9,10and14oftheCovenant,particularlywithregardtothedurationofpolicecustody,theconditionsofdetentionforpersonsdeprivedoffreedomandavailablerecourseincasesofhumanrightsviolationsisnotsatisfactory.424.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthesituationofwomenwhocontinuetobetheobjectofdiscrimination.Itisalsoconcernedabouttheshortcomingsinobservanceofarticles18and19oftheCovenant.Itregretsthatarticle27isnotfullyimplementedinNigeraswellastheparticularlylowlevelofparticipationduringtherecentelections,especiallyinthenorthofthecountry.Suggestionsandrecommendations425.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstotheStatepartythatinvestigationsshouldbeconductedintothecasesofextrajudicialexecutionswhichwerecarriedoutinthecontextofthedisturbancesin1991and1992inthenorthofthecountryandofthetortureandmaltreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirfreedom.TheCommitteeconsidersthattheagentsoftheStateresponsibleforsuchhumanrightsviolationsshouldbetriedandpunished.Theyshouldinnocaseenjoyimmunity,interalia,throughanamnestylaw,andthevictimsortheirrelativesshouldreceivecompensation.426.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyshouldfirmlyendeavourtobringitsdomesticlegislationandpracticeintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantand,inparticular,providefullprotectionfortherightsofwomenandtherightsofethnicorreligiousminoritieslivinginthecountry.427.2 .2ItisalsorecommendedthatNigershoulddrawupitssecondperiodicreportandthebasicdocumentinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sgeneralguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofperiodicreports(CCPR/C/20/Rev.1)andtheconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofthereportsoftheStatesparties(HRI/1991/1)andprovidecompleteinformationonmeasurestaken,bothinlawandinpractice,inordertoimplementtheprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteesuggeststhatinimplementingtherecommendationscontainedinparagraph426andthepresentparagraph,theStatepartyshouldrequesttheassistanceoftheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRights.  UK     \R3'\ X  X    +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOS  $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)SX882^     _DominicanRepublic428.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportoftheDominicanRepublic(CCPR/C/70/Add.3)atits1213thto1215thmeetingsheldon25and26March1993(CCPR/C/SR.12131215).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)429.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whodrewattentiontoanumberofdevelopmentsinthehumanrightssituationinhercountrysincethethirdperiodicreporthadbeenprepared.Forexample,Haitiansemployedassugarcanecuttershadbeenfurnishedwithtemporaryresidencepapersandwerenowpermittedtokeepthosedocumentsintheirpossession.Changeshadalsobeenmadeintheelectoralsystemwithaviewtodevelopinggreatertransparency.TherewasnosystematicviolationofhumanrightsintheDominicanRepublic,although,asinallcountries,isolatedinstancesmightoccur.ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisbeingimplemented,stateofemergency,non-discriminationandprohibitionofforcedlabour430.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowiftherehadbeen,duringtheperiodunderreview,casesinwhichtheprovisionsoftheCovenanthadbeendirectlyinvokedinthecourtsormentionedincourtdecisions;theextenttowhichtheprovisionsofarticle37,paragraphs7and8,oftheConstitutionconcerningpossiblerestrictionofrightsrecognizedintheCovenantintimeofstateofsiegeornationalemergencyconformedwiththeprovisionsofarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant;theapplicationoftheprincipleofreciprocityregardingtheenjoymentbyaliensoftherightssetforthintheCovenant;inwhatrespects,otherthanintheexerciseofpoliticalrights,weretherightsofaliensrestrictedascomparedwiththoseenjoyedbyDominicancitizens;whetherthesituationofHaitianworkershadchangedinpracticesincetheadoptionofDecreeNo.417/90;whetherspecificmeasureshadbeentakeninordertoavoidabusesofHaitianworkersduringtheirtransferandduringtheirstayinthesugarcaneplantations;whethertherehadbeenanyinvestigationoftheallegationsofforcedlabourbyHaitianworkersinsuchplantationsandoftheseizureoftheiridentitydocuments;andwhetherfollow-upactionhadbeentakenasaresultoftheCommittee'sviewsinrespectofCommunicationNo.193/1985(PierreGiryvs.DominicanRepublic).Furtherinformationwasalsorequestedontheapplicationoftheprincipleofreciprocityinthematterofthetreatmentofaliens.431.2 .2Inaddition,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowwhatwastheexactstatusoftheCovenantinnationallaw;whethertheCovenantandthethirdperiodicreporthadbeenpublishedintheDominicanRepublic;theextenttowhichthedeportationofaliens,andtheirdetentionforthepurposesofdeportation,wasinconformitywitharticle13oftheCovenant;whetheracitizenornoncitizencouldbeexiledwithoutgroundssimplybyorderoftheGovernment;whethertherehadbeenanychangeintheallegedlyslavelikeworkingconditionsofHaitianworkersinthesugarcaneindustryandwhatstepshadbeentakentomonitorthatsituation;andwhatagencieshadbeenestablishedtoactonbehalfofindividualworkersincasesofdisputeswithemployers.432.2 .2FurtherinformationwasalsorequestedontheroleoftheStateSugarCouncilinrecruitingforeignworkersandtheuseofarmedsecurityguardsforthatpurpose;therightoffamiliestoaccompanyworkerstosugarcaneplantations;theuseofvouchersinsteadofthenationalcurrencyaswages;therightofplantationworkerstoorganizeandtoengageincollectivebargaining;thenationalityofthoseaffectedbytherecentdeportationDecreeNo.233-91andtheexactcircumstancesofthatdeportation;andonanystepstakenbytheOfficeoftheProcuratorGeneraloftheRepublictoinvestigatehumanrightsabuses,especiallyinthecontextoftherepatriationofforeignworkers.433.2 .2Inreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthat,tobeincorporatedintodomesticlawfollowingratification,instrumentshadtobepromulgatedbytheGovernmentintheofficialgazette.ThathadbeenthecasefortheCovenant,whichnowformedpartofdomesticlegislation.UndertheConstitution,internationalinstrumentstookprecedenceoverdomesticlegislationintheeventofconflict.TheprovisionsoftheCovenantcouldbeinvokedinthecourts,althoughtheirGovernmenthadnoknowledgeofanycasesinwhichcourtjudgementshadbeenbasedspecificallyonthoseprovisions.Theestablishmentofahumanrightscentrewasbeingplannedbothtoinvestigatehumanrightsabusesandtopromoteawarenessofhumanrightsinstruments.Additionally,nongovernmentalorganizationsandlocalhumanrightscommitteeshadabsolutefreedomtoconducttheiractivities,includingthetransmissionofreportsofallegedhumanrightsabusestotheGovernment,whichtheGovernmentattemptedtoinvestigate.434.2 .2TheflowofHaitiannationalstotheDominicanRepublicwaslargelyduetothepoliticalandeconomicproblemsinHaiti.TheDominicanRepublicwasthemosteasilyaccessibleStateandithadacceptedtheHaitiansandgiventhemrefugeestatusinconformitywiththeConventionontheStatusofRefugees.Oftheestimated500,000HaitiannationalswholivedintheDominicanRepublic,onlyasmallportionworkedinthesugarcanefields.TheresthademploymentsimilartothatofDominicans.Whiletherewasnodenyingthatillegalworkerswerevulnerabletoexploitation,slaverywasnotpractisedintheDominicanRepublic.Furthermore,therewasnoproofthatHaitianshadbeenrecruitedbyDominicansinHaiti;theyhadcometotheDominicanRepublicoftheirownfreewillinsearchofabetterlife.Theirabusebyunscrupulousemployersdidnotstemfromanygovernmentpolicy.435.2 .2Whiletheworkingandlivingconditionsofsugarcanecutterswereundeniablypoor,therehadbeenasignificantimprovementsince1991resultingfromcooperationbetweentheGovernmentandtheInternationalLabourOrganization.Withrespecttochildlabour,forexample,statisticsofthelabourministrynowshowedthatfewerthan10percentofworkersinthesugarcaneindustrywereminors.WagestoohadimprovedandworkerswerenolongerpaidincouponsbutincashunderthesupervisionofLabourDepartmentInspectors.Elevensuchinspectorscontinuouslyvisitedsugarmillsandcanefieldsthroughoutthecountrytoverifythatproperlabourpracticeswerefollowed.436.2 .2Withregardtotheprincipleofreciprocity,itwastruethattheCivilCodeprovidedforalienstobegrantedcivilrightsonsuchabasis.However,theCivilCodepredatedtheCovenantandhadnotyetbeenamendedaccordingly,asperhapsitoughttobe.Inanycase,nowthattheCovenantwaspartofthedomesticlegalorder,aliensenjoyedthesamecivilandpoliticalrightsasDominicancitizens.Underarticle9oftheConstitution,however,foreignerswereforbiddenfromparticipatinginpoliticalactivities.Thatraisedacontradictionwitharticles82and84oftheCivilCodeallowingforeignerstobepartofmunicipalgovernments,which,infact,meantthattheyhadtobelongtoapoliticalparty.437.2 .2TheprovisionsofthePenalCodeconcerningexpulsionofaliensweremainlyintendedtodealwithcaseswheretheinternalandexternalsecurityoftheStatewerethreatened.Inpractice,thoseprovisionshadnotbeenusedformanyyearsandshouldperhapsbeamended.Anewlawonimmigrationthatcontainednoprovisionsonthesubjectofexpulsionwascurrentlybeingdrawnupwiththehelpofadvisersfrominternationalorganizations,includingtheInternationalOrganizationforMigration.TheexpulsionofHaitiancitizensundertheageof16pursuanttoDecreeNo.23391hadbeenaresponsetocomplaintsconcerningtheemploymentofminorsintheagriculturalsector.TheGovernmenthadinvestigatedthosecomplaintsandfoundthattheminorsinquestionhadbeenrecruitedintheirowncountrybyHaitiannationals,whohadluredthemtotheDominicanRepublicwithpromisesofhighearnings.Inmanycases,theyhadnofamilyorrelativesintheDominicanRepublic.InthelightofthesituationprevailinginHaiti,themeasurehadbeensuspended.ThedelegationwouldconveytheCommittee'sconcerntotheDominicanGovernmentsothatstepscouldbetakentodealwiththesituation.438.2 .2WithregardtoCommunicationNo.193/1985,whichwascontainedinthereportoftheCommitteetotheGeneralAssemblyin1990(A/45/40,vol.II),theMinisterforForeignAffairshadreceivednodocumentationonthatcaseandsuggestedthattheCommitteeadoptnewrecommendations.SincetheGovernmentstrictlyobservedanydeadlinesestablishedbytheCommittee,itsfailuretorespondwasdue,nodoubt,toalackofcommunication.Righttolife,libertyandsecurityofperson,treatmentofprisonersandotherpersonsdeprivedoflibertyandrighttoafairtrial439.2 .2Withrespecttothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhattherulesandregulationsweregoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforces;whethertherehadbeenanyviolationsoftheserulesandregulationsand,ifso,whatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtheirrecurrence;whatmeasureshadbeentakenbytheauthoritiestoensurestrictobservanceofarticle7oftheCovenant;whetherconfessionsortestimonyobtainedunderduresswereadmissiblebeforethecourts;whethertheriskofbeingpunishedbysuspensionfromdutywithoutpayforupto30dayswassufficienttodeterofficialsfromresortingtotorture;whatthepowersoftheDirectorateGeneralofPrisonswereinthematterofsupervisionofpenalestablishments;whethertherewereanyindependentbodiesempoweredtovisitplacesofdetentionandtoreceivecomplaints;whetheranyconsiderationwasbeinggiventoamendingtherulesonthepreventionoflibertytoguaranteethataperson'sfamilyisinformedassoonaspossibleafterarrest;andwhathadbeentheoutcomeofthestudyaimingtoentrusttheappointmentofjudgestoajudicialcouncilindependentoftheexecutiveandlegislativepowers.Furtherinformationwasrequestedonproblemsanddifficultiesinobservingthelimitationofthe48-hourperiodofpolicecustodyandinallowingalawyertoseehisclientduringthisperiod;andonthepossibilityofaccusedpersonsobtainingfreelegalassistanceandtheassistanceofaninterpreter,withparticularreferencetoHaitianworkerswhodonotspeakSpanish.440.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhetheranyoftheknowncasesofextrajudicialkillings,torture,andilltreatmentofdetaineeshadactuallybeeninvestigatedand,ifso,howmanyandtowhateffect;whetheritwastruethatthePenalCodeexemptedanypublicofficialfrompunishmentfortortureiftheofficialwasactingonordersfromasuperior;andtowhatextentthe48-hourtimelimitforarraignmentwasrespectedgiventhefactthat70percentoftheprisonpopulationintheDominicanRepublicwasbeingheldpendingtrial,whetherminorswerebeingdetainedinprisonstogetherwithadults;andwhatprovisionsexistedtoensurethatjudicialorderswerecompliedwith.Furtherinformationwasalsorequestedregardinghealthandsanitaryconditionsinprisons,whichwerereportedtobeextremelypoor.441.2 .2Replyingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattheuseoffirearmswasgovernedbyActNo.36,underwhichmembersofthearmedforces,thepoliceandsomehighrankingcivilservantswereauthorizedtocarryfirearms.Civilianscouldalsoobtainapermitforfirearms,althougheffortshavebeensteppeduptotightentherulesandtodisarmciviliansfollowingrecentviolationsandsomeunfortunateincidents.442.2 .2BoththePenalCodeandtheConstitutionprohibitedtortureandconfessionsobtainedunderduresswerenotadmissiblebeforethecourts.Allegationsoftortureinprisonswereinvestigatedandthosefoundtoberesponsibleweretriedandpunished.ThepracticeoftorturewasnotenvisagedbyDominicanlegislation.Whileexcesseswereoccasionallycommitted,thoseresponsiblewerebroughttojustice,andthepracticewastendingtodisappearasaresultofconstantvigilance.Insomecases,minorshadbeeninadvertentlyincarceratedwithadultsbuttheerrorshadbeendiscoveredandcorrected.TheDirectorateGeneralofPrisonshadbeenestablishedunderActNo.224of1984toexercisegreateroversightandtoensurethattheStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonerswereobserved.Manynongovernmentalorganizationsalsoevaluatedandmonitoredtheconditionsofprisoners.Acommissiononprisonreformmadeupofprominentpersonalitieshadnotedtheshortcomingsoftheprisonsystemand,asaresult,newprisonshadbeenconstructedtomeetmodernprisonstandards.443.2 .2ApreliminarydraftontheestablishmentofaJudicialCouncilhadbeensubmittedtothelegislature.Undertheproposedplan,theCouncilwouldappointjudgesthroughacommissioncomprisedofthePresidentoftheSenateandDeputies.Thatwouldallowjudgesgreaterindependenceintheexerciseoftheirdutiesandshouldleadtoamoreindependentjudiciary.TheplantoestablishtheCouncilhadreceivedbroadsupportfromallthepoliticalpartiesthatwereplanningtoparticipateintheforthcomingelections.Freedomofmovementandexpulsionofaliens;freedomofreligion,assemblyandassociation;equalityofsexesandprotectionofthefamily;righttotakepartintheconductofpublicaffairs;andrightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities444.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhetherappealsagainstexpulsionordershadsuspensiveeffect;howmanyexpulsionshadoccurredeachyearandthegroundsonwhichtheywereordered;whethertheGovernmenthadplanstotakeanymeasureswithrespecttoreligioussectsmentionedinparagraphs89to90ofthereport;whatthesituationwasinpracticewithregardtoequalityofmenandwomenatworkandinrespectofparticipationintheconductofpublicaffairs;whytheproposednewLabourCodedidnotrecognizetherighttostrikeofcivilservants;theextenttowhichtheprovisionsdenyingtomembersofthepoliceandthearmedforcestherighttovoteandtobeelectedconformedwitharticle25oftheCovenant;andtheextenttowhicharticle27oftheCovenantwasbeingimplementedinthelightoftheassertionthattherewerenoethnic,religiousorlinguisticminoritiesintheDominicanRepublic.445.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowtheextenttowhichpunishmentbyexilewasinconformitywitharticle12oftheCovenant;whethertherewerespecialcourtsforaliensintheDominicanRepublicand,ifso,whetherthejudgementsofthosecourtscouldbeappealedtotheSupremeCourt;towhatextentafather'srighttocustodyoveranaturalchildconformedwitharticle24oftheCovenant;whatkindofoffencesgaverisetorestrictiononfreedomofmovement,asprovidedforunderarticle8,paragraph4,oftheConstitution,andwhatsuchrestrictionsentailed;towhatextentarticle8,paragraph6,oftheConstitutionprohibitingtheexpressionofthoughts"prejudicialtothedignityandmoralityofindividuals,topublicpolicyortopropriety"conformedtoarticle19oftheCovenant;whatstepswerebeingtakentoensurethatrelevantlegislationwascompatiblewitharticle24oftheCovenant;whetheraspeciallawonworkingconditionsintheexportprocessingzonesenabledtradeunionstooperatefreely;whetherreligionsotherthanCatholicism,whichwasspecificallyprotectedunderarticles261and262ofthePenalCode,receivedequalprotectionunderthelaw;andwhetherthedecisiontoprohibitcertainradiobroadcastsinCreolehadestablishedthatsuchbroadcastswouldbesubversiveorathreattopublicorder.446.2 .2Furtherinformationwasalsorequestedregardingtheconversionofadeportationorderintoaprisonsentenceofuptotwoyears,asprovidedforunderarticle13,paragraph11(f)oftheMigrationAct;thesituationofreligiousandlinguisticminoritiesintheDominicanRepublic;andonprogressachievedinimplementingthedraftlawoneliminatingdiscriminationincivil,commercial,penalandagrarianmatters.447.2 .2Inreply,therepresentativesoftheStatepartysaidthattheDominicanRepublichadadoptedanewlabourcodeinJune1992whichclearlyestablishedfreedomofassociation.ThatnewcodewasnowbeingenforcedwiththeapprovaloftheInternationalLabourOrganization,whichhadwarmlyreceivedthelastreportsubmittedtoitbytheDominicanRepublic.Withregardtodiscriminationagainstwomen,therepresentativeunderlinedtheimportantroleplayedbywomeninthelifeofthecountry.Therewerewomenministersandwomenmadeupover60percentofthestaffofbanks,thepublicadministrationandthejudiciary.448.2 .2AlthoughRomanCatholicismwastheStatereligion,freedomofworshipwasguaranteedbytheConstitutionforallreligions.TheauthoritiescouldinterveneonlywhentheactivitiesofaparticularsectorreligionthreatenedtheintegrityoftheState.Religioussectswerebannedonlyforinsultingotherreligions.TherewasnospeciallegislationconcerningethnicminoritiesbecausetherewerereallynosuchminoritiesintheDominicanRepublic.HaitianswerethelargestgroupofforeignnationalsandtheyenjoyedthesamerightsasDominicans.WithrespecttothesuspensionofradiobroadcastsinCreole,theradiostationinquestionhadbeenbroadcastingnewsandinformationtoHaitiansregardingthepoliticalupheavalinHaitiandithadbeendeemedtobeinterveninginthatcountry'sinternalaffairs.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers449.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernoverthestatusoftheCovenantinDominicanlaw.WhatwasneededwasnotjustanofficialpromulgationoftheCovenantbutbroaddisseminationofitsprovisionsbytheGovernment.Notonlydidthecountry'slegalsystemnotguaranteealltherightsembodiedintheCovenant,butinmanycasesitwasinopencontradictionwiththeCovenant;thus,theGovernmenthadtomakeabasicefforttobringalargebodyofdomesticlegislationintolinewithinternationalhumanrightsinstruments.Inthisregard,itwasnotedthatthepaceofpromotionofhumanrightsintheDominicanRepublichadslowedconsiderablysincetheStateparty'sratificationoftheCovenant15yearsago.ThereneededtobegreaterawarenessoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant,particularlyamongjudges,policepersonnel,thearmedforcesandprisonemployees.450.2 .2ThesituationofHaitianworkersremainedamatterofpressingconcernandlittleactionhadbeentakentoremedythesituation.Inthisconnection,membersoftheCommitteeexpressedconcernovertheStateparty'scompliancewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantconcerningforcedlabour.Freedomofassociationwasnotguaranteedandtradeunionistshadbeenpersecuted.Inparticular,theexpulsionofHaitianworkerswasunjustifiedandinhumane,particularlyinthecaseofthosealiensunder16orover60yearsofage.TheCommitteehadbeentoldthatPresidentialDecreeNo.23391,whichwasinflagrantviolationofanumberofrightsembodiedintheCovenant,hadbeensuspendedonly,notabrogated.ItwasfearedthattheGovernmentcouldstillmakeuseofthatlegislationifitsowished.451.MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernovertheprotectionoftherightsofdetainees.Thepolicedidnotalwaysrespecttherighttolife,thepracticeoftorturewasuncontrolled,illtreatmentofdetaineeswasawidespreadpractice,andtheGovernmentfrequentlydidnotinvestigatecomplaints,despiteitsobligationtodoso.Additionally,thepenaltiesforpoliceandarmedforcespersonnelfoundguiltyofusingtorturewereinadequate.Thepolicedidnotobeycourtorderstoreleasesuspectsandpreventivedetentionextendedwellbeyondthe48hourperiodmandatedbylaw.Inaddition,prosecutorscouldappealwritsofhabeascorpus.452.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernoverreportedfirearmsabusesbymembersofthemilitaryandthepolice,particularlywithregardtotheexcessiveuseofforcebythepolice,includingextrajudicialkillings,tortureandtheilltreatmentofdetainees.ItwastobehopedthattheGovernmentwould,asithadpromised,providetraininginhumanrightstoitspoliceandmilitarypersonnel.Theinadequacyofthecurrentsystemforappointingmembersofthejudiciarywasemphasized,aswastheneedforanindependentjudiciary.Initsabsence,individualswouldcontinuetobedeniedrecoursewhentheirrightswereviolated.Furthermore,theDominicanRepublicneededtoestablishatrulyindependentagencyfortheinvestigationofcomplaintsregardinghumanrightsabuses.453.2 .2WhilewelcomingtheindicationsprovidedbytheStatepartyofitswillingnesstocooperatemorefullywiththeCommitteeinthefuture,membersoftheCommitteeemphasizedtheirregretthatboththereportandthedelegationhadnotbeenabletoaddresstheCommittee'sconcerns.RegardingCommunicationNo.193/1985,therewasnoneedfortheCommitteetomakefurtherrecommendationswithrespecttoit;rather,itwasincumbentupontheStatepartytotakeallmeasuresrequiredtoavoidaviolationoftheCovenant.Withrespecttoarticle27oftheCovenant,itwasnotedthatfreedomofreligionwasnotguaranteedandminorityreligionsweresubjecttodiscrimination.TheprohibitionofCreolelanguagebroadcastswasnotinconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.454.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatherGovernmentwouldtakenoteoftheCommittee'srecommendations.AlthoughtheDominicanRepublichadnotbeenabletocomplyconsistentlywithalltheprovisionsoftheCovenant,ithadnointentionofviolatingtheCovenantinasystematicmanner.455.2 .2InconcludingtheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportoftheDominicanRepublic,theChairmanoftheCommitteethankedthedelegationforhavingengagedinaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.456.2 .2Atits1232ndmeeting(fortyseventhsession),heldon8April1993,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction457.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthethirdperiodicreportoftheDominicanRepublicandtheopportunitytocontinueitsdialoguewiththeStateparty.TheCommitteenotes,however,thattheinformationprovidedinthereportwasinmanyrespectsincompleteanddidnottakeintoaccountthedialoguethathadtakenplaceduringtheCommittee'sconsiderationofthepreviousreport.TheCommitteewouldalsohaveappreciatedamorecandidappraisalbytheStatepartyofexistinglegislativedeficienciesaswellasfactorsanddifficultiesencounteredintheapplicationoftheCovenant.ThethirdperiodicreportaddedlittletowhathadbeenreportedearlierinthatrespectandisdeemedbytheCommitteetobeinsufficient.TheCommittee,however,expressesitsappreciationtothedelegationforthereportaswellasfortheadditionalinformationitprovidedinresponsetoquestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommittee.However,manyquestionswerenotaddressedandmuchoftheinformationwhichwasprovidedwasnotsufficientlydetailed.FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant458.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheDominicanRepublichasreceivedlargenumbersofrefugeesandforeignworkers.ItalsonotesthattheStatepartyhashadtoovercomealegacyofauthoritarianism.TheseandothercircumstancesmaytoacertainextentexplainwhymanyoftheprovisionsoftheCovenantstillhavenotbeenincorporatedintothelegalorderoftheRepublic.Principalsubjectsofconcern459.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithregretthat,ingeneral,therehasbeenalackofprogressintheapplicationoftheCovenantsincetheconsiderationoftheStateparty'ssecondperiodicreport.Inparticular,thereremainsasignificantbodyoflegislationwhichstillisnotinconformitywiththeCovenantdespitethefactthatmorethan15yearshaveelapsedsincetheaccessionoftheDominicanRepublictotheCovenant.AnumberofrightscontainedintheCovenantarenotguaranteedinthepresentlegalframeworkandotherrightsarebeinginvalidatedbydomesticlegalprovisionsthatareincompatiblewiththeCovenant.TheCommitteealsoregretsthatithasnotbeeninformedinanunequivocalwayabouttheCovenant'sdejureanddefactostatuswithinthelegalsystemoftheDominicanRepublic.Inaddition,thegroundsfordeclaringastateofemergencyaretoobroad,andtherangeofrightsthatmaybederogatedfromistoowidetobeinconformitywitharticle4oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedoverthelackofadequateknowledgeoftheprovisionsoftheCovenantbythelegalprofession,judicialofficialsandthepublicatlarge.Furthermore,theCommitteenotesthatthereisnogovernmentalauthorityspecificallyresponsibleforensuringtheobservanceofhumanrightsstandards.Inthatconnection,theCommitteenotesthattherehasnotbeensufficientfollow-uptoitsviewsadoptedundertheOptionalProtocolbutwelcomesthepromiseoftheStatepartyforclosercooperationinthisregardinthefuture.460.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernoverthelackofprotectionaffordedtoHaitianslivingorworkinginthecountryfromsuchserioushumanrightsabusesasforcedlabourandcruel,inhumanordegradingtreatment.TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernoverthefactthattheprotectionofthefundamentalhumanrightsofforeignersissubjecttoreciprocity.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernoverthedegradinglivingandworkingconditionsofHaitianlabourersandthetoleratedpracticesthateffectivelyrestricttheirfreedomofmovement.Althoughsomeprogresshasbeenmadeinimprovingtheirlivingandworkingconditions,particularlywithregardtochildlabour,theseremainatanunacceptablylowlevel.Furthermore,whilemanyHaitianworkershavebeenpreventedfromleavingtheirplaceofwork,therehavealsobeenincidentsofmassexpulsionsfromthecountry.Inthisregard,theCommitteeconsidersthatPresidentialDecreeNo.233-91,whichresultedinthemassdeportationofHaitianworkersunder16andover60yearsofage,representsaseriousviolationofseveralarticlesoftheCovenant.461.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernoverthelowleveloflegalprotectionandeffectiveremediesavailabletothepublicconcerningarbitraryarrestandlengthypretrialdetention.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelargenumberofdetaineesawaitingtrial,whichisparticularlyworrisomeinviewofthehighnumberofcasesofallegedpoliceabuseduringdetentionandreportsofunhealthyprisonconditions.TheCommitteealsounderlinesthatpunishmentbyexileisnotcompatiblewiththeCovenant.Moreover,thepowersandindependenceofthejudiciarydonotappeartobesufficientlyprotected.Ajudicialorderforreleaseshouldbeimplementedwithoutquestion.462.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernovertheinadequateprotectionoftherightsofethnic,religiousandlinguisticminoritiesintheDominicanRepublic.Inthisregard,theCommitteenotesthattheprohibitionofbroadcastinginalanguageotherthanSpanishisnotinconformitywitharticle19oftheCovenant.Therightofpeacefulassemblyisapparentlynotadequatelyrespectedbythepolice.Recommendations463.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyshouldundertakeamajorinitiativeaimedatharmonizingitsdomesticlegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Inthisregard,theConstitutionandtherelevantcivilandpenalcodesshouldbereviewedinordertobringthelawanditsapplicationintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheStatepartyshouldalsoconsidertheestablishmentofofficesandmechanismstomonitortheapplicationofhumanrightsstandardsandpromoteandprotecthumanrights.Thiscouldincludethedesignationofanindependentofficetoreceivecomplaintsand,wherenecessary,undertakeinvestigationsintoabuses.MorepublicityshouldbegiventotheprovisionsoftheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocolinordertoensurethatthelegalprofession,thejudiciaryandthegeneralpublicaremoreawareoftheircontents.464.2 .2ThesituationconcerningthelivingandworkingconditionsofHaitianlabourersshouldbeaddressedasamatterofpriority.TheStatepartyshouldensuretheimplementationoflawsconcerninglabourstandards,includingadequatemonitoringofworkingconditions.Inthisregard,theCommitteeemphasizesthenecessityofstrengtheningthecapacityofthelabourinspectoratetoeffectivelymonitortheworkingconditionsofHaitianlabourers,withaviewtoendingtheirslavelikeexploitation.Childlabourersinparticularrequireahigherlevelofprotectionandtherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbevigorouslyapplied.Thereshouldalsobemoreactiveenforcement,particularlyinthe"exportzones",oftheexerciseoftradeunionrightsinconformitywitharticle22oftheCovenant.Additionally,PresidentialDecreeNo.23391shouldbeabolishedratherthanmerelysuspended.465.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresshouldbeundertakenimmediatelytoreducethebacklogofpersonsindetentionawaitingtrialandthatthenumberofexceptionstothe48-hourruleshouldbesignificantlyreduced.Muchmoreseveresanctionsareneededtoeffectivelydiscouragetortureandotherabusesbyprisonandlawenforcementofficials.Stepsshouldalsobetakentotightentheregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbypolice.Trainingcoursesininternationalhumanrightsstandardsshouldbeprovidedforpoliceandprisonofficials.466.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefurtherstepsfortheeliminationofdiscriminationconcerningethnic,religiousandlinguisticminoritiesandrecommendsthattherelevantlegislationbereviewedinordertoensureitsconformitywiththeCovenant.Uruguay467.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportofUruguay(CCPR/C/64/Add.4)atits1216thto1218thmeetings,heldon29and30March1993(CCPR/C/SR.12161218).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI).̇ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisimplemented,stateofemergency,non-discrimination,equalityofthesexesandprotectionofthefamilyandchildren468.2 .2Withrespecttothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhatfollow-upactionhadbeentakenasaresultofviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocolwithregardtoUruguay;whatconsiderationtheGovernmenthadgiventothecommentsmadebyCommitteemembersregardingthecompatibilityofAct.No.15,848of22December1986(StatutoryLimitationsAct)witharticle2,paragraph3,andarticle9,paragraph5,oftheCovenant;whetheranylegalprovisionsrelatingtothedeclarationandimplementationofastateofemergencyhadbeenadopteddifferentfromthosewhichwereineffectduringthedefactoregime;howexistingnormsconformedwitharticle4oftheCovenant,particularlyparagraph2thereof,andwhatsafeguardsandeffectiveremedieswereavailabletoindividualsduringastateofemergency;whetherActNo.16,048of16June1989hadbeenappliedsincethesubmissionofthereport;whatprogresshadbeenachievedbytheadoptionofActNo.16,045of2June1989relatingtonon-discriminationbasedonsex;andwhatthelawandpracticewererelatingtotheemploymentofminorsandhowchildrenwereprotectedfromexploitation,particularlyintheagriculturalsector.469.2 .2Inaddition,membersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowwhateffecttheStatutoryLimitationsActhadhadregardingtheexerciseoftherightofindividualstosubmitcommunicationstotheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocol;whatothercomplaintsprocedures,ifany,hadbeennegativelyaffectedbytheenactmentoftheStatutoryLimitationsAct;whethertheStatutoryLimitationsActleftopenthepossibilitytocontinuetocollectinformationinsupportofclaimsforcompensation;whetherfreedomofmovementwasrestrictedandderogationsfromtheprovisionsofarticle9oftheCovenantpossibleduringastateofemergency;whetherfurthertrainingcoursesonhumanrightswereforeseenforlawenforcementofficialsandmedicalpersonnel;andwhetherahumanrightscommissionhadbeenestablishedinUruguaythatcouldreceiveandinvestigatecomplaints.FurtherinformationwasalsorequestedconcerningtheoperationoftheHonoraryNationalCommissionforDisabledPersons;casesinvolvingdiscriminationagainstwomenthathadcomebeforetheindustrialtribunal;andthepracticeof"reversediscrimination"asreferredtoinparagraph26ofthereport.470.2 .2Inreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattheStatutoryLimitationsActorLawofExpiry(ActNo.15,848of22December1986)hadbeenenactedsubsequenttotheamnestyof1985ataverydifficultperiodinhiscountry'shistoryfollowingyearsofinternalwar.TheActwasafullylegalactionthatdidnotsuspendanyoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant.Moreover,itundertooktoprovidecompensationtothevictimsofhumanrightsviolationsunderthedefactoregimeandtoguaranteethatsuchabuseswouldnotrecur.Inthatrespect,itdifferedfromvariousstatutesoflimitationsthathadbeenadoptedinotherLatinAmericancountries.NotonlyhadtheActbeenadoptedbyanelectedParliamentanddeclaredconstitutionalbytheSupremeCourtofUruguay,butithadalsobeendemocraticallyendorsedbythepeopleofthecountryinareferendumheldin1989.TheActmadeprovisionforrecoursetolegalremediesandforclaimsofcompensationforphysicalandmoraldamagesustainedbyindividualsduringthedefactoregime.Atleast34judgementshadbeenhandeddownthusfarbythecompetentcivilcourtsoncompensationclaimsforinvoluntaryorenforceddisappearancesandphysicalharassmentduringthatperiod.Fourofthosecaseswerestillpending,onehadbeendroppedbytheplaintiff,threehadbeendismissedasunfoundedandintheremaining26cases,reparationsrangingfromapproximatelyUS$17,000toUS$156,000hadbeenawarded.NosenseofimpunityamongmembersofthepoliceormilitaryexistedasaresultoftheAct.OtherlegislationinthatareaincludedalawgrantingexiledpersonstherighttoreturntoUruguayandtoreceivecompensationforlossessufferedasaresultofexileandalawpermittingpersonsdeprivedoftheirrightstoreturntogovernmentemployment.Additionally,arecentlypassedlaw,ActNo.16,011,providedlegalrecoursetoanycitizenwhoseconstitutionalrightswereviolated.471.2 .2Withrespecttolegislationconcerningstatesofemergency,article31andparagraph17ofarticle168oftheConstitutionwereagainfullyapplicableandsafeguardedtherightsofindividualsduringastateofemergency.Inregardtoracialdiscrimination,ActNo.16,048of16June1989penalizingdiscriminationandtheincitementtoracialhatredorviolencehadnothadtobeappliedsofar.TheAct,nodoubt,hadapreventiveeffect,reinforcedalsobyUruguay'sdemocraticcultureandthehighlevelofgeneraleducationinthecountry.Moreover,article8oftheConstitutionestablishedthatallpersonswereequalbeforethelaw.Asaconsequence,therewasequalityofopportunityineducation,theholdingofpublicofficeandserviceinthemilitary.Additionally,articles5,29and37oftheConstitutionspecificallyguaranteedthefreedomsofreligion,thoughtandmovementrespectivelyandthus,inconjunctionwitharticle8,madeanyformulationofdiscriminatoryemploymentpoliciesimpossibleinUruguay.EthnicminoritieswerefullyintegratedintoUruguayansocietyanddiscriminationassuchdidnotexist.472.2 .2AnypossiblediscriminationagainstwomenhadbeeneliminatedbyActNo.16,051of10July1989,whichmadebothparentsthelegaladministratorsoftheassetsoftheirchildren.Theemploymentrightsofwomenwerealsospecificallyguaranteedbylaw,inconformitywiththeDiscrimination(EmploymentandOccupation)Convention,1958(No.111)oftheInternationalLabourOrganization.TheGovernmenthadpassedlawspromotingpreferentialhiringofwomeninordertoeliminatepastinequalities.Withrespecttochildlabourers,minorsunder15yearsofagewerenotauthorizedtowork.However,exceptionscouldbemadeforchildrenaged12andoverwhowereemployedintheirownfamily'sbusinessandminorsaged14andoverwhowereengagedinagriculturalwork.AhumanrightssectionhadbeenestablishedwithintheMinistryofForeignAffairswithaviewtoinvestigation,followupandrespondingtointernationalbodiesdealingwithhumanrights.Righttolife,libertyandsecurityofpersonandtreatmentofprisonersandotherdetainees473.2 .2Withrespecttothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhethertherehadbeenanycomplaintsduringtheperiodunderreviewofdisappearances,extrajudicialexecutionsortortureand,ifso,whatmeasureshadbeentakentoinvestigatesuchacts,topunishthosefoundguiltyandtopreventtheirrecurrence;whatweretherulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforcesandwhethertherehadbeenanyviolationsofsuchrulesandwhatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtheirrecurrence;whatmeasureshadbeentakenbytheauthoritiestoensurestrictobservanceofarticle7oftheCovenant;whetherconfessionsortestimonyobtainedunderduresswereadmissiblebeforethecourts;whatweretherespectiverolesoftheSupremeCourtofJusticeandtheNationalDirectorateofPrisons,PenitentiariesandDetentionCentresinthesupervisionofplacesofdetention;whatprocedurestherewereforreceivingandinvestigatingcomplaintsofviolationsofprisoners'rights;whethertheStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonerswerecompliedwithinplacesofdetentionandwhethertherelevantregulationsanddirectiveswereknownandaccessibletoprisoners;howquicklyafterarrestaperson'sfamilywasinformed;andwhen,afterhisarrest,apersoncouldcontactalawyer.Furtherinformationwasrequestedonthemaximumtime-limitsforremandincustodyandpre-trialdetentionandonthemeasurestakenbytheSupremeCourtinitsRulingNo.7019.̇474.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhetherindividualscouldsubmitcomplaintsregardingmistreatmentandhowsuchcomplaintsweredealtwith;whatmeasureswerebeingtakentoinvestigateallegationsofill-treatmentwhileinpolicecustody,andifofficialshadbeentriedforoffencesagainstthephysicalintegrityofprisoners;whetherapoliceofficercouldreturntodutywhileanaccusationallegingmistreatmentofapersonindetentionand,inparticular,torture,waspendingagainsthim;whetherdecisionstakenbyajudgewithregardtopretrialdetentioncouldbeappealedtoahighercourt;whatwasthemaximumdurationapersoncouldbeheldindetentionbeforebeingsentenced;underwhatcircumstancesaprisonermightbeplacedinsolitaryconfinement;whatsafeguardsexistedtopreventdetaineesfrombeingsubjectedtomedicalorscientificexperimentation;whetherdefendantscouldappealtootherjudgesincasesinwhichtheexaminingjudgerefusedtograntbail,whetherlegalaidwasavailableforsuchanappealandwhethertherewereanyrulesabouthowquicklytheappealcouldbeheard;whetheranyspecificmeasureswerebeingtakentoprotectwomenincustodyagainstsexualabuse;whethertherewereseparateprisonsandfacilitiesforwomenprovidingconditionsequivalenttothoseformen;whethertherewereanyspecialmeasurestoprotectyoungpeopleincustodyandwhethertherewasahighincidenceofsuicideincustody.475.2 .2Respondingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthattherehadbeennodisappearances,extrajudicialexecutions,ortortureintheformoforganizedorinstitutionalrepression.Article7oftheCovenanthadbeenincorporatedintolawbyActNo.15,737.Isolatedcasesofmistreatmenthadbeenminorandhadbeendulyinvestigated.ActNo.16,170(article58)establishedanagencywithinthepolicedepartmenttoactasaconsultativeandwatchdogagencyforbranchesoftheMinistryoftheInterior.Itstaskwastoreportonirregularities,receivecomplaintsandpreparesummaryreportsasrequiredbytheMinistry.ThatagencyhadeffectivelyassistedtheMinistryoftheInteriorinthepreventionandeliminationoftorture.Articles26and28ofthePenalCodegovernedtheuseoffirearms.Nocomplaintsofviolationsbypoliceoftherelevantregulationshadbeenlodged.476.2 .2Therewerenorestrictionsonindividualfreedoms,includinglibertyofmovement.Personscouldbearrestedonlyifcaughtinflagrantedelicto,orifproofofthesamewasofferedbywrittenorderofthecompetentjudge.TheremedyofhabeascorpuswasguaranteedbytheConstitution.Underarticles16and60oftheConstitutionandarticles118124ofthePenalCode,astatementmadebyapersonindetentionhadtobesubmittedtoamagistratewithin24hoursandthepersonarraignedwithin48hoursofhisarrestorbereleased.Apersoncouldnotbeheldformorethan24hourswithoutbeingallowedcontactwithhislawyerandcouldcommunicatewithhisfamilywithin48hoursunlessamagistrateruledotherwise.Confessionsandtestimonyobtainedunderduresswerenotadmissibleasproofincourtsoflaw;onlytestimonygivenbeforethecompetentjudgewasvalid,inaccordancewitharticle185ofthePenalCode.Governmentofficialswererequiredtorespectallinternationalconventionsonhumanrightsandiftheyfailedtodosotheyweredulypunishedunderdomesticlaw.SupremeCourtRulingNo.7019providedthatthecompetentjudgemustensureaspeedytrialandif,after120days,noevidencehadbeensubmitted,thecompetentjudgemustexplaininwritingwhytherequiredactionhadnotbeentaken.Moreover,underarticle69ofthePenalCode,anysentenceimposedhadtotakeintoaccounttheamountoftimeapersonhadalreadyspentindetention.477.2 .2ActNo.15,859("lawofpreventionwithoutimprisonment")allowedjudgestodecidewhetherornotapersonaccusedofanoffencewastobeplacedinpreventivedetention.Whenitcouldbepresumedthatthedefendantwouldnotundertakeanyfurthercriminalaction,judgesusuallydecidedtoreleasethedefendant.Regardingviolenceagainstwomen,aspecialpolicestationstaffedentirelybywomenhadbeenestablishedtoreceiveandinvestigatereportsofmaltreatmentandabusesofwomen.Therewerealsoprisonsforandrunbywomen.Righttoafairtrial478.2 .2Inregardtothatissue,theCommitteerequestedinformationonthelegalandadministrativeprovisionsgoverningtenure,dismissalanddiscipliningofmembersofthejudiciary;andontheorganizationandfunctioningofthelegalprofession,particularlytheBar.479.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhoultimatelydecidedwhetherornotajudgewastobedismissedforviolatingtheConstitution;whetherajudgecouldbedismissedonthebasisofapoliticaldecisionoftheelectedParliament;howmanyofthe440judgesinUruguaywerewomen;andwhetherjudges,intheabsenceofmalice,enjoyedimpunityfromcivilorcriminalprocessinthedischargeoftheirduties.480.2 .2Respondingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartynotedthatUruguayhadthethirdhighestproportionofjudgestopopulationintheworld,with15.5judgesper1,000inhabitants.MembersoftheSupremeCourtofJusticeweredesignatedbytheNationalAssemblyandmembersoftheCourtofAppealswerenominatedbytheSupremeCourtandconfirmedbytheSenate.AllotherjudgesweredirectlyappointedbytheSupremeCourt.TherewerefourdifferentproceduresforthedesignationofjudgesatthevarioushierarchicallevelsandtheyincludedprovisionsregulatingthedismissalofmembersoftheSupremeCourtandtheappellatecourts.MembersoftheBarbelongedtoacivilassociationwhichhadbeenveryactiveinthepromotionofhumanrights.481.2 .2WhereasjudgesoftheSupremeCourtcouldnotserveformorethan10yearsandcouldnotbereelecteduntilfiveyearshadelapsedaftertheendoftheirtenure,theonlylimitonthetenureofotherjudgesotherthansatisfactoryperformancewasthatarticle250oftheConstitutionsettheretirementageofalljudgesat70years.ThemajorityofjudgesinUruguaywerewomen,especiallyinareasthatdealtwithfamilymattersandminors.InMontevideo,27outofthe29familycourtjudgeswerewomen.Freedomofmovementandexpulsionofaliens,righttoprivacy,freedomofreligion,expression,assemblyandassociation,righttoparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairs,andrightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities482.2 .2Regardingthoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowinwhatrespect,ifany,theRomanCatholicChurchenjoyedprivilegedtreatmentascomparedwithotherchurchesorreligiousgroups;whatrestrictionsmightbeplacedontheexerciseoftherighttofreedomofexpressionandinformation"withinthelimitsoftheConstitutionandthelaw";towhatextentActNo.16,099of24October1989wascompatiblewitharticle19,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,especiallyinrelationtothefreedomtoseek,receiveandimpartinformation;whatadministrativerequirementsneededtobemetbyheadsofnewsagencies,printersandeditors,"vis--vistheMinistryofEducationandCulture";howtheproceduredescribedinparagraph91ofthereportregardingtheexerciseoftherightofreplywasappliedinpractice;whetheranylegislationgoverningtheregistrationoftradeunionsandtherighttostrikehadbeenenactedfollowingaccessiontotherelevantILOConventions;whatfactorsordifficultiesmayhavehamperedtheimplementationandenjoymentoftherightssetoutinarticle27oftheCovenant;andhowmanymembersofminoritygroupsweremembersofParliament.483.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteealsowishedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeentakenwithrespecttoreporteddiscriminationagainsttheblackminority;whethertherewereanyproblemsimpedingethnicorracialgroupsfromcontinuingtoenjoytheirowncultureandlanguage;howthelegalseparationofChurchandStateworkedinpractice;whethertherewereanygovernmentcontrollednewspapersortelevisionchannels;whatlimitationscouldbeplaceduponajournalist'srighttoprofessionalsecrecy;whetherajournalisthadtobeamemberofaprofessionalassociationinordertoenjoytherightofprofessionalsecrecy;whythenameofapublication'sprintingpresshadtoberegisteredandwhetherfailuretodosowasapunishableoffence;whethertheBillofRightsforTradeUnionshadalreadybeenadopted;andwhetherthefailuretovotewasapunishableoffenceand,ifso,howthataccordedwithfreedomofconscience.FurtherinformationwasrequestedontheextenttowhichthePressActpermittedinvestigativejournalism,suchasingovernmentarchives;andonaffirmativeactionlegislationforminorities.484.2 .2Respondingtothequestions,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatnochurchinUruguayenjoyedprivilegedtreatmentascomparedwithotherchurchesandthat,underthesecondConstitution,ChurchandStatehadbeenseparated.ReligionorethnicityhadnobearingonaccessiontoParliament.485.2 .2Althougharticle29oftheConstitutionguaranteedtotalfreedomofexpressionwithoutpriorcensorship,authorswereliableforanyabusestheycommitted.ActNo.16,099establishedthatdeliberatedisseminationofinaccurateinformationwhichseriouslydisruptedpublicorderorseverelydamagedtheeconomicinterestsoftheStateorharmeditscreditabroad,andinstigationtoslanderingofthenation,Stateoritspowers,werepunishableoffences.Therewasnogovernmentcontrolledpressandonlyonegovernmenttelevisionchannel,whichcarriedculturalprogramming.Underarticle4ofthePressAct,anunregisterednewspapercouldnotpublish.TheActinnowaylimitedtherighttocriticizetheGovernment.Headsofnewsagenciesandprintersandeditorsofpublicationswererequiredtofile,priortothestartofpublication,aswornstatementgivingthenameandaddressofthepublicationinquestion,oftheownerandoftheprintingpress.Thatpurelyadministrativerequirementinnowayaffectedtheoperationofthepublication,butdidprovideasafeguardforanyindividualwhomightwishtosuethepublicationforlibel.486.2 .2Withregardtotherightofreply,thecompetentjudgemustcallahearingwithin24hoursofreceivingawrittenapplicationfortherighttoreplypubliclytopublishedinformationinjurioustotheapplicant.Iftherepresentativeofthepublicationorthemediadidnotappear,thejudgewasrequiredtoorderimmediatepublicationofthereply;iftheapplicantdidnotappear,hewouldlosehisrightevertoexerciseasimilarrightofreply;ifbothattendedthehearing,thejudgewouldnormallymakeanimmediateruling,althoughhecouldtakeuptothreedaysifmoretimeormoreevidencewererequired.Whatevertheruling,itcouldbeappealedtoacriminalcourtofthesecondinstance,whichhad10workingdaystoreachafinaldecision.Arecentjudgementconfirmedtheviewthatboththerighttoexpressopinionsandtherighttoreplywereinherenthumanrights,neitherhavingprecedenceovertheother.487.2 .2Inconnectionwiththejournalists'righttoprofessionalsecrecy,disclosureofsourcesbyjournalistswasoptional.Iftherighttoprofessionalsecrecywereinvokedinacourtoflaw,thedoorwasclosedtoinquiryaboutsources.Nolimitationswereimposedonentryintotheprofession,andjournalistswerenotrequiredtobemembersofanyprofessionalorganization.488.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle27oftheCovenant,noethnicminoritiesinUruguayweredeniedanyoftheirrights.Peopleofallracesandcolourscouldrisetoanystationinsociety,andanydifficultiesofaccessoropportunityarosealongsocialratherthanethniclines.Minoritygroupswerefullyintegratedintothevariouspoliticalparties,whichwerethesoleavenuetopublicoffice.Concludingobservationsbyindividualmembers489.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteecommendedthepresentsituationconcerninghumanrights,theruleoflawinUruguayandtheconsiderableprogressachievedinthisregard.Thedialoguewiththedelegationhadbeenveryproductive,evidencingencouragingprogressbytheleadershipofUruguayinpromotingnationalawarenessofdemocracyandrespectforhumanrights.490.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernovertheStatutoryLimitationsAct,whichwasnotconsistentwiththeprovisionsofarticle2,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.Byprohibitingtheinvestigationofabuses,theActimpededtheexercisebytheindividualofhisrighttoeffectiverecourse,oneofthemostbasichumanrights.PaymentofcompensationbytheGovernmenttothevictimsofthemilitarydictatorshipwasapositivestep.However,thenumberofcasesofreparations34wasverysmallinviewofthescaleoftheabuseswhichhadtakenplaceundertheformerGovernment.Furthermore,itwasnotedthatahighnumberofcommunicationsonwhichtheCommitteehadadopteditsviewshadnotbeenfollowedupbytheStateparty.SincetheAct,bothinitsspiritandinitsapplication,wascontrarytotheprovisionsoftheCovenant,theStatepartywasurgedtotakeappropriatemeasures,includingpossibleamendmentoftheAct.491.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeobservedwithconcernthat,althoughtorturewasnotsystematicallypractised,thereweremanyreportsofmaltreatmentinpolicestations.Theabuseofdetaineesshouldbeinvestigatedmorerapidlyandtheperpetratorstriedandconvicted.Establishmentofanindependentandimpartialauthoritytohearcomplaintswouldrepresentprogress.Moreover,prisonconditionsneededtobeimprovedandthelackofrecreationalfacilitiesandtrainingprogrammesshouldberemedied.Itwasnotedthatthelengthofthepretrialdetentionperiodwasnotinconformitywitharticle9oftheCovenant.Incurrentpractice,itappearedthatdetentionwastheruleandfreedomwastheexceptionindirectoppositiontotheprovisionsoftheCovenant,includingthepresumptionofinnocenceinarticle14.Itwasalsosuggestedthateffortsshouldbemadetostreamlinetheproceduresofhabeascorpusandamparo,therebymakingiteasierforthepopulationtounderstandtheremediesthusprovided.492.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernoverthefirearmslawandrecommendedthatitbeamendedtoconformwiththeBasicPrinciplesontheUseofForceandFirearmsbyLawEnforcementOfficialsallowingtheiruseonlyincasesofselfdefence.493.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedthatthecoupd'tatinUruguayin1973couldbeattributedtoacertainextenttoalackofguaranteesintheconstitutioninforceatthattime.Inordertopreventanyrepetitionofsuchamassiveviolation,thenecessaryconstitutionalsafeguardsneededtobeenacted.Thelawsregulatingthefreedomofexpression,inparticular,werewordedinsuchageneralwayastoallowprosecutionofpersonscriticizingtheGovernment.ItwassuggestedthattheStatepartycheckallitslawsagainsttheprovisionsoftheCovenant,usingitsdialoguewiththeCommitteeasaguide.494.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheStatepartyassuredtheCommitteethatthosequestionswhichhehadbeenunabletoanswerwouldbetakenupbytheappropriateauthorities.WhileUruguaystillhadaconsiderabledistancetogobeforeitachievedfullrecognitionofthedignityofhumanbeingsandrespectforhumanrights,hisGovernmentwouldmakeeveryefforttoimplementandimprovealldomesticinstrumentsaimedatfullrespectforhumanrightsandlookedforwardtofuturecooperationwiththeCommittee.495.2 .2TheChairmanoftheCommitteesaidthat,withregardtotheproblemscausedbytheStatutoryLimitationsAct,maximumeffortsshouldbemadetoremedypastabusesandviolations.UruguaywasalreadymakingsucheffortsandhehopedthattheCommittee'scommentswouldprovehelpful.CommentsoftheCommittee496.2 .2Atits1232ndmeeting(fortyseventhsession),heldon8April1993,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingcomments.Introduction497.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthethirdperiodicreportofUruguaycoveringtheimportantchangeswhichhavetakenplaceinthatcountrysince1989.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheusefulinformationcontainedinthereportconcerningrecentlegislativechangesandappreciates,inparticular,thatthereportingeneraltakesintoaccountcommentsmadebytheCommitteeduringtheconsiderationoftheStateparty'ssecondperiodicreport.Therewas,however,noinformationinthereportonseveralarticlesoftheCovenantoronimplicationfortheCovenantoftheLeydeCaducidaddelaPretensi;nPunitivadelEstado(LawofExpiryofthePunitivePowersoftheState)whichisamatterofparticularconcerntotheCommittee.ThereportshouldalsohaveincludedmoreinformationonthefactorsanddifficultiesencounteredintheactualapplicationoftheCovenantandonthefollowuptotheviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeonindividualcomplaintsundertheOptionalProtocol.498.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforhavingsentahighlevelrepresentativewhointroducedthereportandrespondedtothemanyquestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommittee.ThevaluableadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStateparty'srepresentativeandhiscompetenceinmattersconcerningtheCovenantfacilitatedanopen,frankandfruitfuldialoguebetweentheCommitteeandtheStateparty.Positiveaspects499.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestherestorationofdemocracyinUruguayandtheeffortstorestorerespectforhumanrightsmadebythetwoadministrationsthathavegovernedthecountrysincethereturnofcivilianrule.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthenotableprogressachievedduringtheperiodunderexaminationinbringingdomesticlawintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Considerableprogresshasbeenachievedwiththeenactmentofnewlawsandcodesandwiththestrengtheningofdemocraticinstitutionsandprocessesaimedatpromotingandprotectinghumanrights.NotableamongtheselegislativeachievementsisthepassageofthenewPressBill(ActNo.16,099of24October1989)containingguaranteesforfreedomofexpression.Thecreationofaneworgan"FiscalaNacionaldelaPolica"toinvestigatehumanrightsabusescommittedbythepoliceisanotherwelcomedevelopment.500.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheholdingofthefirstnationalcourseinUruguayontheimplementationofhumanrightsinstrumentsandtherecentadherencebyUruguaytotheSecondOptionalProtocol,ontheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.&  FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheCovenant501.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthecivilianGovernmentshavehadtoovercometheauthoritarianlegacyofthemilitaryregime,whiledealing,atthesametime,withdeeplyrootedsocialandeconomicproblems.'  Principalsubjectsofconcern502.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesonceagainitsdeepconcernontheimplicationsfortheCovenantoftheExpiryLaw.Inthisregard,theCommitteeemphasizestheobligationofStatesparties,underarticle2,paragraph3,oftheCovenant,toensurethatallpersonswhoserightsorfreedomshavebeenviolatedshallhaveaneffectiveremedyasprovidedthroughrecoursetothecompetentjudicial,administrative,legislativeorotherauthority.TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcernthattheadoptionoftheLaweffectivelyexcludesinanumberofcasesthepossibilityofinvestigationintopasthumanrightsabusesandtherebypreventstheStatepartyfromdischargingitsresponsibilitytoprovideeffectiveremediestothevictimsofthoseabuses.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedthattheadoptionoftheLawhasimpededfollowuponitsviewsoncommunications.Additionally,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedthat,inadoptingtheLaw,theStatepartyhascontributedtoanatmosphereofimpunitywhichmayunderminethedemocraticorderandgiverisetofurthergravehumanrightsviolations.Thisisespeciallydistressinggiventheseriousnatureofthehumanrightsabusesinquestion.503.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesaconcernovertheconstitutionalprovisionsrelatingtothedeclarationofastateofemergency.Inparticular,theCommitteenotesthatthegroundsfordeclaringastateofemergencyaretoobroadandthattherangeofrightswhichmaybederogatedfromdoesnotconformtoarticle4oftheCovenant.Additionally,thereisnomentionintherelevantprovisionoftheConstitutionofnonderogablerights.504.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheregulationsrelatingtopretrialdetentionarenotinconformitywitharticle9oftheCovenant.Inthisregard,theCommitteeunderlinesthat,inaccordancewiththeprincipleofthepresumptionofinnocence,releaseshouldbetheruleandnottheexceptionasisthecaseunderthecurrentsystem.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthat,whilethereisnosystematicuseoftorture,thereareoccurrencesofseriousmaltreatmentofdetainees.Suchoccurrencesindicatealackofpropertrainingofprisonandlawenforcementofficialsandaninadequateunderstandingofinternationalstandardsconcerningthetreatmentofdetainees.505.2 .2AlthoughthenewPressLaw(ActNo.16,099)isingeneralapositiveachievement,theCommitteeisconcernedthatitstillincludesprovisionsthatmightimpedethefullexerciseofthefreedomofexpression.Foremostamongthesearecertainprovisionsrelatingtooffencescommittedbythepressorothermedia,inparticulararticles19and26oftheLaw.Suggestionsandrecommendations506.2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheobligationoftheStatepartyunderarticle2,paragraph3oftheCovenanttoensurethatvictimsofpasthumanrightsviolationshaveaneffectiveremedy.InordertodischargethatobligationundertheCovenant,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatePartyadoptlegislationtocorrecttheeffectsoftheExpiryLaw.507.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartycontinueinitseffortstoharmonizedomesticlawswiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.Inparticular,proceduresfordealingwithremediesshouldbereviewed.TheCommitteealsorecommendstheestablishmentofanimpartialandindependentauthoritytomonitortheapplicationofhumanrightsstandardsandtoreceivecomplaintsofabuses.GreaterpublicityshouldbegiventotheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocoltoensurethattheprovisionsoftheseinstrumentsarewidelyknowntomembersofthelegalprofession,thejudiciaryandlawenforcementofficials,aswellastothegeneralpublic.AdequatefollowupshouldalsobeensuredwithrespecttotheviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeonindividualcasesconsideredundertheOptionalProtocol.508.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatdetentionproceduresshouldberevisedwithaviewtofacilitatingafullapplicationoftherightsprovidedforundertheCovenant.Inparticular,thepenalprocedureshouldbereformedsothatitisbasedontheprincipleofthepresumptionofinnocence.TheStatepartyshouldensurethatadequateremediesareavailablewithregardtohabeascorpusunderarticle9oftheCovenant.Thereshouldbesignificantlylessrelianceontheuseofpretrialdetention,particularlyinviewofthefactthatsomeabusesduringdetentionhaveoccurred.Legislationandproceduresconcerningtheuseoffirearmsbypoliceshouldbereviewedandadditionaltraininginhumanrightsnormsshouldbeprovidedforpoliceandotherlawenforcementofficials.509.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatspecialmeasuresshouldbetakentoprotectminoritiesasprovidedforunderarticle27oftheCovenant.510.2 .2Withrespecttofreedomofexpression,thereshouldbegreaterfreedomtoseekinformation,asprovidedforunderarticle19,paragraph3,oftheCovenant.Additionally,thesanctionsprovidedforunderchapterIVofthePressLawaretoowideandmighthinderthefullenjoymentofarticle19oftheCovenant.Inthisregard,thelawisnotadequate.Guinea511.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofGuinea(CCPR/C/57/Add.2)atits1222ndto1224thmeetings,on1and2April1993(CCPR/C/SR.12221224).(Forthecompositionofthedelegation,seeannexXI.)512.2 .2ThereportwasintroducedbytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,whoexplainedthatGuineawasinvolvedinademocratizationprocess.Twenty-sixyearsofdictatorshipunderasinglepartysystemhadshownthatrespectforhumanrightswastheessentialbasisforpeacefulconductofpoliticalaffairs.TheGovernmentbelievedthatdemocracycouldnotexistwithoutpeacefuloppositionand,accordingly,hadbaseditsconstitutionalstructureonamultipartysystem.TheBasicLaw,whichhadbeenadoptedon23December1990,wasbasedontheCovenantandprovidedthebasisforpoliticalcompetitionwithinacontextofequality,freedomofconscience,freedomofassemblyandfreedomofexpression.FortytwopartieswerecompetingforpoliticalpowerandActsNos.L/91/005andL/91/006,of23December1991,providedforthefreedomtoexpressdivergentpointsofview.Therewereabout20newspapers,severalofwhichbelongedtopoliticalparties,andatelevisionstationwasintheplanningstage.Otherlegalnormshadbeenadoptedtocreatethenecessaryconditionsfortheexerciseofbasicpoliticalfreedoms.513.2 .2ReferringtotheeconomiccontextprevailinginGuinea,therepresentativesaidthat,on3April1984,Guineaoptedinfavourofafreemarketeconomy.On22December1985,withtheassistanceoftheWorldBankandtheInternationalMonetaryFund,aprogrammeforfinancialandeconomicreformhadbeenlaunchedandanagreementwithregardtotheEnhancedStructuralAdjustmentFacility(ESAF)hadbeennegotiated.Theprincipleofpoliticaldecentralizationhadalsobeenputintopracticethroughtheestablishmentofurbanandruralcommuneswithelectedcouncils.̇ConstitutionalandlegalframeworkwithinwhichtheCovenantisimplemented,stateofemergency,nondiscrimination,equalityofthesexesandprotectionofthefamily514.2 .2Withregardtothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoreceiveinformationontheextenttowhichtheCovenanthadbeentakenintoaccountintheprocessofdraftingtheBasicLaw;onthecomposition,functionsandactivitiesoftheNationalTransitionCouncil;onanyfactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementationoftheCovenant;onanycaseswhereprovisionsoftheCovenanthadbeendirectlyinvokedbeforethecourts;onhowcontradictionsbetweendomesticlegislationandtheCovenantwerebeingresolved;onsafeguardsandeffectiveremediesavailabletoindividualsduringastateofemergency;abouttheconstitutionalorstatutorybasisforensuringconformitywitharticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant;onprogressachievedinestablishingalegalframeworkfornationalinstitutionsinchargeofpromotingandprotectinghumanrights;onthenatureandactivitiesofthehumanrightsorganizationsmentionedinthereport;ontheparticipationofwomeninthepolitical,economic,socialandculturallifeofthecountry;andontheimpactoftheculturesandtraditionsofGuineaontheimplementationofhumanrightscontainedintheCovenant,particularlyinitsarticles3and26.515.2 .2Inaddition,furtherinformationwassoughtontheextenttowhichtheBasicLawhadthusfarbeenimplemented;ontherelationshipbetweenthethreebranchesofGovernmentandontheirrespectiverole;onthelimitsplaceduponpresidentialpowers;onthecircumstancesunderwhichParliamentcouldbedissolved;ontheconditionsfortheholdingofareferendum;ontheroleoftheSupremeCourtincasesofconflictbetweentheNationalAssemblyandthePresident;onthelimitswhichcouldbesetupunderarticle22oftheBasicLawtotheexerciseofthefundamentalrightsandfreedoms;andabouttherestrictionsonregionalismandtribalisminarticle4oftheBasicLaw.516.2 .2ItwasalsoaskedwhetherGuineaintendedtomaintainitsreservationtoarticle48,paragraph1,oftheCovenantandaccedetotheOptionalProtocol;whatmeasureshadbeentakentodisseminateinformationabouttheCovenant;whethernongovernmentalorganizationshadbeenconsultedinthepreparationofthereport;whethertheCovenanthadbeentranslatedintothevariousnationallanguages;whethertherewasanystatutoryprohibitionofdiscriminationongroundsofpoliticalopinion,language,colour,nationalorigin,propertyorbirth;whatgroupsofcitizenscouldbedeprivedunderthelawoftheircivilandpoliticalrights;andhowmanylegislativeandconstitutionalreferendumshadbeenheldsincetheadoptionoftheBasicLaw.517.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartyprovideddetailedinformationonsomeoftheprovisionsoftheBasicLawandlinkedthemtothecorrespondingprovisionsoftheCovenant.Article79oftheBasicLawprovidedforthesupremacyofinternationallaw,inparticulartheCovenant,&  overdomesticlawand,whenadiscrepancyarose,thedomesticlawwouldbemodified.HealsodrewtheCommittee'sattentiontothecountry'sforthcoming'  accessiontotheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.518.2 .2TheNationalTransitionCouncilwasvested,underarticle92oftheBasicLaw,withlegislativepowersinordertopreparetheorganiclawsthatwererequiredfortheestablishmentofthemaininstitutionsoftheGuineanState,particularlyregardingthecharterofpoliticalparties,thecompositionandfunctionoftheEconomicandSocialCouncil,thefreedomofthepress,andtheattributesandfunctionsoftheSupremeCourtandHighCourtofJustice.TheCouncilwouldcontinuetofunctionuntiltheNationalAssemblywaselected,atwhichtimeitwouldautomaticallyceasetoexist.ThePresidentoftheRepublicdidnothaveabsolutepowerandhadtocooperatewiththelegislativeandjudicialpowers.HewasobligedtoreplytooralandwrittenquestionsfromtheNationalAssemblyand,inturn,theAssemblywasauthorizedundertheBasicLawtoestablishcommissionsofinquiry.Incaseswherethelegislativeandexecutivebranchesmightnotagreeonaspecificissue,thePresidentoftheRepubliceitheracceptedtheNationalAssembly'sviewsordissolvedtheAssembly.IfthesameAssemblywasreelected,thePresidentwasobligedtoresign.Furthermore,theSupremeCourtwasresponsibleformonitoringthelegalityofactsoftheexecutivebranch.519.2 .2ReferringtofactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheCovenant,therepresentativeexplainedthatGuineawassufferingfromashortageoffinancialresourcesandwasunabletoprovidetherequiredminimumconditionsunderarticle10oftheCovenant,suchastheseparationofjuvenilesandadults,orofaccusedandconvictedpersons.Theprisonswereinastateoftotaldisrepairandcertainstandardscouldnotbemet.Similarly,difficultiesaffectedtheimplementationofarticle14,paragraph3(b),oftheCovenant.520.2 .2OrganizationActNo.L/96,concerningstatesofsiegeandstatesofemergency,specifiedthatmeasuresenvisagedintheActcouldbeinvokedonlyduringgravedisturbancesofpublicorderwheredomesticsecuritywasendangered.Anyonesubjectedtothosemeasureshadtherighttoappealtoanadvisorybodypresidedoverbyajudge.Furthermore,nopersoncouldbesubjecttorestrictiveresidenceorlocalexpulsion.521.2 .2Aproperlegalframeworkwasneededtoguaranteetheexistenceandoperationofhumanrightsorganizations.However,duetodelaysindrawinguplegislation,thePresidentoftheRepublichadauthorizedtheMinistryofInteriorandDefencetograntrecognitiontoproperlyconstitutedorganizations.DecreeNo.92/207oftheMinistryoftheInteriorandDefence,dated11May1992,hadthusauthorizedtheestablishmentoftheGuineanAssociationforHumanRights,anorganizationwhichwasindependentandapolitical.522.2 .2ReferringtothesituationofwomeninGuinea,therepresentativeexplainedthatwomenheldpositionsequaltothoseofmenatalllevelsofnationaladministration.Ofthe17membersoftheGovernmentandthe7membersoftheNationalTransitionCouncil3membersofeachwerewomen.TherewasawomanleaderofapoliticalpartyandawomanwaspublicprosecutorforoneofthetwoappellatecourtsinGuinea.Anefforthadbeenmadetoreducetheobligationtopaydowrytoasymboliclevel,butthequestionwasadifficultoneduetothefactthattraditionandtheauthorityofthefamilyremainedverypowerfulforcesinGuineansociety.Effortswerebeingmadetomodifythoseforcesthrougheducationratherthanlegislation,notonlywithregardtothedowrysystembutalsoinotherareas,suchasthoseoffemalecircumcisionandpolygamy.523.2 .2AllformsofdiscriminationwereprohibitedinGuinea.However,therehadbeenaspontaneousemergenceofethnocentricityinGuineaasaresultofthedemocratizationprocess,andsomeofthenewpoliticalpartiesreflectedthatfact.Righttolife,treatmentofprisonersandotherdetaineesandlibertyandsecurityofperson524.2 .2Withrespecttothoseissues,theCommitteewishedtoknowwhatoffenceswerepunishablebythedeathpenalty;whetheranyconsiderationhadbeengiventoitsabolition;howoftenandforwhatcrimesithadbeenimposedandcarriedoutsincetheconsiderationoftheinitialreport;whatweretherulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseoffirearmsbythepoliceandsecurityforces;whethertherehadbeenanyviolationsoftheserulesandregulationsand,ifso,whatmeasureshadbeentakentopreventtheirrecurrence;underwhatcircumstancesthedeathsmentionedinparagraph117ofthereporthadoccurred;whethertherehadbeenanyinvestigationsundertakenregardingthecasesofdisappearanceswhichhadoccurredonawidespreadbasisbefore1988;whethertherehadbeenanycomplaints,duringtheperiodunderreview,ofextrajudicialexecutionsortortureand,ifso,whatspecificmeasureshadbeentakentoovercomedifficultiesfacedinthatregard,toinvestigatesuchcases,topunishthosefoundguilty,andtopreventtherecurrenceofsuchacts;whatthearrangementswereforthesupervisionofplacesofdetentionandtheproceduresforreceivingandinvestigatingcomplaints;whattheinfantmortalityratewasinGuineaandwhetheranyprogresshadbeenmadeinthatfieldsincetheconsiderationoftheinitialreport;howquicklyafterarrestaperson'sfamilywasinformed;howsoonafterarrestapersoncouldcontactalawyer;andwhatdifficultiestherewereinkeepingwithinthelimitsofthemaximumlegalperiodofdetentionincustodyandofpretrialdetention.525.2 .2Additionally,clarificationwassoughtaboutmeasurestakentoinvestigate63allegedcasesofdisappearancesand24allegedcasesofmistreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertybyprisonwardens;onmeasurestakentoinvestigatethecrimescommittedunderthedictatorship,toholdtheperpetratorsaccountableandtocompensatethevictims;astowhethertherewereanypoliticaldetaineesinGuinea;ofmeasurestakentoclosesecretdetentioncentres,ifany,setupoutsidethecontrolofthepublicauthorities;oftheimplementationofarticle10,paragraph2(b),oftheCovenant;andoftheextenttowhichUnitedNationsprinciplesregardingthepreventionofcrimeandthetreatmentofoffendershadbeentakenintoaccountintheformulationofnationalpoliciesinthatarea.526.2 .2Inhisreply,therepresentativeoftheStatepartysaidthatthedeathpenaltywasimposedformurder,crimesagainsttheexternalsecurityoftheState,illegaluseofarmedforce,fomentingcivilwar,looting,andtheuseoftortureandotherbarbaricacts.GuineawasacountrywithaMuslimmajorityandnoconsiderationwasbeinggiventotheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.Themaintenanceofthedeathpenaltywasadeterrenttocrimeswhichthreatenedthelivesofothers.Sincetheconsiderationoftheinitialreport,onlyonedeathsentencehadbeenhandeddownandnonehadbeencarriedout.527.2 .2Althoughhundredsofthousandsofpersonshaddisappearedunderthepreviousregime,ithadnotseemedappropriatetoconductinvestigationsintodisappearancessincethoseresponsiblewerenowdeadanditwasthoughtunwisetoreopenoldwoundswhichmightjeopardizetheprocessofnationalreconciliation.Despiteitslackofresources,theGovernmenthadprovidedsomemodestassistancetothosewhohadsufferedmost,especiallywomenandchildrenandhadreturnedallconfiscatedpropertytoitsrightfulowners.Thepracticeoftorturepersisted,unfortunately,becauseitwasdifficulttochangehabitsacquiredoveraperiodof26years,particularlysincethenewGovernmenthadbeenobligedtoretainsomeofficialsoftheformerregime.Thesituationwasbetterinurbancentresthaninruralareasand,onthewhole,torturewasnowtheexceptionratherthantherule.528.2 .2Theuseoffirearmsbythesecurityforceswasregulatedbylawandsecurityofficialswereprohibitedfromusinglethalammunitioninperformingtheirduties.Aninquiryhadbeenconductedonareportedmassacrebysecurityforces,asaresultofwhichanumberofsecurityofficialshadbeentriedandsentencedinaccordancewiththelaw.Headdedthat,inanothercase,someofthestudentsarrestedinarecentprotesthadbeenfoundtobecarryingmilitaryweapons.529.2 .2Inresponsetootherquestions,therepresentativesaidthat,whenanindividualwasarrested,thefamilywasalwaysinformedimmediatelyandtheadministrativeauthoritieswererequiredbylawtoinformlocalcommunities.Accesstoalawyerwasrequiredonlyintheofficeoftheexaminingmagistratewhoinformedpersonsincustodyofalltheirrights.Difficultiesdidariseinobservingthemaximumlegalperiodofdetentionincustody,usuallyinremoteruralareasduetothelackofcommunicationinfrastructures.AdepartmentfortheadministrationofprisonsconsistingsolelyofmagistrateshadbeensetupwithintheMinistryofJusticeandwasresponsibleforensuringthattherelevantlegalprovisionswereproperlyappliedinprisons.Turningtothequestionofprisonconditions,heexplainedthatincertainprisonsinmateswereseparatedbysex,ageorthenatureoftheiroffence,whileinotherssuchseparationwasnotpossible.Imprisonmentwasimposedonjuvenileoffendersbetweentheageof16and18onlyiftheyposedathreattopublicorder.Otherwise,theywereplacedwithfosterfamiliesorinthecareofteachersorrepresentativesofnongovernmentalorganizations.Governmentpolicyaimedattheirrehabilitation,butthatwasnotalwayseasytoachieveduetothelackofresources.Secretdetentioncentreshadexistedunderthepreviousregime.However,since1988,therehadbeennodetentioninthosecentresandtherewerecurrentlynopoliticalprisonersinGuinea.TheGovernmentwasconsideringreopeningoneofthecentresasamuseumandamonumenttothosewhohadlosttheirlivesthere.Theoverallmortalityrateandthematernitymortalityr