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(G_UNLOGO1.WPG C)  @ 8  8 Rl@..$    ڄ($     d$  882 OriginallyissuedinanadvanceversionasdocumentA/50/40of3October1995.(2C$ w!USUS.,'F` X'fff   +@-f88Ҁ  0  ڀ d$  &88( h#&  TobeissuedsubsequentlyinOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.II. d$  &88( h#&  TobeissuedsubsequentlyinOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.II. dTable_A&0 d d C)  @ 8  8 8824 N  @ .$    ڄ<6X`( d$   ,    Thepresentannexisbeingpublishedasreceived,withoutformalediting. C)  @ 8  8  ,    @ .$    ڄ C)  @ 8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ C)  @ 8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ C)  @ 8  8  88 t  @ .$    ڄ  w!  @ 8  8 882   Ԁ    ڀTobeissuedsubsequentlyinOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.II.  w!  @ 8  8 882   Ԁ    ڀTobeissuedsubsequentlyinOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.II.  5u{13Right-Aligned Paragraph NumbersI.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)3|c) `(CG TimesScalablec P7P<6X9`("Courier NewTTled6X@`7@) `(CG TimesScalable P7P* `(CG TimesScalablexx P7xP* `(CG TimesScalable P7P) `(CG TimesScalableO P7P<6X`(ier NewTTlebU6X@`7@($USUS.,'F` X'fff  # e37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)h)h) w!USUS.,'F` X'fff   [  $$$$Z%A/50/40=]TD@z 8 X ` @@ELOOLO߈      fUnitedNations   6*  #aPddxh x^xh x xxhReportofthe  HumanRightsCommittee^ x^xh^VolumeI   #dPaPGeneralAssembly    ^  OfficialRecords^f ^f^f f^  ԀFiftiethSession   SupplementNo.40(A/50/40)   U) `(CG TimesScalableU    M A/50/40    U) `(CG TimesScalableUReportoftheHumanRightsCommitteeVolumeI#dPU^* `(CG TimesScalableUGeneralAssembly  OfficialRecordsU) `(CG TimesScalableUU^* `(CG TimesScalableUԀFiftiethSessionSupplementNo.40(A/50/40) * b=`QA=z (  ` @@b - UnitedNationsU) `(CG TimesScalableUU^* `(CG TimesScalableUԀNewYork,1996  U) `(CG TimesScalableURl 4  4    @.. NOTESymbolsofUnitedNationsdocumentsarecomposedofcapitalletterscombinedwithfigures.MentionofsuchasymbolindicatesareferencetoaUnitedNationsdocument. #/ @..ISSN02552353#dd ? UK     \R3'\ X      + 8  8 O@<6X9`("Courier NewTTOS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sa882     #..[Original:English]#..[4February1996]* c   ׀@..\CONTENTS 88tChaptert..tParagraphsPage   , &88 h#& .I. .ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS......................h .127# ."1 . .A. .StatespartiestotheCovenant....................h .14# ."1 . .B. .Sessionsandagenda...............................h .h5# ."1 . .C. .Election,membershipandattendance...............h .67# ."1 . .D. .Solemndeclaration................................h .h8# ."2 . .E. .Electionofofficers..............................h .910# ."2 . .F. .Workinggroups....................................h .1113# ."2 . .G. .Othermatters.....................................h .1418# ."3 . .H. .Staffresources...................................h .h19# ."4 . .I. .PublicityfortheworkoftheCommittee...........h .h20# ."5 . .J. .PublicationsrelatingtotheworkoftheCommitteeh .2124# ."5 . .K. .Facilities........................................h .h25# ."5 . .L. .FuturemeetingsoftheCommittee..................h .h26# ."5 . .M. .Adoptionofthereport............................h .h27# ."6 .II. .ACTIONBYTHEGENERALASSEMBLYATITSFORTYNINTH . .SESSIONANDBYTHECOMMISSIONONHUMANRIGHTSATITS . .FIFTYFIRSTSESSION...................................h .2834# ."7 .4III. .METHODSOFWORKOFTHECOMMITTEEUNDERARTICLE40OF . .THECOVENANT:OVERVIEWOFPRESENTWORKINGMETHODS....h .3545# ."9 . .A. .TheCommittee'sproceduresindealingwith . . .emergencysituationsandincasesofreportsthat . . .havebeenoverdueforaverylongperiod..........h .3639# ."9 . .B. .Participationbythespecializedagenciesandother . . .UnitedNationsorgansintheCommittee'swork.....h .4042# ."9 . .C. .Equalityandhumanrightsofwomen................h .4345# .P"10&  @ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , &88 h#& .IV. .SUBMISSIONOFREPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDER'   . .ARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT............................h .4656# .P"12 . .A. .ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunder . . .article40oftheCovenantduringtheperiod . . .underreview......................................h .4954# .P"12 . .B. .SpecialdecisionsbytheHumanRightsCommittee . . .concerningreportsofparticularStates...........h .h55# .P"14 . .C. .ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesinaccordance . . .withaspecialdecisionoftheHumanRights . . .Committee.........................................h .h56# .P"14 .V. .STATESTHATHAVENOTCOMPLIEDWITHTHEIROBLIGATIONS . .UNDERARTICLE40......................................h .5758# .P"15 .VI. .CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIES . .UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT......................h .59476# .P"17 . .A. .Nepal.............................................h .6078# .P"17 . .B. .Tunisia...........................................h .7998# .P"20 . .C. .Morocco...........................................h .99122# .P"23 . .D. .LibyanArabJamahiriya............................h .<123143# .P"27 . .E. .Argentina.........................................h .<144165# .P"30 . .F. .NewZealand.......................................h .<166191# .P"33 . .G. .Paraguay..........................................h .<192223# .P"36 . .H. .Haiti.............................................h .<224241# .P"40 . .I. .Yemen.............................................h .<242265# .P"43 . .J. .UnitedStatesofAmerica..........................h .<266304# .P"46 . .K. .Ukraine...........................................h .<305333# .P"51 . .L. .Latvia............................................h .<334361# .P"56 . .M. .RussianFederation................................h .<362407# .P"60 . .N. .UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainand . . .NorthernIreland..................................h .<408435# .P"66 . .O. .SriLanka.........................................h .<436476# .P"70 .4VII. .GENERALCOMMENTSOFTHECOMMITTEE.....................h .<477481# .P"76&  @ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , &88( h#&( .4VIII. .CONSIDERATIONOFCOMMUNICATIONSUNDERTHEOPTIONAL( .( .PROTOCOL..............................................h .<482543# .P"77( .( .A. .Progressofwork..................................h .<484490# .P"77( .( .B. .GrowthoftheCommittee'scaseloadunderthe( .( . .OptionalProtocol.................................h .h491# .P"78( .( .C. .Approachestoexaminingcommunicationsunderthe( .( . .OptionalProtocol.................................h .<492494# .P"79( .( .D. .Individualopinions...............................h .<495496# .P"79( .( .E. .IssuesconsideredbytheCommittee................h .<497541# .P"80( .( .F. .RemediescalledforundertheCommittee'sViews...h .h542# .P"90( .( .G. .NoncooperationbyStatesparties.................h .h543# .P"90( .IX. .FOLLOWUPACTIVITIESUNDERTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOL......h .<544565# .P"91@ .Annexes( .`I. .StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPolitical( .( .RightsandtotheOptionalProtocolsandStateswhichhavemadethe( .( .declarationunderarticle41oftheCovenantasat28July1995...# .P"99( .( .A. .StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCiviland( .( . .PoliticalRights..............................................# .P"99( .( .B. .StatespartiestotheOptionalProtocol.......................# .!102( .( .C. .StatusoftheSecondOptionalProtocolaimingattheabolition( .( . .ofthedeathpenalty..........................................# .!105( .( .D. .Stateswhichhavemadethedeclarationunderarticle41of( .( . .theCovenant..................................................# .!106( .II. .MembersandofficersoftheHumanRightsCommittee(19951996)....# .!108( .( .A. .Membership....................................................# .!108( .( .B. .Officers......................................................# .!108( .III. .SubmissionofreportsandadditionalinformationbyStatesparties( .( .underarticle40oftheCovenantduringtheperiodunderreview...# .!109( .IV. .Statusofreportsconsideredduringtheperiodunderreviewand( .( .ofreportsstillpendingbeforetheCommittee.....................# .!116'  @ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tt .tPage   , &88( h#&( .`V. .Generalcommentsadoptedunderarticle40,paragraph4,ofthe( .( .InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights..............# .!119( .( .GeneralcommentNo.24(52)onissuesrelatingtoreservations( .( .madeuponratificationoraccessiontotheCovenantorthe( .( .OptionalProtocolsthereto,orinrelationtodeclarationsunder( .( .article41oftheCovenant........................................# .!119( .VI. .ObservationsofStatespartiesunderarticle40,paragraph5,of( .( .theCovenant......................................................# .!126( .( .A. .UnitedStatesofAmerica......................................# .!126( .( .B. .UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland..........# .!130( .VII. .Revisedguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofreports( .( .fromStatesparties...............................................# .!135( .( .A. .Guidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofreportsfrom( .( . .Statespartiesunderarticle40(1)(a)oftheCovenant.......# .!135( .( .B. .Generalguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsof( .( . .periodicreportsfromStatesparties..........................# .!136( .4VIII. .Letterdated13July1995fromtheChairmanoftheCommitteetothe( .( .PermanentRepresentativeoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviato( .( .theUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva...............................# .!139( .IX. .ListofStatesparties'delegationsthatparticipatedin( .( .considerationoftheirrespectivereportsbytheHumanRights( .( .Committeeatitsfiftysecond,fiftythirdandfiftyfourth( .( .sessions..........................................................# .!140( .`X. .ObservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeunderarticle5,( .( .paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocolrelatingtotheInternational( .( .CovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights e   ׀...........................# .!147( .( .A. .CommunicationNo.386/1989;FamaraKonv.Senegal( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon21October1994,fiftysecondsession)( .( .B. .CommunicationNo.400/1990;DarwiniaR.M;nacodeGallichio( .( . .v.Argentina( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon3April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .C. .CommunicationNo.447/1991;LeroyShaltov.TrinidadandTobago( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon4April1995,fiftythirdsession)@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tt .tPage   , &88( h#&&  ( .( .D. .CommunicationNo.453/1991;A.R.andM.A.R.Coerielv.( .( . .theNetherlands( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon31October1994,fiftysecondsession)( .( . .Appendix'  ( .( .E. .CommunicationNos.464/1991and482/1991;G.Peartand( .( . .A.Peartv.Jamaica( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon19July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .F. .CommunicationNo.473/1991;IsadoraBarrosov.Panama( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon19July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .G. .CommunicationNo.493/1992;GeraldJ.Griffinv.Spain( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon4April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .H. .CommunicationNo.500/1992;JoszefDebreczenyv.( .( . .theNetherlands( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon3April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .I. .CommunicationNo.511/1992;LimariLnsmanetal.v.Finland( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon26October1994,fiftysecondsession)( .( .J. .CommunicationNo.514/1992;SandraFeiv.Colombia( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon4April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .K. .CommunicationNo.516/1992;AlinaSimuneketal.v.the( .( . .CzechRepublic( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon19July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .L. .CommunicationNo.518/1992;JongKyuSohnv.theRepublic( .( . .ofKorea( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon19July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .M. .CommunicationNo.539/1993;KeithCoxv.Canada( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon31October1994,fiftysecondsession)( .( . .Appendix( .( .N. .CommunicationNo.606/1994;ClementFrancisv.Jamaica( .( . .(Viewsadoptedon25July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .XI. .DecisionsoftheHumanRightsCommitteedeclaringcommunications( .( .inadmissibleundertheOptionalProtocolrelatingtothe( .( .InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights f   ׀.............# .!148( .( .A. .CommunicationNo.437/1990;B.ColamarcoPatiov.Panama( .( . .(decisionof21October1994,fiftysecondsession)( .( .B. .CommunicationNo.438/1990;EnriqueThompsonv.Panama( .( . .(decisionadoptedon21October1994,fiftysecondsession)@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tt .tPage   , &88( h#&&  ( .( .C. .CommunicationNo.460/1991;T.OmarSimonsv.Panama( .( . .(decisionof25October1994,fiftysecondsession)( .( .D. .CommunicationNo.494/1992;LloydRogersv.Jamaica( .( . .(decisionof4April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .E. .CommunicationNo.515/1992;PeterHolderv.TrinidadandTobago( .( . .(decisionadoptedon19July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .F. .CommunicationNo.525/1992;PierreGirev.France( .( . .(decisionadoptedon28March1995,fiftythirdsession)'  ( .( .G. .CommunicationNo.536/1993;FrancisP.Pererav.Australia( .( . .(decisionadoptedon28March1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .H. .CommunicationNo.541/1993;ErrolSimmsv.Jamaica( .( . .(decisionadoptedon3April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .I. .CommunicationNo.553/1993;MichaelBullockv.( .( . .TrinidadandTobago( .( . .(decisionadoptedon19July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .J. .CommunicationNos.575and576/1994;LincolnGuerraand( .( . .BrianWallenv.TrinidadandTobago( .( . .(decisionadoptedon4April1995,fiftythirdsession)( .( .K. .CommunicationNo.578/1994;LeonardusJ.deGrootv.( .( . .theNetherlands( .( . .(decisionadoptedon14July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .( .L. .CommunicationNo.583/1994;RonaldH.vanderHouwenv.( .( . .theNetherlands( .( . .(decisionadoptedon14July1995,fiftyfourthsession)( .XII. .Listofdocumentsissuedduringthereportingperiod..............# .!149 8,    @ . I.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@ .H A.StatespartiestotheCovenant1., .,Asat28July1995,theclosingdateofthefiftyfourthsessionoftheHumanRightsCommittee,131StateshadratifiedoraccededorsaidtheywouldaccedetotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsand94StateshadratifiedoraccededorsaidtheywouldaccedetotheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.BothinstrumentswereadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution2200A(XXI)of16December1966andopenedforsignatureandratificationinNewYorkon19December1966.Theyenteredintoforceon23March1976inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheirarticles49and9,respectively.Alsoasat28July1995,44Stateshadmadethedeclarationenvisagedunderarticle41,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,whichcameintoforceon28March1979.2., .,ThesecondOptionalProtocol,aimingattheabolitionofthedeathpenalty,whichwasadoptedandopenedforsignature,ratificationoraccessionbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/128of15December1989,enteredintoforceon11July1991inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle8.Asat28July1995,therewere28StatespartiestothesecondOptionalProtocol.3., .,AlistofStatespartiestotheCovenantandtotheOptionalProtocols,withanindicationofthosewhichhavemadethedeclarationunderarticle41,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,iscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.4., .,ReservationsandotherdeclarationsmadebyanumberofStatespartiesinrespectoftheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolsaresetoutindocumentCCPR/C/2/Rev.4andinnotificationsdepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneral.@ .nB.Sessionsandagenda5., .,TheHumanRightsCommitteehasheldthreesessionssincetheadoptionofitspreviousannualreport.Thefiftysecondsession(1358thto1386thmeetings)washeldattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom17Octoberto4November1994,thefiftythirdsession(1387thto1415thmeetings)atUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom20Marchto7April1995andthefiftyfourthsession(1416thto1444thmeetings)attheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom3to28July1995.@ .N C.Election,membershipandattendance6., .,AtthefourteenthmeetingofStatesparties,heldatUnitedNationsHeadquarterson8September1994,ninemembersoftheCommitteewereelected,inaccordancewitharticles28to32oftheCovenant,tofillthevacanciesresultingfromtheterminationofsometermsofofficeon31December1994.Mr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBaghwati,Mr.ThomasBuergenthal,Mr.EckartKlein,Mr.DavidKretzmerandMrs.CeciliaMdinaQuirogawereelectedforthefirsttime.Mr.NisukeAndo,Mrs.ChristineChanet,Mr.OmranElShafeiandMr.JulioPradoVallejowerereelected.AlistofthemembersoftheCommitteeappearsinannexIItothepresentreport.7.AllthemembersoftheCommitteeparticipatedinthefiftysecondsession.Mr.RajsoomerLallahattendedonlypartofthatsession.Mrs.Chanetdidnotattendthefiftythirdsession.Mr.TamsBnandMr.Baghwatiattendedonlypartofthatsession.Mrs.RosalynHigginsattendedonlypartofthefiftyfourthsession.@ .D.Solemndeclaration8., .,Atthe1387th,1397thand1416thmeetingsoftheCommittee(fiftythirdandfiftyfourthsessions),themembersoftheCommitteewhohadbeenelectedorre-electedatthefourteenthmeetingofStatespartiestotheCovenantmadeasolemndeclarationinaccordancewitharticle38oftheCovenantbeforeassumingtheirfunctions.@ .<E.Electionofofficers9., .,Atthe1387thand1399thmeetingsoftheCommittee(fiftythirdsession),heldon20and28March1995,theCommitteeelecteditsofficersforatermoftwoyears,inaccordancewitharticle39,paragraph1,oftheCovenant:theyarelistedinannexII.10., .,TheCommitteeexpresseditssincerestappreciationtoMr.NisukeAndo,theoutgoingChairman,forthecontributionwhichhehadmadetothesuccessoftheCommittee'sworkbypresidingoveritsocompetently.@ .hF.Workinggroups11., .,Inaccordancewithrules62and89ofitsrulesofprocedure,theCommitteeestablishedworkinggroupswhichweretomeetbeforeitsfifty-second,fifty-thirdandfifty-fourthsessions.12., .,Theworkinggroupestablishedunderrule89wasentrustedwiththetaskofmakingrecommendationstotheCommitteeregardingcommunicationsreceivedundertheOptionalProtocol.Atthefiftysecondsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.BnandMr.ElShafei,Ms.ElizabethEvatt,Mr.AndreasV.MavrommatisandMr.PradoVallejo.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom10to14October1994andelectedMr.MavrommatisasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Atthefifty-thirdsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.Ando,Mr.LaurelFrancis,Mrs.Higgins,Mr.MavrommatisandMr.PradoVallejo.ItmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom13to17March1995andelectedMrs.HigginsasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Atthefifty-fourthsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.Baghwati,Mr.ElShafei,Mr.Mavrommatis,Mr.FaustoPocarandMr.PradoVallejo.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom3to7July1995andelectedMr.PocarasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.13., .,Theworkinggroupestablishedunderrule62wasmandatedtoprepareconciselistsofissuesconcerningthesecond,thirdandfourthperiodicreportstobeconsideredbytheCommitteeatitsfiftysecond,fiftythirdandfifty-fourthsessions.Atthefifty-secondsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.FranciscoJosAguilarUrbina,Mr.VojinDimitrijevic,Mr.WaleedSadiandMr.Francis.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom10to14October1994andelectedMr.AguilarUrbinaasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.IthadthetaskofstudyingtheCommittee'smethodsofworkaswellasadraftgeneralcommentonissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadebyStatespartiesuponratificationoforaccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolstheretoorinrelationtodeclarationsmadeunderarticle41oftheCovenant.ThemembersoftheworkinggroupalsoheldajointmeetingwiththemembersoftheworkinggroupestablishedunderthenoterelatingtoquestionsrelatedtothestructureofannualreportsandtheproceduretobefollowedbytheCommitteeinresponsetoemergencysituations.Atthefiftythirdsession,itwascomposedofMr.Bn,Mr.MarcoTulioBruniCelli,Ms.EvattandMr.Lallah;itmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom13to17March1995andelectedMr.BnasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Ithadthetaskofstudyingadraftgeneralcommentonarticle25andofconsideringtheCommittee'smethodsofwork.Inaddition,pursuanttoadecisiontakenattheCommittee's1384thmeeting(fiftysecondsession)(seeparas.40and41),theworkinggroupheldaclosedmeetingon13Marchwithrepresentativesofspecializedagenciesinordertoobtainadvanceinformationonreportstobeconsideredatthefiftythirdsession;themeetingwasattendedbyrepresentativesoftheInternationalLabourOffice,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees(UNHCR)andtheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO).Atthefiftyfourthsession,theworkinggroupwascomposedofMr.AguilarUrbina,Mr.Francis,Mr.KleinandMrs.MdinaQuiroga.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom3to7July1995andelectedMr.KleinasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.IthadthetaskofstudyingtheCommittee'smethodsofworkandofconsideringgeneralcommentsalreadyadoptedinthepastinordertodeterminewhichofthemwarrantedupdating.Pursuanttoadecisiontakenatthe1384thmeeting(fifty-secondsession),theworkinggroupheldameetingon3JulywithrepresentativesoftheInternationalLabourOffice,UNHCRandWHOinordertoobtainadvanceinformationonreportstobeconsideredbytheCommitteeatitsfiftyfourthsession.@ .G.Othermatters@ .<1.Fiftysecondsession14., .,TheAssistantSecretaryGeneralforHumanRightsreferredtotheaimoftreatyuniversalization,asestablishedbytheDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsheldatVienna,andemphasizedthattheSecretary-GeneralhadaddressedarequesttoHeadsofStateandGovernmentcallingfortheuniversalratificationoftheprincipalhumanrightsinstrumentsand,inparticular,theCovenantanditstwoOptionalProtocols.InhisreportontheworkoftheOrganization,theSecretary-GeneralhadcalledforbettersynergybetweentheworkofthetreatybodiesandtheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceoftheCentreforHumanRights.ThemembersoftheCommitteewerealsoinformedoftheworkofthefifthmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodiesheldinSeptember1994,aswellastherecentsessionsoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination.@ .n2.Fiftythirdsession15., .,TheCommitteewasinformedbytherepresentativeoftheSecretary-GeneraloftherecentactivitiesoftheGeneralAssemblyinregardtohumanrights,particularlyitsresolution49/178of23December1994concerningeffectiveimplementationofinternationalinstrumentsonhumanrights,inwhichtheAssemblynotedwithappreciationtheinitiativestakenbytreatybodiesinrespectofurgentmeasurestopreventhumanrightsviolations.TheAssemblyalsourgedthemtoamendtheirreportingguidelinessoastorequestgenderspecificinformationfromStatesparties.TherecommendationofthemeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodiesthatsuchmeetingsshouldinfuturebeheldonanannualbasiswasalsoendorsedbytheAssembly.Inaddition,thememberswereinformedofdevelopmentsatthefifty-firstsessionoftheCommissiononHumanRightsandoftheactivitiesoftheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theCommitteeagainstTorture,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen.16., .,TheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsstressedtheimportanceheattachedtotheCommittee'sworkand,inparticular,emphasizedtheleadingroleitplayedinthehumanrightstreatysystem.Furthereffortswere,however,neededinordertopublicizetheresultsofitsworkmorewidelyandbringthemtotheattentionofthecompetentnationalauthorities.Ateveryoneofhismeetingswithgovernmentrepresentatives,hehadsystematicallydrawntheirattentiontothecommentsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereportsofStatesparties.Althoughitwastooearlytodrawanyfirmconclusionsaboutthatpractice,hehadbeenstruckbythefactthatGovernmentswereextremelysensitivetotheissuesraisedandhadonthewholegivenassurancesthattheywouldtakestepstoapplytheCommittee'srecommendations.17., .,TheHighCommissioneralsostressedtheimportanceofthetreatysystemintheinternationalprotectionofhumanrights,sayingthatanunprecedentedmeetinghadjustbeenheldbetweenthepersonschairinghumanrightstreatybodiesandtheSecretaryGeneral.Thatmeeting,whichtheHighCommissionerhadmadeapointofattendinginperson,hadbeentheresultofaninitiativetakenatthemostrecentmeetingofthepersonschairingsuchbodiesinSeptember1994.Amongthesubjectsdiscussedhadbeentheactiontakenbythedifferentcommitteestopreventhumanrightsviolations,suchasearlywarningmeasuresandurgentprocedures.18., .,TheCommitteealsohadanexchangeofcorrespondencewiththeFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)concerningthesubmissionofreportsinconformitywiththeCovenant(seeparas.53and54andannexVIIItothepresentreport).@ .6H.Staffresources19., .,ThegreatercomplexityandmoreintensivepaceoftheCommittee'soperations,resultingfromtheincreasednumberofStatespartiestotheCovenantaswellasfromqualitativechangesintheCommittee'smethodsofwork,haveaddedsignificantlytotheworkloadoftheSecretariatinprovidingsubstantiveservicingtotheCommitteeinrelationtothemonitoringofStatesparties'reports.ThenumberofcommunicationssubmittedtotheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocolhasalsogrown(seechap.VIII).TheCommitteenotedthatunderthetermsofarticle36oftheCovenanttheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationswastoprovidethenecessarystaffandfacilitiesfortheeffectiveperformanceofthefunctionsoftheCommitteeundertheCovenant.ItaccordinglyrequestedtheSecretaryGeneraltotakethenecessarystepstoensureasubstantialincreaseinthespecializedstaffassignedtoservicetheCommitteeinrelationbothtothemonitoringofStatesparties'reportsandtoconsiderationofcommunicationssubmittedundertheOptionalProtocol.@ . I.PublicityfortheworkoftheCommitteė20., .,TheChairmangavepressconferencesateachoftheCommittee'sthreesessions.TheCommitteeexpressedthewishthattheinformationservicesshouldbeassociatedmorecloselywithitsworksoastogiveitgreaterpublicity.TheCommitteenotedwithappreciationthegreatinterestinitsworktakenbythenon-governmentalorganizationsandthankedthemfortheinformationprovided.@ .` J.PublicationsrelatingtotheworkoftheCommittee21., .,TheCommitteenotedthattheOfficialDocuments(Yearbooks)oftheHumanRightsCommitteehadbeenpublisheduntil1991.Giventheresourcesonhand,theCommitteesaidthatpublicationoftheOfficialDocuments(Yearbooks)shouldbeexpeditedinordertoliquidatethebacklogandeliminatethedelayinissuingtheFrenchversion.22., .,TheCommitteeonceagainurgedthattheworkbespeededupforthepurposeofpublishingvolumeIIIoftheselectionofdecisionstakenundertheOptionalProtocolsoastoreducethebacklogassoonaspossible.Infuture,theselecteddecisionsshouldbeissuedinaregularandtimelyfashion.23., .,TheCommitteealsoinsistedontheneedforitsannualreporttogetherwithitsannexestobesubmittedtotheGeneralAssemblyontime.24., .,TheCommitteewishestodrawattentiontothefactthatitwasdeprivedofsummaryrecordsatitsfortyninthsessionforfinancialreasons,butthattheSecretariatundertooktoproducethemfromtherecordedtapes,inEnglishonly.1Thathasnotyetbeendone,andtheCommitteethereforewishestoreiterateitsrequest.@ .0K.Facilities25., .,TheCommitteeexpressedawishforadditionalfacilitiestobemadeavailableduringitssessions.Itwouldliketohavearoominwhichmemberscouldreceivedelegations,meetininformalgroups,orworkbetweenmeetings.Induecourse,allthedocumentationmembersoftheCommitteemightneedinpreparingtheirworkcouldbekeptintheroominquestion,whichcouldbeusedbyothertreatybodies(seedecisionalongthoselinesadoptedatthemostrecentmeetingofpersonschairinghumanrightstreatybodiesinSeptember1994(seeA/49/537,annex)).@ . L.FuturemeetingsoftheCommittee26., .,Atitsfifty-thirdsession,theCommitteeconfirmedthefollowingscheduleofmeetingsfor1996-1997:thefifty-sixthsessionwillbeheldatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom18Marchto5April1996,thefifty-seventhsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom8to26July1996,thefifty-eighthsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom21Octoberto8November1996,thefifty-ninthsessionatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom24Marchto11April1997,thesixtiethsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom14Julyto1August1997andthesixty-firstsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom20Octoberto7November1997.Ineachcase,theworkinggroupsoftheCommitteewillmeetduringtheweekprecedingthesession.̇@ .M.Adoptionofthereport27., .,Atits1443rdand1444thmeetings,on27and28July1995,theCommitteeconsideredthedraftofitsnineteenthannualreport,coveringitsactivitiesatthefifty-second,fifty-thirdandfifty-fourthsessions,heldin1994and1995.Thereport,asamendedinthecourseofthediscussion,wasadoptedunanimously.ǀII.ACTIONBYTHEGENERALASSEMBLYATITSFORTYNINTH̀SESSIONANDBYTHECOMMISSIONONHUMANRIGHTSAT̀ITSFIFTYFIRSTSESSIONS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S  228.3  , .,Atits1415thmeeting,on7April1995,theCommitteeconsideredtheagendaiteminthelightoftherelevantsummaryrecordsoftheThirdCommittee,GeneralAssemblyresolution49/178,CommissiononHumanRightsresolutions1995/18and1995/22of24February1995andCommissiononHumanRightsdecision1995/110of3March1995.229.3  , .,TheCommitteenotedthat,inaccordancewithGeneralAssemblyresolution45/175of18December1990,substantiveresolutionsonthehumanrightstreatybodiesshouldbeadoptedeverytwoyears(inunevenyears)andthat,consequently,atitsfortyninthsession,theThirdCommitteehadlimiteditselftotakingnoteofitsreport.230.3  , .,WithreferencetothediscussionintheGeneralAssemblyrelatingtotheeffectiveimplementationofinternationalinstrumentsonhumanrights,includingreportingobligationsunderthoseinstruments,andtheeffectivefunctioningofthetreatybodies,theCommitteenotedwithsatisfactionthattheAssemblyhadonceagainstressedtheimportanceofcompliancebyStatespartieswiththeirreportingobligations.TheCommitteetooknoteoftheimportanceattachedbytheAssemblytothefinalcommentsonthereportsconsideredbythehumanrightstreatymonitoringbodies.TheCommitteenotedthattheconclusionsandrecommendationsofthe5thmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodieshadbeenendorsedbytheGeneralAssembly,particularlytherecommendationthattheirmeetingsshouldbeheldannually.  231.3  , .,TheCommitteediscussedtherelevantresolutionsadoptedbytheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfiftyfirstsession.ItwholeheartedlyendorsedtheresolutiononsuccessionofStatesinrespectofinternationalhumanrightstreatiesaswellasthatontheCovenants,inparticulartherecommendationthatcountrieshavingdifficultiesinintroducingchangesintheirlegislationthatmightbenecessaryfortheratificationofinternationalinstrumentsonhumanrightsshouldbeencouragedtorequestappropriatesupportfromtheCentreforHumanRightsonadvisoryservicesandtechnicalcooperationprogrammes,aswellastherecommendationstressingtheimportanceforStatespartiestoobservetheagreedconditionsandprocedureforderogationunderarticle4oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights.TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactiontheCommission'srequestthattherecentperiodicreportsofStatespartiestothehumanrightstreatymonitoringbodies,thesummaryrecordsofCommitteediscussionspertainingtothem,andconcludingobservationsandfinalcommentsofthetreatybodiesshouldbemadeavailabletotheUnitedNationsinformationcentres.  232.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredCommissiononHumanRightsdecision1995/110ontherighttoafairtrialandnotedthat,asrecommendedbytheSubcommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationandProtectionofMinoritiesinitsresolution1994/35of26August1994,theCommissionwasconsideringtheestablishmentofanopenendedworkinggrouptodraftathirdoptionalprotocoltotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsaimingatguaranteeingunderallcircumstancestherighttoafairtrialandtoaremedy.Inthatregard,theCommitteerecalledthatithadsubmitteditsownrecommendationstotheSubcommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationandProtectionofMinorities.Inthoserecommendations,adoptedatits1314thmeeting(fiftiethsession),on6April1994,2theCommitteehadconcludedthatitwasinadvisabletopursuetheelaborationofadraftoptionalprotocoltotheCovenantwiththeaimofaddingarticle9,paragraphs3and4,aswellasarticle14tothelistofnonderogablerightsenumeratedinarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.  233.3  , .,TheCommitteeagainnotedthatthepurposeofthepossiblethirdoptionalprotocolwastoaddarticle9,paragraphs3and4,andarticle14tothelistofnon-derogableprovisionsinarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.BasedonitsexperiencederivedfromtheconsiderationofStatesparties'reportssubmittedunderarticle40oftheCovenant,theCommitteewishestopointoutthat,withrespecttoarticle9,paragraphs3and4,theissueofremediesavailabletoindividualsduringstatesofemergencyhasoftenbeendiscussed.TheCommitteeissatisfiedthatStatespartiesgenerallyunderstandthattherighttohabeascorpusandamparoshouldnotbelimitedinsituationsofemergency.Furthermore,theCommitteeisoftheviewthattheremediesprovidedinarticle9,paragraphs3and4,readinconjunctionwitharticle2,areinherentintheCovenantasawhole.Havingthisinmind,theCommittee&  believesthatthereisaconsiderableriskthattheproposeddraftthirdoptionalprotocolmightimplicitlyinviteStatespartiestofeelfreetoderogatefromtheprovisionsofarticle9oftheCovenantduringstatesofemergencyiftheydonotratifytheproposedoptionalprotocol.Thus,the'  protocolmighthavetheundesirableeffectofdiminishingtheprotectionofdetainedpersonsduringstatesofemergency.  234.3  , .,TheCommitteeisalsooftheviewthatitwouldsimplynotbefeasibletoexpectthatallprovisionsofarticle14canremainfullyinforceinanykindofemergency.Thus,theinclusionofarticle14assuchinthelistofnon-derogableprovisionswouldnotbeappropriate.ǀIII.METHODSOFWORKOFTHECOMMITTEEUNDERARTICLE40OF̀THECOVENANT:OVERVIEWOFPRESENTWORKINGMETHODS  235.3  , .,ThissectionoftheCommittee'sreportaimsatprovidingaconciseandup-to-dateoverviewofthemodificationsrecentlyintroducedbytheCommitteeinitsworkingmethodsunderarticle40oftheCovenantandisparticularlydesignedtomakethecurrentproceduremoretransparentandreadilyaccessibletoall,soastoassistStatespartiesandothersinterestedintheimplementationoftheCovenant.AdetailedaccountofthemethodsofworkusuallyappliedbytheCommitteefortheconsiderationofreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesappearsintheCommittee'slastannualreport.3̀A.TheCommittee'sproceduresindealingwithemergency󀀀situationsandincasesofreportsthathavebeen󀀀overdueforaverylongperiod  236.3  , .,SinceApril1991(fortyfirstsession),andinthelightofrecentorcurrenteventsindicatingthattheenjoymentofhumanrightsprotectedundertheCovenanthasbeenseriouslyaffectedincertainStatesparties,theCommitteehasresortedtothepracticeofrequestingtheStatespartiesconcernedtosubmiturgentlyreportsonthesituation(generallywithinthreemonths).Suchdecisionshavebeentakenregarding,inchronologicalorder,Iraq(11April1991),theFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(4November1991),Peru(10April1992),BosniaandHerzegovina,CroatiaandtheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)(6October1992),AngolaandBurundi(29October1993),HaitiandRwanda(27October1994).  237.3  , .,Thesituationregardingoverduereportshasgrownworseovertheyears,seriouslyjeopardizingtheattainmentoftheobjectivesoftheCovenantandhamperingtheabilityoftheCommitteetomonitortheimplementationoftheCovenantintheStatespartiesconcerned.Asat28July1995,atotalof106reports(27initial,21secondperiodic,37thirdperiodicand21fourthperiodicreports),involvingatotalof85Statesparties,wereoutstanding.  238.3  , .,Inviewoftheforegoing,theCommitteedecidedatitsfifty-secondsessionthatinfutureStatespartiesthathadnotrepliedfavourablytoaspecialrequestortoadecisionbytheCommitteeandwhosereportswereoverduebyfiveyearsormoreshouldbesentastronglywordednoteverbalerequestingthemtosubmittheirreportsassoonaspossible.Suchnotesverbalesweresentforthefirsttimeon12December1994.  239.3  , .,Atthesamesession,theCommitteealsodecidedthat,wheretheconsiderationofareportrevealedagravehumanrightssituation,theCommitteecouldrequesttheStatepartyconcernedtoreceiveamissioncomposedofoneormoreofitsmembersinordertoreestablishdialoguewithit,explainthesituationbetterandformulateappropriatesuggestionsorrecommendations.̀B.ParticipationbyspecializedagenciesandotherUnited󀀀NationsorgansintheCommittee'swork  240.3  , .,Atitsfifty-secondsession,theCommitteemodifieditsworkingmethodssoastoenablethespecializedagenciesandotherUnitedNationsorganstotakeamoreactivepartinitsactivities.TheCommitteeaccordinglydecidedthatameetingwouldbescheduledatthebeginningofeachsessionofthepre-sessionalworkinggroupsothatitmightsuitablyreceiveoralinformationprovidedbythoseorganizations.SuchoralinformationshouldthusrelatetothereportstobeconsideredduringtheCommittee'ssessionand,ifneedbe,supplementthewritteninformationalreadyprovided.  241.3  , .,Consequently,startingwiththefifty-thirdsession,theWorkingGrouponArticle40devotedameetingtolisteningtosuchstatementsbyspecializedagenciesandotherUnitedNationsorgansconcerningthereportstobeconsideredduringtheplenarysession.TheCommitteewashighlyappreciativebothofthewealthoftheoralorwritteninformationreceivedandofthelevelofrepresentationofthespecializedagenciesorotherUnitedNationsorgansparticipatinginsuchexchangesofviews,inparticulartheInternationalLabourOfficeandUNHCR.  242.3  , .,OnthebasisofthisexperienceandnotingthatthespecialrapporteursorrepresentativesandtheworkinggroupsoftheCommissiononHumanRightsweretendingtomakeincreasinglyfrequentreferencetoitscomments,theCommittee,atitsfifty-thirdsession,expressedthewishthattheyshouldalsobeallowedasfaraspossibletoavailthemselvesoftheproceduredescribedinthepreviousparagraph.Itthereforedecidedthat,wheneverpossible,thespecialrapporteursorrepresentativesandrepresentativesofworkinggroupsoftheCommissiononHumanRightsthathaddraftedcountryreportsorthematicreportswouldbeinvitedtoattendtheaforementionedmeetingoftheWorkingGrouponArticle40.@ . C.Equalityandhumanrightsofwomen  243.3  , .,TheCommitteetooknoteofthevariousrecommendationsmadebytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsconcerningtheintegrationofacomponentregardingequalityofstatusandhumanrightsofwomenintheactivitiesofthehumanrightstreatybodies(principles36to42oftheDeclarationoftheViennaProgrammeofAction).4TheCommitteestressedinthatconnectionthatthelistsofissuestobedealtwithduringtheCommittee'sconsiderationofStates'reportssubmittedunderarticle40oftheCovenantsystematicallyincludedpracticalmattersconcerningequalityofstatusandthehumanrightsofwomen.Furthermore,generalcommentNo.4(13)wasdevotedtomattersconcerningmeasurestobetakentogiveeffecttoarticle3oftheCovenant,whilegeneralcommentNo.18(37)coveredalltheprovisionsagainstdiscriminationunderarticles2,3and26oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisenvisagingthepossibilityofsupplementingthesetwotextsbyaspecificgeneralcomment.  244.3  , .,Atitsfiftythirdsession,theCommitteedecidedtoamendparagraph4(c)oftheCommittee'sguidelinesconcerningtheinitialreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesasfollows:0, .,"4.  . ThepartofthereportrelatingspecificallytopartsI,IIandIIIoftheCovenantshoulddescribeinrelationtotheprovisionsofeacharticle:0, .,"...0, .,  . "(c)AnyotherfactorsordifficultiesaffectingtheenjoymentoftherightbypersonswithinthejurisdictionoftheStates,includinganyfactorsaffectingtheequalenjoymentbywomenofthatright".245.3  , .,Paragraph6(e)oftheCommittee'sguidelinesforperiodicreportsisamendedaccordingly.TheguidelinesasamendedarereproducedinannexVIItothepresentreport.ǀIV.SUBMISSIONOFREPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDER̀ARTICLE40OF .THECOVENANT  246.3  , .,Underarticle2,paragraph1,oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,eachStatepartyundertakestorespectandtoensuretoallindividualswithinitsterritoryandsubjecttoitsjurisdictiontherightsrecognizedandenumeratedinPartIIIoftheCovenant.Inconnectionwiththisprovision,article40,paragraph1,oftheCovenantrequiresStatespartiestosubmitreportsonthemeasuresadoptedandtheprogressachievedintheenjoymentofthevariousrights,andonanyfactorsanddifficultiesthatmayaffecttheimplementationoftheCovenant.StatespartiesundertaketosubmitreportswithinoneyearoftheentryintoforceoftheCovenantfortheStatespartiesconcernedandthereafterwhenevertheCommitteesorequests.InordertoassistStatespartiesinsubmittingreports,theHumanRightsCommitteeapproved,atitssecondsession,generalguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofinitialreports(seeannexVII).  247.3  , .,Furthermore,inaccordancewitharticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommitteeadoptedadecisiononperiodicityatitsthirteenthsessionrequiringStatespartiestosubmitsubsequentreportstotheCommitteeeveryfiveyears.5Atthesamesession,theCommitteeadoptedguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofperiodicreportsfromStatespartiesunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant(seeannexVII).  248.3  , .,Atitsthirty-ninthsession,theCommitteeadoptedanamendmenttoitsguidelinesforthesubmissionofinitialandperiodicreportsrelatingtoreportingbyStatespartiesonactiontakeninresponsetotheissuancebytheCommitteeofviewsundertheOptionalProtocol.6Atitsforty-secondsession,theCommitteereviseditsgeneralguidelinesforthesubmissionofinitialandperiodicreportstotakeintoaccounttheconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofthereportsofStatespartiestobesubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenant(HRI/CORE/1).7Inaddition,atitsfifty-thirdsession,theCommitteefurtheramendeditsguidelineswitharequesttoStatestoincludeintheirreportsinformationonanyfactorsaffectingtheequalenjoymentbywomenoftherightsprotectedundertheCovenant(seepara.44andannexVII).̀A.ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40󀀀oftheCovenantduringtheperiodunderreview  249.3  , .,Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteereceived16initialorperiodicreports,representingasignificantincreasebycomparisonwithpreviousyears.InitialreportsweresubmittedbyBrazil,Estonia,Guatemala,Latvia,SwitzerlandandZambia;Cyprus,Denmark,Iceland,Mauritius,theNetherlandsandPerusubmittedtheirthirdperiodicreports;andBelarus,theRussianFederation,SwedenandtheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandsubmittedtheirfourthperiodicreports.250.3  , .,TheCommitteenotedthatthereportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunder  article40oftheCovenantincreasinglyreproducedthetextsoflegislationinextenso,whichmadethereportsextremelybulky.TheCommitteenotedthattheStatesconcernedadoptedthispracticewiththeclearintentionofcomplyingwiththeCommittee'sguidelinesoninitialreports(CCPR/C/5/Rev.2),whichrefer,interaliatoadescriptionofthelegislative,administrativeorothermeasuresinforcerelatingtoeachright.TheCommitteeneverthelessconsidersthatStatesshouldincludeonlynecessaryinformationintheirreports,andinparticularavoidsimplyparaphrasingthelawwithoutdescribingitspracticalapplication;thiswouldobviatethehugeincreaseinthevolumeofinformationfurnishedtotheCommittee,andconsequentlythegrowingconstraintsfacedbytheSecretariatintranslatingandreproducingdocumentsaswellastheinevitabledelaysoccasionedintheconsiderationofreports.  251.3  , .,TheCommitteereceivedacommunicationfromtheGovernmentofMexico,dated18July1994,regardingtheconsiderationofitsthirdperiodicreportbytheCommitteeinMarch1994(fiftiethsession).8Thecommunicationincludedrepliestocertainoralquestionstowhichthedelegationhadbeenunabletoreplyduringtheconsiderationofthatreport,aswellascommentsontheobservationsoftheCommitteecontainedindocumentCCPR/C/79/Add.32.TheGovernment'scommunicationisreproducedindocumentCCPR/C/108.  252.3  , .,TheCommitteealsoreceivedacommunicationdated27July1995fromtheGovernmentofLatviaconcerningconsiderationofitsinitialreport(seeparas.334361).Itcontainedrepliestocertainoralquestionswhichthedelegationcouldnotanswerwhenitsreportwasconsidered.Inaddition,inacommunicationofthesamedate,theGovernmentofUkrainemadeanumberofobservationsabouttheCommittee'sfinalcommentsreproducedinparagraphs305-333below.TheGovernment'scommunicationappearsindocumentCCPR/C/109.  253.3  , .,Inaletterdated26January1995addressedtotheChairmanoftheCommittee,thePermanentRepresentativeoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviatotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevastated,interalia,thatinviewofthefactthattherightsofYugoslaviaundertheCovenant,particularlytherighttoequitableparticipationinthemeetingsofStatesparties,hadbeendenied,itsGovernmentwouldonlysubmititsfourthperiodicreporttotheCommitteewhentheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviawastreatedasanequalpartytotheCovenant.  254.3  , .,InhisreplyonbehalfoftheCommittee,on13July1995,theChairmanunderlinedthatthesubmissionofreportsundertheCovenantconstitutedasolemnlegalobligationassumedbyeachStatepartyandwasindispensableforcarryingouttheCommittee'sbasicfunctionofestablishingapositivedialoguewithStatespartiesinthefieldofhumanrights.Therefore,nonsubmissionofreportsgreatlyhinderedtheprocessofdialogueandseriouslyunderminedtheobjectivesoftheCovenantbyhamperingtheCommittee'sabilitytomonitortheimplementationoftheCovenant.HefurtherrecalledthatinanearlierdecisiontheCommitteehademphasizedthatallthepeoplewithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviawereentitledtotheguaranteesoftheCovenantandthattheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviawasboundbytheobligationsundertheCovenant.WhileitwasnotfortheCommitteetotakeapositionontheactionofthemeetingofStatespartieswithregardtotheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro),theCommitteewouldcontinuetoproceedonthebasisofthatunderstandingandexpressedthehopethattheGovernmentoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)wouldreconsideritsdecisionandsubmititsreporttotheCommitteeassoonaspossible(thecontentsoftheletterarereproducedinannexVIIItothepresentreport).&  ԀB.SpecialdecisionsbytheHumanRightsCommittee󀀀concerningreportsofparticularStates  255.3  , .,InviewofthespecialdifficultiesencounteredbyHaitiandRwandainthe'  implementationoftheCovenant,theCommitteeadopted,atits1374thmeeting(fifty-secondsession),on27October1994,thefollowingspecialdecisions:@ ."Haiti, .,  . "TheHumanRightsCommittee,0, .,  . "DeeplyconcernedatthedifficultiesencounteredbyHaitiinregardtoprotectionofthehumanrightssetforthintheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,0, .,  . "Actingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b)oftheCovenant,0, .,  . "1. . DecidestorequesttheGovernmentofHaititosubmititsinitialreportwithoutdelayfordiscussionbytheCommitteeatitsfifty-thirdsession,tobeheldfrom20Marchto7April1995,and,inanyevent,tosubmitnotlaterthan31January1995areport,insummaryformifnecessary,relatinginparticulartotheapplicationofarticles6,7,9,10and14oftheCovenant;0, .,  . "2. . RequeststheSecretary-GeneraltobringthisdecisiontotheattentionoftheGovernmentofHaiti."@ ."Rwanda0, .,  . "TheHumanRightsCommittee,0, .,  . "DeeplyconcernedatthedifficultiesencounteredbyRwandainregardtoprotectionofthehumanrightssetforthintheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,0, .,  . "Actingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b)oftheCovenant,0, .,  . "1. . DecidestorequesttheGovernmentofRwandatosubmititsthirdperiodicreportwithoutdelayfordiscussionbytheCommitteeatitsfifty-thirdsession,tobeheldfrom20Marchto7April1995,and,inanyevent,tosubmitnotlaterthan31January1995areport,insummaryformifnecessary,relatinginparticulartotheapplicationduringthepresentperiodofarticles6,7,9,10,14and27oftheCovenant;0, .,  . "2. . RequeststheSecretary-GeneraltobringthisdecisiontotheattentionoftheGovernmentofRwanda."  &  ԀC.ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesinaccordancewith󀀀aspecialdecisionoftheHumanRightsCommittee256.3  , .,Burundisubmittedaspecialreportpursuanttoadecisiontothateffect'  adoptedbytheCommitteeon29October1993atitsforty-ninthsession.9Haitisubmittedaspecialreport,whichwasconsideredattheCommittee'sfiftythirdsession(seeparas.55and224241)., .,  . V.STATESTHATHAVENOTCOMPLIEDWITHTHEIROBLIGATIONS, .,  . UNDERARTICLE4057., .,StatespartiestotheCovenantmustsubmitthereportsreferredtoinarticle40oftheCovenantontimesothattheCommitteecandulyperformitsfunctionsunderthatarticle.ThesereportsarethebasisofthedialoguebetweentheCommitteeandStatesparties,andanydelayintheirsubmissionmeansaninterruptionofthisprocess.However,seriousdelayshavebeennotedsincetheestablishmentoftheCommittee.Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteetookvariousmeasurestoinduceStatespartieseffectivelytocarryouttheirreportingobligationunderarticle40oftheCovenant.Remindersweresenton12December1994and29June1995toStatespartieswhosereportshadnotbeensubmittedasscheduled.Inaddition,atthesessionofMarch/April1995,themembersoftheBureaumetinNewYorkwiththePermanentRepresentativesofallStatespartieswhoseinitialreport,periodicreportorreportunderaspecialdecisionoftheCommitteehadbeenoverdueformorethanfouryears.SuchcontactsweremadewiththePermanentRepresentativesofalltheStatesconcernedwiththeexceptionofAngola,theGambiaandtheDemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea.58., .,Afterreviewingthesituationwithrespecttothelatesubmissionbothofinitialandperiodicreports,theCommitteenotedwithregretthat85StatespartiestotheCovenant,ormorethantwothirdsofallStatesparties,wereinarrearswiththeirreports.TheCommitteeagainconsidereditselfduty-boundtoexpressitsseriousconcernaboutthefactthatsomanyStatespartiesareindefaultoftheirobligationsundertheCovenant.ThisstateofaffairsseriouslyimpedestheCommittee'sabilitytomonitortheimplementationoftheCovenant,anditthereforedecidedtolistinthecoreofitsannualreporttotheGeneralAssembly,asithadalreadydoneinitspreviousannualreport,theStatespartiesthathavemorethanonereportoverdue.TheCommitteewishestoreiteratethattheseStatesareinseriousdefaultoftheirobligationsunderarticle40oftheCovenant.*hi d,d ,td ,ttd ,td",t+  'jj'Stateparty j> Typeofreport j> Datedue j> Yearsoverdue j>j Numberofreminderssent '>j'Gabon >> InitialSecondThird >> 20April198420April198920April1994 >> 11 >>j 2312̀3 '>j'SyrianArabRepublic >> SecondThird >> 18August198418August1989 >> 11 >>j 2312 '>j'Gambia >> SecondThird >> 21June198521June1990 >> 10 >>j 2110 '>j'Lebanon >> SecondThirdFourth >> 21March198621March198821March1993 >> Ѐ9 >>j 2015̀3 '>j'Suriname >> SecondThird >> 2August19852August1990 >> 10 >>j 2010 '>j'Kenya >> SecondThird >> 11April198611April1991 >> Ѐ9 >>j 19̀9 '>j'Mali >> SecondThird >> 11April198611April1991 >> Ѐ9 >>j 19̀9 '>j'Jamaica >> SecondThird >> Ѐ1August1986̀1August1991 >> Ѐ9 >>j 15̀8 '>j'Guyana >> SecondThird >> 10April198710April1992 >> Ѐ8 >>j 17̀7 '>jt'DemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea >> SecondThird >> 13December198713December1992 >> Ѐ8 >>j 15̀5 '>j'EquatorialGuinea >> InitialSecond >> 24December198824December1993 >> Ѐ7 >>j 13̀3 '>j'CentralAfricanRepublic >> SecondThird >> Ѐ9April1989̀7August1992 >> Ѐ6 >>j 12̀6 '>j'Congo >> SecondThird >> Ѐ4January1990̀4January1995 >> Ѐ5 >>j 11̀1 '>j'TrinidadandTobago >> ThirdFourth >> 20March199020March1995 >> Ѐ5 >>j 11̀1 '>j'SaintVincentandtheGrenadines >> SecondThird >> 31October1991̀8February1993 >> Ѐ4 >>j Ѐ8̀5 '>j'Panama >> ThirdFourth >> 31March1992̀6June1993 >> Ѐ3 >>j Ѐ7̀4 '>j'Madagascar >> ThirdFourth >> 31July1992̀3August1993 >> Ѐ3 >>j Ѐ6̀4 '>jC'Angola >> Special >> 31January1994 >> Ѐ1 >>j Ѐ2 %>jjs%Rwanda >>j Special >>j 31January1995 >>j Ѐ >>jj Ѐ1+, .,  . VI.CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIES, .,  . UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT59., .,Atits1314thmeeting(fiftiethsession),theCommitteedecidedtodiscontinueitspracticeofincludinginitsannualreportsummariesoftheconsiderationofthereportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40oftheCovenant.Inaccordancewiththatdecision,theannualreportshallcontain,interalia,thefinalcommentsadoptedbytheCommitteeattheendoftheconsiderationofStatesparties'reports.Accordingly,thefollowingparagraphs,arrangedonacountrybycountrybasisinthesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofthereports,containedthefinalcommentsadoptedbytheCommitteewithrespecttotheStatesparties'reportsconsideredatitsforty-ninth,fiftiethandfifty-firstsessions.@ .*A.Nepal60., .,TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNepal(CCPR/C/74/Add.2)atits1359thand1363rdmeetings,on17and19October1994,andadopted10thefollowingfinalcomments:@ .1.Introduction61., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreport(CCPR/C/74/Add.2)andthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.42)ofNepalandexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyfortheopeningofaconstructivedialogue.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thattheinformationprovidedinthereportwasinmanyrespectsincompleteanddidnotfollowtheCommittee'sguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofinitialreports(CCPR/C/5/Rev.1).ThelackofinformationonfactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheCovenantpreventedtheCommitteefromgainingaclearideaoftherealhumanrightssituationinthecountry.62., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyfortakingpartinthedialogueandforrespondingtothequestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommittee.Thevaluableinformationprovidedorallysupplementedtoacertainextentthereport,therebyprovidingasoundbasisforafrankandfruitfuldialoguebetweentheCommitteeandtheStateparty.It,however,regretsthatthedelegationcouldnotincluderepresentativesofthevariousministriesconcernedwiththeimplementationoftheCovenant,inparticularoftheMinistryofJustice., .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant63., .,TheCommitteerecognizesthatNepalisemergingfromalongperiodofisolation,andthattheremnantsofauthoritarianrulehavenotyetbeenovercome.Stepsremaintobetakeninengaging,consolidatinganddevelopingdemocraticinstitutionsforbetterimplementationoftheCovenant.Economicdepression,extremepovertyandwidespreadilliteracyconstituteobstaclestotheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant.&  @ .3.Positiveaspects64., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartytoestablishdemocraticinstitutionsandmultipartismaswellasitsdeclaredcommitmenttotheruleoflawandtheindependenceofthejudiciary.Ittakes'  note,inparticular,oftheadoptionofanewConstitutionthatprovidesthebasisforaparliamentarysystemofgovernmentbasedonmulti-partydemocracyaswellasforanindependentSupremeCourt.TherightofcitizenstopetitiontheSupremeCourttochallengelawswhichviolatehumanrightsandtheuseofthisrightisparticularlywelcomed.TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthatNepalhasrecentlyaccededtoanumberofinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheFirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern65., .,TheCommitteenotesthatthestatusoftheCovenantwithinthelegalsystemisunclearandthatthenecessarystepstoadoptlegislativeandothermeasurestogiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedintheCovenanthavenotyetbeentaken.Furthermore,asignificantgapexistsbetweenprovisionsoftheConstitutionandotherlegalnorms,ontheonehand,andtheirapplicationinpractice,ontheother.Accordingly,thereisaneedtodefineclearlytheplaceoftheCovenantwithintheNepaleselegalsystemtoensurethatdomesticlawsareappliedinconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandthatthelattercanbeinvokedbeforethecourtsandappliedbytheotherauthoritiesconcerned.ThelackofpublicitygiventotheprovisionsoftheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocolisalsoamatterofconcern.SinceprovisionsoftheConstitutionseemtoproviderightsandfreedomstocitizensonly,theCommitteedrawstheStateparty'sattentiontoitsobligationstoensuretoallindividualswithinitsjurisdictiontherightsandfreedomsrecognizedintheCovenant.66., .,TheCommitteenotesthatthenon-discriminationclausesinarticle11oftheConstitutiondonotcoverallthegroundsprovidedforinarticles2and26oftheCovenant.Itisparticularlydisturbedbythefactthattheprincipleofnon-discriminationandequalityofrightssuffersseriousviolationsinpracticeanddeploresinadequaciesintheimplementationoftheprohibitionofthesystemofcastes.Thepersistenceofpracticesofdebtbondage,traffickinginwomen,childlabour,andimprisonmentonthegroundofinabilitytofulfilacontractualliabilityconstituteclearviolationsofseveralprovisionsoftheCovenant.67., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthesituationofwomenwho,despitesomeadvances,continuetobedejureordefactotheobjectofdiscriminationasregardsmarriage,inheritance,transmissionofcitizenshiptochildren,divorce,education,protectionagainstviolence,criminaljusticeandwages.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheaveragelifeexpectancyofwomenisshorterthanthatofmen.Itregretsthehighproportionofwomenprisonerssentencedforoffencesresultingfromunwantedpregnancies.68., .,TheCommitteedeploresthelackofclarityofthelegalprovisionsgoverningtheintroductionandadministrationofastateofemergency,particularlyarticle115oftheConstitution,whichwouldpermitderogationscontraveningtheStateparty'sobligationsunderarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.69., .,TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedaboutthecasesofsummaryandarbitraryexecutions,enforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances,tortureandarbitraryorunlawfuldetentioncommittedbymembersofthearmy,securityorotherforcesduringtheperiodunderreviewthathavebeenbroughttoitsattention.Itdeploresthatthoseviolationswerenotfollowedbyproperinquiriesorinvestigations,thattheperpetratorsofsuchactswereneitherbroughttojusticenorpunishedandthatthevictimsortheirfamilieswerenotcompensated.Itregretsthatthedraftlawsagainsttortureandill-treatmentofthepersonandonthecompensationofvictimsoftorturehavenotyetbeenadopted.Moreover,thequasijudicialauthorityoftheChiefDistrictOfficerandtheinsufficientprotectionoftheindependenceofthejudiciaryunderminetheeffortsaimedatpreventingtherecurrenceofsuchacts.70., .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheexcessiverestrictionsontherighttofreedomofexpressionandinformationandtherestrictionsthatapplytothemanifestationofreligionandtochangeofreligion.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations71., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelegislativereformspresentlyunderwayinNepalbeexpandedandintensifiedinordertoensurethatallrelevantlegislationisinconformitywiththeCovenant.ItemphasizestheneedfortheprovisionsoftheCovenanttobefullyincorporatedintodomesticlawandmadeenforceablebydomesticcourts.ThenecessarystepsshouldbetakentogiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedintheCovenant.ThetextoftheCovenantandtheFirstOptionalProtocolshouldbetranslatedintoalllanguagesspokeninNepal,widelypublicizedandincludedinschoolcurricula,toensurethattheprovisionsoftheseinstrumentsarewidelyknowntomembersofthelegalprofession,thejudiciaryandlawenforcementofficials,aswellastothegeneralpublic.Thelegalprofessionandnongovernmentalorganizationsshouldbeencouragedtocontributetotheprocessofreform.72., .,TheCommitteestressestheneedtotakeappropriateactioninordertoensuretheeffectiveapplicationofarticles2and3oftheCovenant,particularlythroughtheadoptionofadministrativeandeducationalmeasuresdesignedtoeliminatetraditionalpracticesandcustomsdetrimentaltothewell-beingandstatusofwomenandvulnerablegroupsofNepalesesociety.73., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriateinformationbegatheredandeducationalmeasuresbetakentoeradicatepracticesofdebtbondage,traffickinginwomenandchildlabour.Prisonreformsnowenvisagedshouldbeaccelerated.74., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiesadoptlegislationtobringitsdomesticlegalregimeintoharmonywithitsobligationsunderarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.75., .,TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmentofNepaltotakeallnecessarymeasurestopreventextrajudicialandsummaryexecutions,enforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances,tortureanddegradingtreatmentandillegalorarbitrarydetention.TheCommitteerecommendsthatallsuchcasesbesystematicallyinvestigatedinordertobringthosesuspectedofhavingcommittedsuchactsbeforethecourtsandthatthevictimsbecompensated.76., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatNepalstudymeasuresdirectedtowardstheabolitionofthedeathpenalty,andgiveconsiderationtoaccessiontotheSecondOptionalProtocol.77., .,TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthenecessarymeasuresbetakenbytheGovernmenttogiveeffecttotheseparationofexecutiveandjudicialfunctionsandtoensurethefullindependenceandproperfunctioningofthejudiciary.Thetextsofthedraftlawsagainsttortureandill-treatmentofthepersonaswellasoncompensationofvictimsoftortureshouldbebroughtintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandadoptedassoonaspossible.Specificallytargetedtrainingcoursesonhumanrightsforlawenforcementofficials,membersofthejudiciaryandmembersofthepoliceandsecurityforcesshouldbeorganized.78., .,TheCommitteecallsupontheStatepartytoprepareitssecondperiodicreportincompliancewiththeCommittee'sguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofStatepartyreports(CCPR/20/Rev.1).Thereportshould,inparticular,includedetailedinformationonthespecificlawsapplicabletoeachrightprotectedundertheCovenantandtheextenttowhicheachrightisenjoyedinpractice,andrefertospecificfactorsanddifficultiesthatmightimpedeitsapplication.Inundertakingthisobligation,theStatepartymayavailitselfoftheAdvisoryServicesandTechnicalAssistanceProgrammesoftheCentreforHumanRights.@ .B.Tunisia79., .,TheCommitteeconsideredthefourthperiodicreportofTunisia(CCPR/C/84/Add.1)atits1360thto1362ndmeetings,on18and19October1994,andadopted10thefollowingcomments:@ .1.Introduction80., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthetimelysubmissionofthefourthperiodicreportofTunisiaandappreciatesthepromptnesswithwhichtheStatepartycontinuestomeetitsreportingobligationsundertheCovenant.ThereportcontainsusefulanddetailedinformationonmeasurestakenbytheGovernment,particularlywithregardtolegislativereformandinstitutionaldevelopmentsaffectingtheapplicationoftheCovenant.However,theCommitteenotesthatthereportdoesnotcontainsufficientinformationonfactorsanddifficultiesencounteredintheimplementationoftheCovenant.81., .,TheCommitteealsowelcomesthepresence,duringtheexaminationofthereport,ofahigh-levelandcompetentdelegationofexpertsknowledgeableintheimplementationoftheCovenantinTunisia.ThedelegationprovidedmuchusefulandupdatedinformationwhichfacilitatedaconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty., .,  . 2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant82., .,TheCommitteeisawarethatTunisiaisinaperiodofeconomic,politicalandsocialtransitionandthatithastofacethechallengeofextremistmovements.&  @ .3.Positiveaspects83., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheattempttobuildacomprehensiveconstitutionalandlegalframeworkforthepromotionandprotectionofhuman'  rights.TheCommitteewelcomesrecentprogressinenhancingandstrengtheningthatframework,notablytheestablishmentofanumberofhumanrightsposts,officesandunitswithintheexecutivebranchwithaviewtoensuringgreaterconformityofTunisianlawandpracticewiththeCovenantandotherinternationalhumanrightsinstruments.84., .,TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionrecentlegislativereformsaimedatbringingTunisianlawintocloserharmonywiththerequirementsoftheCovenant.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewelcomeschangesinthePenalCode,whichhavereducedthedurationofpreventivedetentionandstrengthenedsanctionsincasesoffamilyviolencedirectedagainstwomen.TheCommitteealsowelcomesrecentreformsinthePersonalStatusCodeandotherlawsaimingtoguaranteeandreinforcetheequalrightsofwomeninanumberofareas,includingdivorce,custodyandmaintenance,andtostrengthentheprotectionofwomenagainstviolence.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern85., .,TheCommitteecannotconcealitsdisappointmentwiththedeteriorationintheprotectionofhumanrightsinTunisiaintheperiodunderreview.Itisconcerned,inparticular,aboutthegrowinggapbetweenlawandactualpracticewithregardtoguaranteesandsafeguardsfortheprotectionofhumanrights.AlthoughthereisnowinplaceanimpressivearrayofStateorgansforthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrightsatvariouslevels,theCommitteenotesthattheyhavebeenconcentratedexclusivelywithintheexecutivebranchoftheGovernment.Consequently,itisnotclearwhethertherearesufficientlyindependentmechanismswithinthepublicadministrationandthejudiciarytoeffectivelymonitorandenforcetheimplementationofexistinghumanrightsstandards,includingtheinvestigationofabuses.86., .,TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedaboutcontinuingreportsoftheabuse,illtreatmentandtortureofdetainees,includingdeathsincustodyundersuspiciouscircumstances.Inthisconnection,itappearsthatTunisianregulationsarenotstrictlyadheredtowithrespecttothepromptregistrationofpersonsarrested,theimmediatenotificationoffamilymembers,thelimitationofpretrialdetentiontothe10daymaximum,therequirementofmedicalexaminationswheneverallegationsoftortureorotherabusearemadeandthecarryingoutofautopsiesinallcasesofdeathincustody.Itisalsonotclearwhethertheseandotherrequirementsarebeingsystematicallymonitoredorwhetherinvestigationsareautomaticallyundertakeninallcaseswherethereareeitherallegationsorsuspiciouscircumstancesindicatingthattorturemayhavetakenplace.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatpresentlawsareoverlyprotectiveofgovernmentofficials,particularlythoseconcernedwithsecuritymatters;itisparticularlyconcernedthatthosegovernmentofficialswhohavebeenfoundguiltyofwrong-doingremainanonymoustothegeneralpublic,becomingimmunefromeffectivescrutiny.87., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheindependenceofthejudiciary.Itisalsoconcernedbythereportsonharassmentoflawyerswhohaverepresentedclientsaccusedofhavingcommittedpoliticaloffencesandofthewivesandfamiliesofsuspects.Withrespecttoarticle6oftheCovenant,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelargenumberofcrimesinTunisiaforwhichthedeathpenaltymaybeimposed.88., .,TheCommitteeregretsthat,despitethesignificantprogressthathasbeenachievedregardingtheequalrightsofwomen,thereremainanumberofoutdatedlegalprovisionsthatarecontrarytotheCovenant.Thoseprovisionsconcernthestatusofmarriedwomenandtheirequalrightsinmattersofchildcustody,thetransmissionofnationalityandparentalconsentforthemarriageofminorchildren.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutlegaldiscriminationagainstnon-Muslimswithrespecttoeligibilityforpublicoffice.89., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatdissentandcriticismoftheGovernmentarenotfullytoleratedinTunisiaandthat,asaresult,anumberoffundamentalfreedomsguaranteedbytheCovenantarenotfullyenjoyedinpractice.Inparticular,itregretsthebanonthepublicationofcertainforeignnewspapers.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthosesectionsofthePressCodedealingwithdefamation,insultandfalseinformationundulylimittheexerciseoffreedomofopinionandexpressionasprovidedforunderarticle19oftheCovenant.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthoseoffencescarryparticularlyseverepenaltieswhencriticismisdirectedagainstofficialbodiesaswellasthearmyortheadministration,asituationwhichinevitablyresultsinselfcensorshipbythemediawhenreportingonpublicaffairs.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthatitisnotclearhowproceduresensureindependentreviewonthemerits,includingjudicialappeal,incaseswherethoseprovisionsofthePressCodehavebeeninvoked.90., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheAssociationsActmayseriouslyunderminetheenjoymentofthefreedomofassociationunderarticle22,particularlywithrespecttotheindependenceofhumanrightsnon-governmentalorganizations.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotesthattheActhasalreadyhadanadverseimpactontheTunisianLeagueforHumanRights.TheCommitteebelievesthatthePoliticalPartiesActandtheconditionsimposedontheactivitiesofpoliticalpartiesarenotinconformitywitharticles22and25oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthat,underthePassportAct,thegroundsforrefusingapassportarenotclearlyspecifiedbylawinawaythatcomplieswitharticle12oftheCovenant,leavingopenthepossibilityofrefusalonpoliticalorotherunacceptablegrounds.91., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,whilegenerallythereisawellprotectedfreedomtopractiseandmanifestone'sreligion,thisrightisnotmadeavailableinrespectofallbeliefs.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations92., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatstepsbetakentostrengthentheindependenceofhumanrightsinstitutionsinTunisiaandtherebyclosethegapbetweenlawandpracticeandenhancetheconfidenceofthepublicinthoseinstitutions.TheCommitteeemphasizesthattheworkofthe"mdiateuradministratif",thePresidentialHumanRightsCommissionerandanycommissioninvestigatingreportsofhumanrightsabusesshouldbetransparentandtheresultsshouldbemadepublic.TheCommitteenotesthatabetterbalanceisneededbetweenStateandprivateinstitutionsconcernedwithhumanrightsand,inthatconnection,suggeststhatstepsbetakentoprovidemoreencouragementtohumanrightsnongovernmentalorganizationsinTunisia.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatstepsbetakentostrengthentheindependenceofthejudiciary,particularlyfromtheexecutivebranch.93., .,TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingoraccedingtotheFirstOptionalProtocoltotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights.AcceptanceoftheFirstOptionalProtocolwouldstrengthenthecapacityoftheGovernmentwithrespecttoinquiriesintoallegationsofhumanrightsabusesandalsoinregardtofurtherelaboratingjurisprudencerelatingtohumanrightsmatters.94., .,Withrespecttoreportsoftortureandabuseofdetainees,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsclosermonitoringofthearrestanddetentionprocess;systematic,promptandopeninvestigationintoallegations;prosecutionandpunishmentofoffenders;andtheprovisionoflegalremediesforvictims.Thereshouldbestrictenforcementofregistrationprocedures,includingpromptnotificationoffamilymembersofpersonstakenintocustody,andthe10-daylimittopreventivedetention.Stepsshouldalsobetakentoensurethatmedicalexaminationsareautomaticallyprovidedfollowingallegationsofabuseandthatthoroughautopsiesareperformedfollowinganydeathincustody.Inallcaseswhereinvestigationsareundertaken,thefindingsshouldbemadepublic.95., .,TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakestepstoreducethenumberofcrimesforwhichthedeathpenaltymaybeimposedandenvisageaccedingtotheSecondOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.96., .,Withrespecttodiscrimination,theCommitteerecommendsthatafurtherreviewofrelevantlegislationbeundertakenwithaviewtoamendingthelawwherenecessaryinordertobringitintoconformitywiththerequirementsoftheCovenant.Suchareviewshouldfocusontheequalrightsofwomen,particularlyinregardtotheirparentalandcustodialrightsandthetransmissionofnationality,aswellasonexistinglegalimpedimentstotheequalparticipationofnonMuslimsinpresidentialelections.97., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoensuretheexerciseoffreedomofopinionandexpressioninaccordancewitharticle19oftheCovenant.Inparticular,thereshouldbeareviewand,whereappropriate,amendmentofthoseprovisionsofthePressCodewhichundulyprotectgovernmentpolicyandofficialsfromcriticism.Provisionshouldalsobemadeforindependentjudicialreviewofallsanctionsimposedundertherelevantact.98., .,TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatareviewbeundertakenoftheAssociationsAct,thePassportActandthePoliticalPartiesActtoensurethattheyareinfullconformitywiththerequirementsoftheCovenant.Withrespecttofreedomofreligion,theCommitteerecommendsthattherebecloseandindependentmonitoringoftheexerciseofthatrightbyallgroupsinTunisia.TheCommitteeemphasizesthatitsgeneralcommentonarticle18shouldbereflectedingovernmentpolicyandpractice.@ .C.Morocco99., .,TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportofMorocco(CCPR/C/76/Add.3andAdd.4)atits1364thto1366thmeetings,on20and21October1994,andadopted11thefollowingcomments:&  @ .1.Introduction100., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheopportunitytoresumeitsdialoguewiththe'  StatepartyandthankstheGovernmentforitsreport(CCPR/C/76/Add.3andAdd.4)andcoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.23).TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatalthoughthereportcontaineddetailedinformationonlawsandregulationsgivingeffecttotheCovenant,itdidnotincludesufficientinformationabouttheimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeoraboutfactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheapplicationoftheCovenant.101., .,Thedelegationprovidedvaluableadditionalinformationonanumberofissuesnotcoveredinthereport,whichenabledtheCommitteetoobtainabetterunderstandingofthehumanrightssituationinMorocco.ThisenhancedthedialoguebetweenthedelegationandtheCommittee., .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant102., .,TheCommitteerecognizesthattheStatepartyhasembarkedonawide-rangingprocessofamendingitsdomesticlegislationtobringitintolinewiththeCovenant.TheprocesshasnotyetbeencompletedandstepsremaintobetakentoharmonizetheConstitutionwiththeCovenantanddevelopdemocraticinstitutionsandhumanrightsmachineryforbetterimplementationoftheCovenant.TheremnantsofcertaintraditionsandcustomsconstituteanobstacletotheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant,particularlywithregardtoequalitybetweenmenandwomen.@ .3.Positiveaspects103., .,TheCommitteerecognizesthattheattitudeoftheGovernmenthasrecentlychangedtowardsagreateropennessinitshandlingofhumanrightsissues,includingitsreportingobligationsundertheCovenant.Inthelatterregard,somefrankoralanswersgivenduringtheconsiderationofthereporttoquestionsraisedbymembersregardingissuessuchasdisappearances,theexistenceoftheTazmamartdetentioncentre,thewhereaboutsofpersonspreviouslydetainedthereinandthefateoftheOufkirfamilywereappreciated.104., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthenumerousmeasurestakenduringtheperiodunderreviewtoimprovedemocracyandinstitutealegalenvironmentmorefavourabletothepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthepromulgationin1992ofanamendedConstitutionandtheamnestyofanumberofpoliticalprisoners.Compensationisbeingpaidtocertainpersonsillegallydetained.TheCommitteewasalsogladtolearnofthecommutationofdeathsentencestolifeimprisonmentsentences,theestablishmentoftheConstitutionalCouncilandtheEconomicandSocialCouncil,theholdingon27September1993ofparliamentaryelectionsandtheholdingofanationalsymposiumonproblemsaffectingthenews,informationandcommunicationservicestorecommendmodificationsinthelegislationto,interalia,bringitintolinewithinternationalhumanrightsstandards,whichconstitutestepstoconsolidatetheruleoflaw.SomeprogresshasbeenmadeinthepromotionofthestatusofwomenandwomenhavebeenelectedtoParliamentforthefirsttime.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheinformationthatmeasureshavebeentakentoteachtheCovenantandotherinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentstomembersofthejudiciaryandthepolice.Thefreedomnowgiventonon-governmentalorganizationstobeactiveinthecountryisalsoamatterofappreciation.̇&  @ .t4.Mainsubjectsofconcern105., .,TheCommitteenotesthattheConstitutiondoesnotcontainspecificprovisionsastotherelationshipbetweeninternationaltreatiesanddomestic'  law.Accordingly,thereisaneedtodefinebettertheplaceoftheCovenantwithintheMoroccanlegalsystemtoensurethatdomesticlawisappliedinconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.106., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutMorocco'srolewithregardtothepersistentproblemsregardingself-determinationinWesternSahara.107., .,TheCommitteeregretsthat,althoughsomeimprovementhasbeenachievedasregardsthestatusofwomen,theStatepartyhasnotyetembarkedonallthenecessaryreformstocombatthedifficultiesstillimpedingequalitybetweenmenandwomen.TheConstitutionprovidesforequalityonlyintheareaofpoliticalrights,andthesituationofwomeninbothpublicandprivatelawcontinuestobedejureordefactotheobjectofdiscriminationasregardstherighttoleavethecountry,freedomtopursuecommercialactivities,personalstatus,marriage,divorce,inheritancerights,transmissionofnationality,education,accesstoworkandparticipationintheconductofpublicaffairs.108., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthecategoriesofcrimespunishablebythedeathpenaltyincludecrimesinrespectofwhich,byreferencetoarticle6oftheCovenant,thedeathpenaltyshouldnotbeimposed.109., .,Despitetheamnestyofpoliticalprisonersandthedestructionofcertainunregisteredplacesofdetention,theCommitteecontinuestodeplorethatalargenumberofcasesofsummaryandarbitraryexecutions,enforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances,tortureandarbitraryorunlawfuldetentioncommittedbymembersofthearmy,includingcasesconcerningpersonspreviouslydetainedinTazmamart,havenotyetbeeninvestigated.Furthermore,theperpetratorsofsuchactswereneitherbroughttojusticenorpunished.TheCommitteedeploresthatmeasuresofclemencyadoptedduringtheperiodunderreviewweregenerallynotextendedtoWesternSahara.110., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatguaranteescontainedinarticles9,10and14oftheCovenantarenotcompliedwith.Despitesomeeffortstobuildnewprisons,theCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutconditionsofdetention,particularlyovercrowdingofprisons,whichfrequentlyleadtomalnutrition,diseasesanddeathsofdetainees.Concernisalsoexpressedaboutthelongperiodofdetentionwithoutchargeunderarticle154oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,whichappearstobeincompatiblewitharticle9oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheobstaclestotheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.111., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthefullimplementationoftherighttofreedomofmovement,includinginparticulartherestrictionsstillimposedonmembersoftheOufkirfamily.112., .,TheCommitteenoteswithregrettheshortcomingsintheobservanceofarticle18oftheCovenant,inparticulartherestrictionsaffectingtheBaha'irighttoprofessandpractisetheirbeliefandlimitationsoninter-religiousmarriage.Concernisalsoexpressedattheimpedimentplaceduponthefreedomtochangeone'sreligion.113., .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernabouttheextentofthelimitationsonthefreedomofexpression,assemblyandassociationundertheDahirof1973andespeciallylimitationsontherighttocriticizetheGovernment.Governmentalcontrolofthemediaaswellastheimprisonmentofsomejournalistsforhavingexpressedcriticismsgiverisetoseriousconcern.114., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheelectoralsystem,underwhichtwothirdsofmembersoftheHouseofRepresentativesareelectedbydirectuniversalsuffrageandonethirdbyanelectoralcollege,mayraiseissuesastotherequirements,underarticle25(b)oftheCovenant,thatelectionsbeheldby"universalandequalsuffrage".ThewidescopeofexecutivepowerinthehandsoftheKinghasimplicationsfortheeffectiveindependenceofthejudiciaryandthedemocraticprocessesofParliament.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations115., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsolidatetheprocessofconstitutionalrevisioninordertoensurethatalltherequirementsoftheCovenantarereflectedintheConstitution,therebybringingtheConstitutionintotruecompliancewiththeCovenantandensuringthatthelimitationsimposedontheexerciseofrightsandfreedomsundernationallegislationdonotgobeyondthosepermittedundertheCovenant.116., .,TheCommitteehopesthattheGovernmentofMoroccowillgiveseriousconsiderationtobecomingapartytotheFirstOptionalProtocol.117., .,TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatMoroccostudymeasurestolimitthecategoriesofcrimespunishablebythedeathpenaltytothemostseriousoffences,withaviewtoitseventualabolition.118., .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedfortheGovernmenttopreventandeliminatediscriminatoryattitudesandprejudicestowardswomenandtorevisedomesticlegislationtobringitintoconformitywitharticles2,3and23oftheCovenant,takingintoaccounttherecommendationscontainedintheCommittee'sgeneralcommentsNos.4,18and19.Itrecallsinthatregardthat,althoughseveralreservationsweremadebyMoroccoinaccedingtotheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,Moroccoremainsboundtothefullestextentbytheprovisionsofarticles2,3,23and26oftheCovenant.119., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheMoroccanauthoritiesensurethatsummaryandarbitraryexecutions,enforcedorinvoluntarydisappearances,torture,ill-treatmentandillegalorsecretdetentiondonotoccurandthatanysuchcasesbeinvestigatedinordertobringbeforethecourtsthosesuspectedofhavingcommittedorparticipatedinsuchcrimes,topunishthemiffoundguilty,andtoprovidecompensationtovictims.TheCommitteeexpressesthewishthatanymeasuresofclemencybegrantedonanon-discriminatorybasisinconformitywitharticles2and26oftheCovenant.Italsorecommendsthatmeasuresofadministrativedetentionandincommunicadodetentionberestrictedtoverylimitedandexceptionalcases,andthattheguaranteesconcerningpre-trialdetentionprovidedforinarticle9,paragraph3,oftheCovenantbefullyimplemented.Furthermeasuresshouldalsobetakentoimprovedetentionconditionsand,particularly,toensurethattheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonersarecompliedwithandtherelevantregulationsanddirectivesknownandaccessibletoprisoners.Proposedmeasurestostrengthenthepresumptionofinnocenceshouldbeimplementedassoonaspossible.̇120., .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedtotakefurthermeasurestoguaranteethefreedomofreligionandtoeliminatediscriminationonreligiousgrounds.ItsuggestsinthisconnectionthattheStatepartytakeintoaccounttherecommendationscontainedinthegeneralcommentonarticle18oftheCovenant.121., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatrestrictionsimposedontherightstofreedomofexpression,assemblyandassociationundertheDahirof1973bemodifiedandbroughtintolinewiththosepermittedundertheCovenanttoensuretheirapplicationinconformitywiththeCovenantonanon-arbitrarybasis.122., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiesensurethatthethirdperiodicreportofMoroccoandthecommentsoftheCommitteearedisseminatedaswidelyaspossibleinordertoencouragetheinvolvementofallsectorsconcernedintheimprovementofhumanrights.@ .D.LibyanArabJamahiriya123., .,TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportoftheLibyanArabJamahiriya(CCPR/C/28/Add.16)atits1275th,1276th,1376thand1377thmeetings,on26October1993and28October1994,andadopted11thefollowingcomments:@ .1.Introduction124., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheopportunitytorenewitsdialoguewiththeStateparty,as15yearshaveelapsedbetweentheconsiderationoftheGovernment'sinitialreportandthesubmissionofitssecondperiodicreport.TheCommittee,however,regretsthisconsiderabledelay.Itregretsalsothatthereportingguidelineshavenotbeenmet.ThereportdoesnotgivesufficientinformationabouttherestrictionsorlimitationsimposedonrightsoraboutfactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheenjoymentofrightsandtheimplementationoftheCovenantintheLibyanArabJamahiriya.Inaddition,thereportlacksinformationaboutabusesaffectinghumanrightsinthecountrythathavebeenacknowledgedevenbytheheadofState;andalsoaboutadministrativeandothermeasuresadoptedtogiveeffecttotherightsprovidedforintheCovenant.125., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheadditionalwritteninformationprovidedbytheLibyanauthoritiestoreplytothequestionsraisedbythemembersoftheCommitteeduringthefirstpartoftheconsiderationofthereportinOctober1993,whileregrettingthatthelatesubmissionofthatinformationdidnotmakeitpossibletohavethedocumentavailableinalltheworkinglanguagesoftheCommittee.TheCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionoftheeffortsmadebytheLibyanGovernmenttoreplytoitsquestionsandtoclarifycertainissues,bothinwritingandorallythroughtheGovernment'srepresentatives.ThoseeffortsclearlyindicatethewillingnessoftheGovernmenttocontinuethedialoguewiththeCommittee.&  , .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant126., .,AmongthefactorsaffectingtheimplementationoftheCovenant,the'  Committeenoteseconomicdifficultiesandtheexistenceofextremistmovements.TheCommitteealsonotesthattheembargoonairtravel,imposedbytheSecurityCouncilontheLibyanArabJamahiriyasinceApril1992,isconsideredbytheLibyanGovernmentasadifficultyaffectingtheimplementationofcertainprovisionsoftheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects127., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheCovenantispartofthedomesticlawoftheLibyanArabJamahiriyaandthatcertainaspectsoftheCovenanthavebeenincludedintheGreatGreenCharterofHumanRightsoftheJamahiriyanEra(1988),inthePromotionofFreedomActof1991andinthedraftConstitution.ItwelcomesthefactthattheCovenanthasbeenpublishedintheOfficialBulletinandpublicizedinthemedia,whilenotingthattheinformationprovidedtotheCommitteewasnotsufficienttoclarifythepreciseapplicationoftheCovenantprovisionsorthepracticalstepsopentopeopletoenforcerightsortoobtainremediesincaseofviolation.128., .,TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthemeasurestakenintheLibyanArabJamahiriyatoovercomediscriminatoryattitudestowardswomenandtheinitiativesintroducedinthecountrytoadvancewomen'srights,toensuretheirgreaterinvolvementinpubliclifeandtoimprovewomen'sequalityinemploymentandinmarriage.129., .,TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheinformationinthereportaboutthereleaseofcertainpoliticalandotherprisoners,thedemolitionofcertainprisons,thecancellationofthelistsofpersonsbannedfromtravellingandtheproposedabolitionofthespecialcourts.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern130., .,TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedthatalthoughthereportmentionstheobjectiveofeliminatingthedeathpenalty,alargenumberofoffencesremainpunishablebythedeathpenaltyintheLibyanArabJamahiriya,includingeconomiccrimesandothercrimesthatappeartogobeyondthelimitationsofarticle6(2)oftheCovenant.TheCommitteedeploresthatthereappearstobehavebeenanincreaseinthenumberofexecutionsinthelastyear.131., .,TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedatinformationithasreceivedfromUnitedNationsandotherreliablesourcesconcerningsummaryorextrajudicialexecutionandtortureperpetratedbytheLibyansecurityforces.Itdeplorestheintroductionofcruelpunishmentssuchasfloggingandamputation.Thepracticeofarbitraryarrestanddetention,thedetentionofpersonssentencedafterunfairtrialsandthelengthofpre-trialdetentionarealsomattersofseriousconcern.TheCommitteeregretsthelackofinformationaboutcertainidentifiedpeoplewhoaresaidtobeheldinincommunicadodetentionwithouttrialforlengthyperiodsandaboutpersonswhoopposetheGovernmentandaresaidtohavedisappeared.132., .,TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatcertainrestrictionsimposedintheLibyanArabJamahiriyaonthefreedomofopinionandexpression,therightofassemblyandtherighttofreedomofassociation,whicharenotinconformitywitharticles19,21and22oftheCovenant.Theserestrictionsalsoundulylimittherightstoparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairs,includingtheopportunitytocriticizeandtoopposetheGovernment.133., .,LackofinformationmakesitdifficultfortheCommitteetoassesstheeffectivenessinpracticeofsafeguardsprotectingtherightsofdetaineesandofthosechargedwithcriminaloffences.ThelackofindependenceofthelegalprofessionanddoubtsabouttheopennessandfairnessoftrialproceduresremainconcernsoftheCommittee.134., .,InregardtowomentheCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheirlackofequalityincertainareasoflawsuchasinheritancerightsandnationality.Italsoregretsthelackofspecificinformationconcerningtheequalityofwomen.135., .,Anotherareaofconcernisthatoffreedomofreligion.Theseverepunishmentsforheresy(whicharesaidnottohavebeenused)andtherestrictionsontherighttochangereligionappeartobeinconsistentwitharticle18oftheCovenant.Thelackofprovisionforconscientiousobjectiontomilitaryserviceisanotherconcern.136., .,AgeneralconcernoftheCommitteeisthatinregardtomanyoftherightsundertheCovenantthebasiclawallowsforbroadlydefinedexceptionstotheserightsandnoinformationhasbeenprovidedastothewayinwhichthoseexceptionshavebeenincorporatedinspecificlawsorastowhethertheirapplicationisinconformitywiththeCovenant.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations137., .,TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakethenecessarystepstoadoptlegislativeorothermeasurestogiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedintheCovenant,asprovidedforbyarticle2,paragraph2,ofthelatter.TheCommitteeemphasizesthattheserightsrepresentminimumstandardsofuniversalapplication.ThiswillrequireadetailedexaminationofspecificlawsandpracticestoensurethattheyarefullyconsistentwiththeCovenantanddonotimposelimitationsonrightsotherthanthosepermittedbytheCovenant.138., .,NotingthestatementinthereportthattheobjectiveofJamahirisocietyistoabolishthedeathpenalty,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytomoveforwardwithitsplanstoabolishthedeathpenaltysothatitmayaccedetotheSecondOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.139., .,TheCommitteecallsupontheLibyanArabJamahiriyatoinvestigateallallegationsofsummaryorextrajudicialexecution,disappearances,tortureandincommunicadodetention,includingthosereferredtobytheCommittee,andtoensurethatthoseresponsibleforviolationsofarticles6,7and9oftheCovenantareprosecutedandthatappropriateremediesareprovidedtothevictims.ItshouldimplementeffectivemeasurestopreventfurtherviolationsofthoseprovisionsoftheCovenantandtoensurethattherightsofdetaineesarerespectedandthattherequirementsoffairtrialaremet.140., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslawsthatimposelimitationsonfreedomofopinion,expression,associationandassembly,toensurethattherestrictionsonthosefreedomsconformtothelimitspermittedunderarticles19,21and22oftheCovenant.141., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytocontinuewithitsprogrammetosecurefulllegalanddefactoequalityforwomeninallaspectsofsociety.Itshouldalsoensurethatitsobligationstorespectfreedomofreligioninaccordancewitharticle18oftheCovenantaremet.Inthisconnection,theCommitteedrawsattentiontoitsgeneralcommentonarticle18oftheCovenant.142., .,TheCommitteefinallyrecommendsthatmoredetailedinformationaboutspecificlawsandmoreconcreteandfactualinformationabouttheenjoymentofrightsbeprovidedbytheLibyanArabJamahiriyainitsnextperiodicreportsoastoenabletheCommitteetounderstandclearlytheprogressmadeintheimplementationoftheCovenantintheStateparty.143., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytodischarge,infuture,itsreportingobligationsunderarticle40oftheCovenantonamoretimelybasis.@ .bE.Argentina144., .,TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofArgentina(CCPR/C/75/Add.1)atits1389thto1391stmeetings,on21and22March1995,andadopted12thefollowingfinalcomments:@ .1.Introduction145., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthesecondperiodicreportsubmittedbytheStatepartyandviewswithsatisfactionthefrankandconstructivemannerinwhichthedialoguewiththeCommitteehasbeenconducted.ItwelcomesinparticularthecomprehensiveanswersprovidedbythehighleveldelegationrepresentingtheStateparty.Nonetheless,theCommitteeexpressesitsregretthatthereportdoesnotadequatelydealwiththefactorsanddifficultiesencounteredwithregardtotheactualimplementationoftheCovenant.TheCommitteenotesthatthisshortcomingwascompensatedinpartbytheoralupdateofthereport,aswellastheoralrepliesprovidedtothelistofissuesandotherquestionsraisedbytheCommitteeduringtheconsiderationoftheStateparty'sreport., .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant146., .,TheCommitteenotesthatthecompromisesmadebytheStatepartywithrespecttoitsauthoritarianpast,especiallytheLawofDueObedienceandLawofPuntoFinalandthepresidentialpardonoftopmilitarypersonnel,areinconsistentwiththerequirementsoftheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects147., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionArgentina'scontinuousprogressinitseffortstodemocratizeandtomatchitslevelofhumanrightsprotectionwithinternationalstandards.Althoughmuchworkremainstobedoneinthisarea,legislativedevelopmentssince1983indicatethatArgentinaiscommittedtotheprotectionofhumanrightsatthehighestlevels.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewelcomestheconstitutionalreformsofAugust1994,whichelevateseveralinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenantandtheFirstOptionalProtocol,abovenationallawsandgrantsthemconstitutionalstatus(arts.31and75(22)oftheConstitution).TheCommitteefurtherwelcomesthecreationofthepostof"DefenderofthePeople",whichwasestablishedinDecember1993underAct24,284.ThispostisresponsiblefortheprotectionoftherightsoftheArgentinepeopleagainstpossibleinfringementbythenationalauthorities.148., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheprogrammesestablishedfortheadvancementofwomen'sequalityandparticularlywelcomestherecognitiononthepartoftheStatepartyofviolenceagainstwomenasamatterofconcern.149., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheenactmentofAct24,043grantingcompensationtothosewhoweredetainedbyorderoftheExecutive.ItalsowelcomesAct24,411,whichgrantssomebenefitstorelativesofdisappearedpersons.150., .,TheCommitteewelcomestherevisionsmadetotheCodeofCriminalProcedure,thosewhichareunderwaytotheCodeofCivilProcedure,thereformoftheprisonsystemandtheestablishmentoftheOfficeoftheGovernmentProcuratorforthePrisonSystem.ItalsowelcomestheeffortsbytheStatepartytorehabilitateconvictedprisonersandconstructmorefacilitiestoalleviateprisoncrowding.151., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheeliminationintheconstitutionalreformsof1994ofthequalificationthatthePresidentoftheRepublicmustbeCatholic.152., .,TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthattheMinistriesoftheInteriorandofForeignAffairsareconductinghumanrightstrainingprogrammesforlawenforcementofficials,personnelengagedintheadministrationofjustice,andthegeneralpublic.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern153., .,TheCommitteereiteratesitsconcernthatAct23,521(LawofDueObedience)andAct23,492(LawofPuntoFinal)denyeffectiveremedytovictimsofhumanrightsviolations,inviolationofarticle2,paragraphs2and3,andarticle9,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatamnestiesandpardonshaveimpededinvestigationsintoallegationsofcrimescommittedbythearmedforcesandagentsofnationalsecurityservicesandhavebeenappliedevenincaseswherethereexistssignificantevidenceofsuchgrosshumanrightsviolationsasunlawfuldisappearancesanddetentionofpersons,includingchildren.TheCommitteeexpressesconcernthatpardonsandgeneralamnestiesmaypromoteanatmosphereofimpunityforperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolationsbelongingtothesecurityforces.Respectforhumanrightsmaybeweakenedbyimpunityforperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolations.154., .,Inthelatterconnection,theCommitteeregretsthatevidencepresentedtotheSenateagainstmembersofthearmedforces,provingthattheyhaveengagedinextrajudicialexecutions,forceddisappearances,torture,orotherviolationsofhumanrights,mayinsomecasespreventthepromotionofthoseaccusedbutdoesnotinitselfcausetheirdismissal.155., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthreatstomembersofthejudiciary,whichthroughintimidationseektocompromisetheindependenceofthejudiciaryassetforthinarticle14oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedaboutattacksagainstjournalistsandunionists,andthelackofprotectionaffordedtothem,whichrestrictstheenjoymentoftherightsofexpressionandassociationprovidedforinarticles19and22oftheCovenant.156., .,WhiletheCommitteewelcomesAct24,043andAct24,411,itregretsthattheydonotprovideforcompensationforvictimsoftorture.TheCommitteeexpressesconcernaboutcasesofexcessiveuseofforce,tortureandarbitraryorunlawfuldetentionscommittedbymembersofthepoliceandthearmedforceswhichhavebeenbroughttoitsattention.Itisconcernedthatthereisnoclearmechanismforinvestigatingcomplaintsofpoliceviolencethatensurestherewillbenoreprisalsagainstcomplainants,thatwhereprovincialadministrationsarelaxindealingwithallegationsofpoliceviolencethefederalauthoritiesdonotensurecompliancewiththeCovenant,andthattheperpetratorsofactsofpoliceviolencegenerallyarenotpunishedandthevictimsarenotcompensated.Itexpressesconcernaboutthedelayinresolvingthesituationofchildrenofdisappearedpersonsandisespeciallydisturbedatthefailureofthereporttoprovideanyinformationatallontherealsituationasitrelatestoarticle7oftheCovenant.157., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthePenalCodeappearstobedeficientincertainkeyareasthatapparentlyconflictwiththeprincipleofpresumptionofinnocence(art.14,para.2,oftheCovenant).Itisconcernedaboutthesystemofpre-trialdetention,whichitconsiderstobeoneoftheremainingvestigesofauthoritarianrule.TheCommitteealsoexpressesconcernthatpersonsmaybedetainedforaperiodlongerthanthemaximumpenaltyallowedbylawandregrets,inthisconnection,thatarticle317oftheConstitutiondoesnotordertheirrelease.TheCommitteefurthernotesthatbailisestablishedaccordingtotheeconomicconsequencesofthecrimecommittedandnotbyreferencetotheprobabilitythatthedefendantwillnotappearincourtorotherwiseimpededueprocessoflaw.Norisitcompatiblewiththepresumptionofinnocencethatthelengthofpretrialdetentionisnotaproductofthecomplexityofthecasebutissetbyreferencetothepossiblelengthofsentence.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthataccusedpersonsareheldindetentioninthesamefacilitiesasconvictedpersons,andthatthegroundsforjudicialauthorizationoftelephonetappingmaybetoobroadlydrawn.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations158., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inaccordancewitharticle2,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,developmechanismsforcompensatingallremainingvictimsofpastviolationsofhumanrightsbyamendingAct24,043orenactingappropriatelegislationforthevictimsofsuchcrimes.TheCommitteeespeciallyrecommendsthatappropriatecarebetakenintheuseofpardonsandgeneralamnestiessoasnottofosteranatmosphereofimpunity(seetheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.7(16)).TheCommitteerecommendsthatmembersofthearmedforcesorsecurityforcesagainstwhomsufficientevidenceofinvolvementingrosshumanrightsviolationsexistsberemovedfromtheirposts.159., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytocontinuetoinvestigatethewhereaboutsofdisappearedpersons,tocompleteurgentlyinvestigationsintotheallegationsofillegaladoptionofchildrenofdisappearedpersonsandtotakeappropriateaction.ItalsourgestheStatepartyfullytoinvestigaterecentallegationsofmurderscommittedbythemilitaryduringtheperiodofmilitaryruleandtotakeactiononthefindings.160., .,TheCommitteenotesthattheOfficeoftheUnder-Secretary-GeneralofHumanandSocialRightsfallsunderthejurisdictionoftheMinistryoftheInterior,whichalsoregulatesthepoliceforces.TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasurestoguaranteetheindependenceoftheUnder-Secretary-Generalbetaken,particularlywithrespecttoinvestigationsofhumanrightsviolations.161., .,TheCommitteeurgesthatallnecessarystepsbetakentopreventcasesofexcessiveuseofforce,torture,arbitrarydetentionorextrajudicialexecutionbymembersofthearmedforcesorthepolice.Thesestepsshouldincludepreventive,disciplinaryandpunitivemeasures,aswellasappropriatetraining.Allviolationsshouldbeinvestigatedandthevictimscompensated.̇162., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialprotectionbeprovidedtojournalistsandmembersoftradeunionsunderthreatorintimidationsoaseffectivelytoprotecttherightsprovidedforinarticles19and22oftheCovenant.163., .,WithrespecttotheCodeofCriminalProcedure,theCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemofpretrialdetentionbecarefullyreviewed.Legalsafeguardsshouldbeestablishedtoensurethat,ininstanceswherepre-trialdetentionexceedsthemaximumapplicablepenaltyforacrime,thedefendantwillbereleasedwithoutqualification.TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytodefineclearlythepurposeofpretrialdetentionandtosetthelengthofdetentionaccordingly,applyingtheprincipleofpresumptionofinnocence.Itrecommendsthesameconsiderationinthesettingofbail.164., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyincludeinformationinitsnextreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheFirstOptionalProtocol,alsobearinginminditsobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.165., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatArgentinainclude,initsnextperiodicreport,informationonthemeasuresadoptedtofollowuponthepresentcommentsandgiveeffecttoitssuggestionsandrecommendations.Itfurtherrecommendsthatitscommentsbewidelydisseminatedandincorporatedintothecurriculumofthehumanrightstrainingprogrammesorganizedforlawenforcementofficialsandadministratorsofjustice.@ .F.NewZealand166., .,TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportofNewZealand(CCPR/C/64/Add.10andHRI/CORE/1/Add.33)atits1393rdto1395thmeetings,on23and24March1995,andadopted12thefollowingfinalcomments:@ .1.Introduction167., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsexcellentreport,whichcontainsdetailedinformationonlawandpracticerelatingtotheimplementationoftheCovenantandisinfullconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines.TheCommitteeappreciatesthefactthatthereportshowscontinuousdevelopmentintheprotectionofrightsandallowsthedialoguewiththeCommitteetotakeplaceasanunbrokencontinuationoftheexaminationoftheinitialandsecondreports.TheCommitteeisalsogratefulfortheoralresponsesprovidedbythecompetentdelegationandconsidersthatthedialoguewiththeStatepartyhasbeenmostfruitfulandconstructive.168., .,TheCommitteecommendstheStatepartyforthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.33),whichhasbeendrawnupinaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofreportstobesubmittedbyStatespartiesunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/1991/1)., .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant169., .,TheCommitteefindsthattherearenoimportantdifficultieswhichmayaffecttheimplementationoftheCovenantinNewZealand.̇@ .3.Positiveaspects170., .,TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthelevelofachievementinrespectofhumanrightsinNewZealand.ItparticularlywelcomesthepositivedevelopmentsthathavebeenrealizedfollowingrecommendationsoftheCommitteeattheendoftheconsiderationofthesecondperiodicreportofNewZealand.Amongthesedevelopments,theCommitteenotestheaccessiontotheFirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenantandtheratificationoftheSecondOptionalProtocoltotheCovenantfollowingtheadoptionoftheAbolitionoftheDeathPenaltyAct,1989.171., .,TheCommitteeconsiderstheadoptionandentryintoforceon25September1990oftheBillofRightsAct,whichexpresslyaffirmsNewZealand'scommitmenttotheCovenantandwhichprovidesastatutorybasisfortheprotectionofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsinNewZealand,asanimportantsteptowardsthefullprotectionoftherightssetforthintheCovenant.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthepassageintolawofthePrivacyAct1993,whichpromotesandprotectsindividualprivacy,andoftheHumanRightsAct,whichenteredintoforceon1February1994.ThelatterActfurtherenhancesprotectionofarticle2,paragraph1,oftheCovenantbyextendingthegroundsonwhichdiscriminationisprohibited.TheActalsoexpandstheroleoftheHumanRightsCommissionandenablesittoinquireintoanymatterwhereitappearsthathumanrightshavebeeninfringed.172., .,TheCommitteewelcomeswidelybasedlegislationtoprovideprotectionagainstdomesticviolence.TheCommitteeisalsopleasedtonotetheprovisionofappealsproceduresforrefugeesandthatapplicantsforrefugeestatusareentitledtoworkpendingadecisionontheirstatus.Plannedimprovementsofprisonconditionsarealsowelcome.173., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheimportantdevelopmentsthathaveoccurredinrelationtotheinterestsoftheMaori.Amongthesedevelopments,theCommitteenotestheincreasingimportanceoftheworkoftheTreatyofWaitangiTribunalindealingwithMaoriclaimsagainsttheCrown.TheCommitteealsoappreciatesthefactthatNewZealandhasdedicatedthefirstyearoftheInternationalDecadeoftheWorld'sIndigenousPeopletotheMaorilanguage.Inthisconnection,theCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionoftheadoptionofalanguagenestprogrammewherebyMaorilanguage,customsandvaluesaretaughttopreschoolchildren,aswellasotherprogrammessetuptopromoteMaorilanguage,artandculture.174., .,TheCommitteealsowelcomesthechangesintroducedintheelectorallawwhichmayprovidegreateropportunitiesfortherepresentationofminoritygroups,Maoriandwomen.175., .,Withregardtotherightofselfdetermination,theCommitteewelcomesthedevelopmentoflocalinstitutionsofgovernmentinTokelauandthegradualdelegationofpowerstoTokelauanauthorities,whichcorrespondstothedesireofthepeopleofTokelautobeselfrelianttothegreatestextentpossible.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern176., .,TheCommitteeregretsthattheprovisionsoftheCovenanthavenotbeenfullyincorporatedintodomesticlawandgivenanoverridingstatusinthelegalsystem.Article2,paragraph2,oftheCovenantrequiresStatespartiestotakesuchlegislativeorothermeasureswhichmaybenecessarytogiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedintheCovenant.InthisregardtheCommitteeregretsthatcertainrightsguaranteedundertheCovenantarenotreflectedintheBillofRights,andthatitdoesnotrepealearlierinconsistentlegislationandhasnohigherstatusthanordinarylegislation.TheCommitteenotesthatitisexpresslypossible,underthetermsoftheBillofRights,toenactlegislationcontrarytoitsprovisionsandregretsthatthisappearstohavebeendoneinafewcases.177., .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernabouttheabsenceofexpressprovisionforremediesforallthosewhoserightsundertheCovenantortheBillofRightshavebeenviolated.178., .,TheCommitteeregretsthattheoperationofthenewprohibitedgroundsofdiscrimination,containedinsection21oftheHumanRightsAct1993,ispostponeduntiltheyear2000.ItalsonoteswithconcernthattheprohibitedgroundsofdiscriminationdonotincludeallthegroundsintheCovenantand,inparticular,thatlanguageisnotmentionedasaprohibitedgroundofdiscrimination.179., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutprovisionsintheCriminalJusticeAmendmentActwhichprovideforasentenceofindeterminatedetentionforoffendersconvictedofseriouscrimeswhoarelikelytorepeatsuchcrimes.Theimpositionofpunishmentinrespectofpossiblefutureoffencesisinconsistentwitharticles9and14oftheCovenant.180., .,Inrelationtotherightoffreedomofexpression,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernoverthevaguenessoftheterm"objectionablepublication"andthefactthatsection121oftheFilms,VideosandPublicationsClassificationActmakesthe"possessionofanyobjectionablepublication"acriminaloffence,evenifthepersonconcernedhasnoknowledgeornoreasonablecausetobelievethatthepublicationisconsideredtobeobjectionable.181., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthefactthat,whiletheHumanRightsActcontainsaprovisioncorrespondingtoarticle20,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,thisprovisiondoesnotincludeaprohibitionofadvocacyofreligioushatred.182., .,TheCommitteeregretsthatdespiteimprovements,Maoristillexperiencedisadvantagesinaccesstohealthcare,educationandemployment.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheproportionofMaoriinParliamentandotherhighpublicoffices,liberalprofessionsandintheseniorrankofcivilserviceremainslow.183., .,TheCommitteealsoregretsthedelayinthesubmissionofreportsundertheCovenantbytheTokelauandtheCookIslandsGovernmentsandremindstheGovernmentofNewZealandofitsobligationsundertheCovenantinthisregard.&  @ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations184., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeappropriatemeasurestoincorporatealltheprovisionsoftheCovenantintodomesticlawandtoprovideremediesforallpersonswhoserightsundertheCovenanthavebeenviolated.'  185., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheBillofRightsberevisedinordertobringitintofullconsistencywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandtogivethecourtspowerassoonaspossibletostrikedownordeclinetogiveeffecttolegislationonthegroundofinconsistencywithCovenantrightsandfreedomsasaffirmedintheBillofRights.186., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyrevisetheprovisionsrelatingto"indeterminatesentenceofpreventivedetention"containedintheCriminalJusticeAmendmentActinordertobringtheActintofullconsistencywitharticles9and14oftheCovenant.187., .,TheCommitteeequallyrecommendsamendmentoftheFilms,VideosandPublicationsClassificationActbyamorespecificdefinitionof"objectionablepublication"orbyremovingcriminalliabilityforpossessionwithoutknowledgeoforreasonablecausetobelieveintheobjectionabilityofmaterial.188., .,TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethatanydecisionstobetakenaboutfuturelimitationstotheentitlementofMaoritoadvanceclaimsbeforetheWaitangiTribunalwilltakefullaccountofMaoriinterestsundertheTreatyofWaitangi.189., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyincludeinformationinitsnextreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheFirstOptionalProtocol,alsobearinginminditsobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.190., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitsreservationsrelatingtoarticles10and22oftheCovenantwithaviewtowithdrawingthem.191., .,TheCommitteewouldappreciatereceivinginthenextperiodicreportinformationontheexperiencegainedinapplyingthenewElectoralActandabouttheEqualEmploymentOpportunityprovisionsandtheireffectsonwomen'sentitlementtoequalpayandequalemploymentopportunity.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketobeinformedonfurtheractivitiesoftheNationalHumanRightsCommissionandtheTreatyofWaitangiTribunal,andaboutprogressinprisonreform.@ .G.Paraguay192., .,TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofParaguay(CCPR/C/84/Add.3andHRI/CORE/1/Add.24)atits1392ndand1396thmeetings,on22and24March1995,andadopted13thefollowingcomments:@ .1.Introduction193., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreportsubmittedbytheStatepartyandviewswithsatisfactionthecooperativeattitudeofthedelegationinengaginginthedialoguewiththeCommittee.Itregrets,however,thatthereport,whileprovidingdetailedinformationonprevailinglegislationinParaguay,doesnotadequatelydealwiththeactualstateofimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandthedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementation.AlthoughtheinformationprovidedorallybythedelegationhasaddressedsomeoftheconcernsoftheCommittee,theCommitteehasobtainedonlyapartialpictureofthehumanrightssituationinthecountry.194., .,TheCommitteecommendstheStatepartyforthecoredocument(HRI/CORE/1/Add.24),whichhasbeendrawnupinaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofreportstobesubmittedbyStatespartiesunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments(HRI/1991/1).̇, .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant195., .,TheCommitteerecognizesthattheStateparty,whichisemergingfromachangeofgovernmentin1989thatendedalongperiodofdictatorialrule,isundergoingatransitiontowardsdemocracyinwhichtheinfrastructurenecessaryfortheimplementationoftheCovenanthasnotbeenfullydeveloped.TheCommitteeunderstandsthatthemanyencouraginglegislativeinitiativeswithrespecttohumanrightsarebeingimplementedwithdifficulty,andthatafullassessmentofsuchimplementationisnotyetpossible.@ .3.Positiveaspects196., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionParaguay'scontinuousprogresssince1989initseffortstodemocratizeandtomatchitslevelofhumanrightsprotectionwithinternationalstandards.Itparticularlywelcomesthesigningandratificationofanumberofinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenantandtheFirstOptionalProtocol,andthelegislativeandadministrativestepstakentoadvancetheirimplementation.TheCommitteealsocommendstheStatepartyforratifyingtheCovenantwithoutenteringanyreservations.197., .,TheCommitteeparticularlywelcomesthepromulgationofthe1992Constitution,whichincorporatesprovisionsfortheprotectionofcivilandpoliticalrightsandgrantsconstitutionalstatustoanumberofinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenant,thuselevatingthemabovenationallaw.198., .,TheCommitteefurtherwelcomesthecreationofmachinerytoreceivecomplaintsandmanagevariousaspectsofhumanrightsissues,includingtheDirectorateGeneralforHumanRightsundertheMinistryofJusticeandLabour,theOfficeoftheOmbudsman,andtheHumanRightsCommissionsestablishedinthetwoChambersofCongress.199., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheamendmentsmadetotheCivilCodein1992andotherrelevantlegislationthatadvancedtheequalenjoymentofcivilandpoliticalrightsbywomen.ItalsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheWomen'sSecretariat.200., .,TheCommitteeappreciatesthedeclarationmadebythedelegationaccordingtowhichtheGovernmentwillnotenactanyamnestylaw,andthat,onthecontrary,concretestepshavealreadyorarebeingtakentomakeaccountableperpetratorsofhumanrightsabusesunderthepastdictatorialregime.Itnotesinthisregardthatsuchlaws,whereadopted,arepreventingappropriateinvestigationandpunishmentofperpetratorsofpasthumanrightsviolations,undermineeffortstoestablishrespectforhumanrights,furthercontributetoanatmosphereofimpunityamongperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolations,andconstituteimpedimentstoeffortsundertakentoconsolidatedemocracyandpromoterespectforhumanrights.201., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheGovernment'sinitiativetomakepublicthemilitary'sarchives,thusenablingindividualstofilecomplaintsbasedontheinformationcontainedinthosearchives.202., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheincorporationofhumanrightsissuesintotheformalsecondaryeducationcurriculum.203., .,TheCommitteewelcomesParaguay'seffortstomodernizethejudicialprocesswithinternationalassistance.ItalsonotesthatarevisionofthePenalCodeandtheCodeofCriminalProcedureisunderway.204., .,TheCommitteetakesnoteofthewilloftheStatepartytoratifytheSecondOptionalProtocoltotheCovenantontheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern205., .,TheCommitteeregretsthatnoinformationwasprovidedaboutthecompensationofvictimsofhumanrightsviolationsduringthedictatorship.206., .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernaboutthecontinuingoccurrenceoftortureandilltreatmentofdetainees,evenaftertherestorationofdemocracyin1989.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthereremainofficialswhoareidentifiedandcommittedtotheauthoritarianpracticesoftheformerregime.207., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,despiteconstitutionalguaranteesfortherightsofwomen,womencontinuetoreceiveunequaltreatmentinParaguay,owinginparttooutdatedlawsthatclearlycontradicttheprovisionsoftheCovenant.Thesewouldincludelawsthataremorelenientininstancesofinfanticidecommittedtoprotectthehonourofawomanthaninordinarycasesofhomicideandlawsthatmakedistinctionsinthepunishmentaccordedtopersonswhorapeorabductwomendependingonthemaritalstatusofthevictim.Itfurthernotesthatlabourlawsdonotadequatelyprotecttherightsofwomen.Itnotesthatdomesticwork,whichisaprincipaloccupationamongwomen,isexcludedfromminimumwagelaws.208., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthehighlevelofdeathsamongexpectantmothersreferredtointhereport.Inthisregard,itregretsthattheStatepartycouldnotprovideinformationabouttheeffectoftheenforcementofabortionlawsonthishighlevelofdeaths.209., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnationallawsinconflictwiththeConstitutionremainonthebooks.Inaddition,someconstitutionalprovisions,suchastherighttocompensationforviolationofrights(art.39),stillrequireimplementinglaws.210., .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthepracticeofnotseparatingaccusedfromconvictedpersonsinprisons,whichviolatesarticle10,paragraph2(a),oftheCovenant.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthattherearenotsufficientmeasurestolimitpretrialdetention,whichmakessuchdetentionacommonpracticeratherthananexceptionalmeasure.IntheviewoftheCommittee,theconditionsinthelawdonotprovidesufficientjustificationforpretrialdetentionintheabsenceofareasonablepossibilityofescapefromjusticeordangertothecommunity.211., .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernaboutthelackofinformationregardingtheindependenceofthejudiciary,principallyastothesecurityoftenure.212., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthepredominantroleoftheCatholicChurchinParaguayappearstoleadtocertaindefactodiscriminationagainstotherreligions.̇213., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatpovertyandlackofeducation,particularlyamongindigenouspeople,adverselyaffectmanypeopleintheirabilitytoenjoycivilandpoliticalrights.214., .,TheCommitteenotesthattherestrictiononvotingforstudentsofmilitaryschoolsseemstobeanunreasonablerestrictiononarticle25oftheCovenantontherighttoparticipateinpubliclife.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations215., .,RegardingtheapplicationoftheCovenant,theCommitteerequeststhatitbeinformedinfutureperiodicreportsoftheStatepartyofanyinstancesthatmayarisewheretheCovenantwasdirectlyinvokedinthecourts,aswellastheresultsofanysuchproceedings.216., .,TheCommitteecommendstheStateparty,inaccordancewitharticle2,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,foritseffortstobringtojusticeperpetratorsofpasthumanrightsabuses.IturgestheStatepartytocontinuetoinvestigateallegationsofhumanrightsviolations,pastandpresent,forwhichpurposeallarchivesofthepastregimeshouldbecarefullyexplored.ItfurtherurgestheStatepartytoactonthefindingsofitsinvestigations,tobringtojusticetheperpetratorsandtoprovidepropercompensationtothevictims,particularlywithrespecttocontinuingoccurrencesoftortureandill-treatmentbythepoliceandsecurityforces.TheCommitteerecommendsthatanindependentandcrediblemechanismbeinstitutedfordealingwithcomplaintsofpoliceviolenceandthattheexistenceofthismechanismbepublicized.217., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytocomplywitharticle10,paragraph2(a),oftheCovenantbyseparatinginprisonaccusedpersonsfromconvictedprisoners.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslawsandpracticesconcerningpretrialdetentiontoensurethatsuchdetentionisnotregardedasthegeneralruleandthat,whereitisimposed,itsperiodissubjecttostrictlimits,inconformitywitharticle4oftheCovenant.218., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatallnationallegislationonwomenbereviewedwithaviewtomodernizingtheoutdatedlegalstandardscurrentlyinforcetobringthemintolinewiththerelevantprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteerecommendsinparticularthattheStatepartyreviewitslawsoncriminaloffencescommittedagainstwomenandalllabourlawsthatdiscriminateagainstwomenandtakethemeasuresnecessarytoovercometraditionalattitudesconcerningtheroleofwomeninsociety.ItfurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyencouragethepoliticalparticipationofwomeninpublic,particularlyinpoliticallife,whichremainslowdespitethelegaladvancesthathavereducedrestrictionsinthisarea.219., .,TheCommitteerequeststheStatepartytoprovideinformationinitsnextreportabouttheincidenceofillegalabortion,therelationshipbetweenillegalabortionsandthehighincidenceofmaternalmortality,anditsimplementationofarticle61oftheConstitution.220., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeathoroughreviewofitsnationallegislationtoensureconformitywiththestandardssetbyboththeConstitutionandtheCovenant.ItrecommendsinthisconnectionthattheCovenantandthespecificrecommendationsmadeinthepresentcommentsbetakenintoaccountintherevisionofthePenalCodecurrentlyunderway.̇221., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyincludeinitsnextreportcomprehensiveinformationontheissuesraisedduringtheconsiderationofthereport,particularlyontheeffectivenessofthelawsunderrevieworinexistence,theevolvingrolesoftheinstitutionsestablishedfortheprotectionofhumanrights,andthesystemofcoordinationofthevariousinstitutions.222., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyincludeinformationinitsnextreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheFirstOptionalProtocol,alsobearinginminditsobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.223., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheCovenant,theOptionalProtocolsandtheCommittee'scommentsbewidelydisseminatedamongtheParaguayanpublicandthatthescopeofhumanrightseducationbeextendedtomembersofthepoliceandsecurityforces,thelegalprofessionandotherpersonsinvolvedintheadministrationofjustice,withaviewtomakingitapartoftheirregulartraining.@ .*H.Haiti224., .,InthelightofpastandcontinuingeventsinHaitiaffectingthehumanrightsguaranteedbytheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,andinaccordancewitharticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommitteerequestedtheGovernmentofHaiti,on27October1994,tosubmitaspecialreport,notlaterthan31January1995andifnecessaryinsummaryform,describing,inparticular,theimplementationofarticles6,7,9,10and14oftheCovenantduringthecurrentperiod,forconsiderationbytheCommitteeatitsfiftythirdsession.Inresponsetothatrequest,theGovernmentofHaitisubmittedareporton27February1995(CCPR/C/105),whichwasconsideredbytheCommitteeatits1397thand1398thmeetings,on27March1995.TheCommitteeadopted13thefollowingcomments:@ .1.Introduction225., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheGovernmentoftheStatepartytocooperateandtoenterintoaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommitteeontheapplicationoftheCovenantinHaiti,asevidencedbythesubmissionofthespecialreportandthesendingofahighleveldelegationtopresentthereport.TheCommitteenotesthat,whileprovidingsomeinformationaboutconstitutionalandlegalmeasuresgivingeffecttoarticles6,7,9,10and14,thereportlackedinformationonthepracticeconcerninghumanrightsandonthedifficultiesaffectingtheapplicationoftheCovenantinthecountry.TheCommittee,mindfulofthedifficultiesfacingallbranchesofgovernmentinHaitisincetherestorationofthelegitimateGovernment,thanksthedelegationforendeavouringtoreplytothequestionsraisedinthecourseofthedialogueandthus,toacertainextent,makeupforthereport'sshortcomings., .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant226., .,TheCommitteenotesthatHaitiisonlynowemergingfromalonganddevastatingmilitarydictatorialpastduringwhichgravehumanrightsviolationsoccurred,includingsummaryexecutions,tortureandotherinhumanordegradingtreatmentandarbitraryarrestsanddetentions.Thecountryhasonlyrecentlyinitiatedaprocessofrecoveryandhasjustembarkedonacourseoftransitiontodemocracy.TheCommitteealsonotesthat,despiteeffortsundertakenbytheGovernment,politicalandsocialattitudesstillprevalentinthecountryarenotconducivetothepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.Violenceanddisordercontinuetodisruptsocietyandmanyweaponsremaininthehandsofmembersofformerparamilitarygroupsandthepublicingeneral.Thelackofafunctioningjudicialsystem,anddeeplyrootedsocialandeconomicproblems,affecttheapplicationoftheCovenant.&  @ .3.Positiveaspects227., .,TheCommitteewelcomestherestorationofthelegitimateGovernmentof'  HaitiandtheconsiderableeffortsmadebythepresentGovernmenttoensurerespectforhumanrights.InthisconnectiontheestablishmentbypresidentialdecreeofaNationalCommissiononTruthandJusticewiththetaskofcarryingoutinvestigationsintohumanrightsviolationsandensuringjusticeforthevictimsofsuchviolationsisparticularlyappreciated.TheCommitteealsonotesthecreationofacivilianpoliceforceseparatedfromthearmedforcesasanimportantstep.TheCommitteeappreciatesthefactthatprogrammesforthetrainingofjudgesandpoliceofficersarebeinginitiated.228., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheadoptionofanumberoflawsdirectlyaffectingtheestablishmentanddevelopmentofinstitutionsandpoliciesfortheprotectionofhumanrights,suchastherecentActdeclaringallparamilitarygroupsillegal,theTerritorialCommunitiesAct,whicheliminatestheformerautocraticsystemofsectionchiefsandprovidesforlocalauthoritieselectedbythepeople,andtheElectoralAct.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthebeginningoftheprocesswhichwillleadtotheholdingofparliamentaryelectionsinJune1995andpresidentialelectionsinDecember1995.&  @ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern229., .,GiventhegeneralconditionsprevailingatthepresenttimeinHaiti,the'  CommitteehasnotdetailedallitsconcernsrelatingtoinconsistenciesbetweenprovisionsofHaitianlegislation,includingtheConstitutionandtheCovenant.230., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernabouttheeffectsoftheAmnestyAct,agreeduponduringtheprocesswhichledtothereturnoftheelectedGovernmentofHaiti.Itisconcernedthat,despitethelimitationofitsscopetopoliticalcrimescommittedinconnectionwiththecoupd'tatorduringthepastregime,theAmnestyActmightimpedeinvestigationsintoallegationsofhumanrightsviolations,suchassummaryandextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,tortureandarbitraryarrests,rapeandsexualassault,committedbythearmedforcesandagentsofnationalsecurityservices.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewishestopointoutthatanamnestyinwidetermsmaypromoteanatmosphereofimpunityforperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolationsandundermineeffortstore-establishrespectforhumanrightsinHaitiandtopreventarecurrenceofthemassivehumanrightsviolationsexperiencedinthepast.231., .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceofinvestigationofhumanrightsviolations,determinationofindividualresponsibilityandfaircompensationforthevictims,andregretsthattheCommissiononTruthandJusticehasnotyetinitiateditswork.232., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatfailuretoscreenandexcludehumanrightsviolatorsfromserviceinthemilitary,thepoliceforceandthejudiciarywillseriouslyweakenthetransitiontosecurityanddemocracy.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthathumanrightsviolationsbymembersofthearmedforces,agentsofsecurityservices,andmembersofformerparamilitarygroupsstilloccur.TheCommitteenoteswithparticularconcernthelackoffullandeffectivecontrolbycivilianauthoritiesoverthemilitary.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthecomposition,commandandnumberofthearmedforcesisnotclearlydefined.233., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthenumerousproblemsaffectingtheproperfunctioningofthejusticesystem,includinglongperiodsofpre-trialdetentionandovercrowdingofprisons.Itwishestopointoutinthisregardthat,unlessaseriouseffortisundertakentoreformthejudiciaryandre-establishaproperfunctioningofthejudicialsystem,effortstostrengthentheruleoflawandtopromoterespectforhumanrightswillbeseriouslyundermined.234., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutallegationsofforcedlabourofminorsinviolationofarticle8oftheCovenant.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations235., .,InviewofthefactthattheAmnestyActwasadoptedbeforethereinstallationofthelegitimateGovernment,theCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoapplythatActinconformitywiththeCovenantandtoexcludefromitsscopetheperpetratorsofpasthumanrightsviolations.236., .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheobligationoftheStatepartyunderarticle2,paragraph3,oftheCovenanttoensurethatvictimsofpasthumanrightsviolationshaveaneffectiveremedy.ItstronglyrecommendsthattheCommissiononTruthandJusticeinitiateitsworkassoonaspossibleandthatothermechanismsbesetuptoinvestigatehumanrightsviolationsbymembersofthepolice,thearmedforcesandothersecurityservicesandthejudiciarytoensurethatpersonscloselyassociatedwithhumanrightsabusesdonotserveinthoseoffices.237., .,Inordertoguaranteethesafetyofthepopulation,theCommitteerecommendsthataclearpolicybeimplementedtodisarmmembersofformerparamilitarygroupsandthateffectivemeasuresbetakentoreducethenumberofweaponsinthecommunity.238., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatamajorreformofthejudiciarybeundertakenwithaviewtoestablishinganindependentandimpartialjudicialsystemwhichwillsafeguardhumanrightsandenforcetheruleoflaw.239., .,TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartyconfirmtheratificationoftheOptionalProtocolstotheCovenantbydepositingthenecessaryinstrumentsofratificationoraccessionwiththeSecretary-GeneraloftheUnitedNations.AcceptanceoftheFirstOptionalProtocolwouldaffirmthecommitmentoftheGovernmentwithrespecttoinquiriesintoallegationsofhumanrightsabusesandhelptoprotectthehumanrightsofindividualsinthedifficultperiodthecountryisfacing.240., .,TheCommitteeurgesthatrespectforhumanrightsberecognizedasanessentialelementoftheprocessofnationalreconciliationandreconstruction.Tothatend,theCommitteerecommendsthatallprovisionsoftheCovenantbefullyincorporatedintothenationallegalsystem;thattheadministrationandParliament,asaconfidence-buildingmeasure,setupspecialinstitutions,opentoindividuals,toassistinthedailyimplementationofhumanrights;thatcomprehensivehumanrightstrainingbeprovidedtojudges,thepoliceandthemilitary;andthathumanrightseducationbeprovidedinschoolsatalllevels.241., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytosubmitinformationonmeasurestakentoimplementthesesuggestionsandrecommendationstogetherwiththesubmissionoftheinitialreport,whichwasdueon6July1992,andforwhosesubmissiontheCommitteesetsthedateof1April1996.@ .*I.Yemen242., .,TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofYemen(CCPR/C/82/Add.1)atits1372ndand1373rdmeetings,on26October1994,andatits1403rdand1404thmeetings,on30March1995,andsubsequentlyadopted14thefollowingcomments:&  @ .1.Introduction243., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthesecondperiodicreportsubmittedbytheState'  partyandwelcomesthedelegation'swillingnesstoresumeitsdialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatalthoughthereportprovidesinformationongenerallegislativenormsinYemen,itfailstodealwiththeactualstateofimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandthedifficultiesencounteredinthecourseofimplementation.TheCommitteeappreciatedthepresenceofacompetentdelegationwhichprovidedhelpfulinformationtotheCommitteeinaddressingsomeofitsquestions.Nevertheless,theCommitteehasobtainedonlyapartialpictureofthehumanrightssituationinthecountry.244., .,TheCommitteewelcomesinthisconnectiontheintentionexpressedbythedelegationtosendadditionalinformationasrequestedbytheCommittee,particularlyinformationonthedifficultiesencounteredintheimplementationoftheCovenant,statisticsrelatingtospecificarticlesandthetextsoftheCivilCode,CodeofCriminalProcedure,theamendmentstotheConstitutionandotherrelevantlawsandregulations.&  , .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant245., .,TheCommitteenotesthatthecivilwarhasleftmuchoftheinfrastructure'  destroyedandcreatedsevereeconomicdifficulties,whichhaveservedtorestricttheresourcesallocatedtotheprotectionofhumanrights.TheCommitteealsonotesthatnationalreconstructionandreconciliationremainshandicappedbyinternaldisorder.246., .,TheCommitteenotestheexistenceintheStatepartyofcustomsandtraditions,particularlyintheareaofequalitybetweenmenandwomen,whichmaytendtoimpedetheproperobservanceofinternationalstandardsofhumanrights.@ .3.Positiveaspectṡ247., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthesuccessionofYementotheCovenant,whichwaspreviouslyaccededtobytheDemocraticRepublicofYemenin1986.248., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheGovernment'seffortstoraiseawarenessofhumanrightsissuesbydisseminatingthetextsofhumanrightstreaties,includingtheCovenant,andbyholdingseminarsinthisfield.ItfurtherwelcomestheGovernment'sassertionthatnewspapersarefreetopublishthereportssubmittedbytheGovernmentandotherinformationreleasedbyhumanrightsgroupsandinternationalorganizations.249., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthedelegation'sindicationoftheGovernment'swillingnesstoinvestigatespecificcasesofhumanrightsviolationsbroughttoitsattention.Inthisregard,theCommitteenotestheassurancesofthedelegationthatthecourtsarereceivingcasesofhumanrightsviolationswhichtookplaceduringthecivilwar.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern250., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsomeaspectsofthelegalprovisionsintheStatepartydonotconformentirelywiththeCovenant.251., .,TheCommitteecallsattentiontothecontradictionsbetweentheCovenantandtheConstitution,whichaffordsalowerlevelofhumanrightsprotectionthandoestheCovenant.TheCommitteeexpressesconcernthatvictimsofhumanrightsviolations,despitethedirectapplicabilityoftheCovenant,maybedeniedeffectiveremedyifthecourtsadheretothestandardssetforthintheConstitution.252., .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthegeneralamnestygrantedtocivilianandmilitarypersonnelforhumanrightsviolationstheymayhavecommittedagainstciviliansduringthecivilwar.TheCommitteenotesinthisregardthatsomeamnestylawsmaypreventappropriateinvestigationandpunishmentofperpetratorsofpasthumanrightsviolations,undermineeffortstoestablishrespectofhumanrights,contributetoanatmosphereofimpunityamongperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolationsandconstituteimpedimentstoeffortsundertakentoconsolidatedemocracyandpromoterespectforhumanrights.253., .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheroleandthecompetencesofthepoliticalsecurityforceshavenotbeenclarified.254., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernatallegationsofarbitrarydeprivationoflife,actsoftortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatment,arbitraryarrestanddetention,abusivetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyandviolationsoftherightstoafairtrial.Itisdeeplyconcernedthatthoseviolationswerenotfollowedbyinquiriesorinvestigations,thattheperpetratorsofsuchactswerenotpunishedandthatthevictimswerenotcompensated.Illtreatmentofprisonersandovercrowdingofprisonscontinuetobeofconcern.255., .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernreportsoffemalegenitalmutilation,whichappearstobeacommonpracticeinsomepartsofthecountry.ItalsonoteswithconcernthattheprovisionsofthePersonalStatusActNo.20of1992,particularlyarticles40and41,establishunequalobligationsofwivesandhusbandswherewivesarerelegatedtoaninferiorposition.TheCommitteeisconcernedthattherequirementsofthisAct,particularlythatwivesmustobeytheirhusbands'ordersandmaynotleavetheirhomesexceptinlimitedsituations,contradictarticles3and23oftheCovenant.TheCommitteefurtherregretsthatthelawsofYemencontainnospecificprovisionsfordealingwithdomesticviolence.256., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofinformationconcerningthedeathpenaltyinYemenand,bearinginmindthatarticle6oftheCovenantlimitsthecircumstancesunderwhichthedeathpenaltymaybeimposed,regretsthatitisunabletoassesswhethertheStatepartyisinconformitywitharticle6owingtothelackofinformationonthespecificcrimesthatmayresultintheimpositionofthedeathpenaltyandonthenumberofcasesinwhichitwasimposed.TheCommitteedeploresthat,accordingtoinformationbeforeit,executionsofpersonsbelowtheageof18havetakenplacethatwouldbeaclearviolationofarticle6,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.TheCommitteerequeststhattheStatepartyprovideinformationonthecasesmentionedduringthedialogue.Inthisregard,theCommitteeregretsthattherighttolifehasnotbeenincorporatedinthenewConstitution.TheCommitteeisalsodeeplyconcernedaboutthemaintenanceofcorporalpunishmentslikeamputationoflimbsandwhipping,whichisinviolationofarticle7oftheCovenant.257., .,TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcernthewidespreademploymentofminors,especiallyinruralareas.&  @ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations258., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatathoroughreviewbeundertakenofthelegal'  frameworkfortheprotectionofhumanrightsintheStatepartytoensurefullconformitywiththeCovenant.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheindicationbythedelegationofthelackoftechnicalexpertiseinthelegalfieldintheStatepartyanditsappealforassistanceinthisarea.Accordingly,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalcooperationservicesoftheCentreforHumanRightsandaddressthroughtheCentre'sprogrammesthequestionofthestatusoftheCovenantinrelationtotheConstitution.259., .,RegardingtheapplicationoftheCovenant,theCommitteerequeststhatitbeinformedinfutureperiodicreportsoftheStatepartyofanyinstancesthatmayarisewheretheCovenantwasdirectlyinvokedinthecourts,aswellastheresultsofanysuchproceedings.260., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyendeavourtobringtojusticeperpetratorsofhumanrightsabuses,inaccordancewitharticle2(2)oftheCovenant.IturgestheStatepartytocontinuetoinvestigateallegationsofhumanrightsviolations,pastandpresent,toactonthefindingsofitsinvestigations,tobringtojusticetheperpetratorsandtocompensatethevictimsofsuchacts.Tothisend,theCommitteerecommendsthatanindependentmechanismbeinstitutedforreceivingcomplaintsofhumanrightsviolationsandthatthismechanismbegiveninvestigativeauthoritytopursuesuchcomplaints.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentpursueinthismannernotonlyindividualcomplaintsbutalsoviolationsreportedbynationalandinternationalnongovernmentalorganizations.261., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslawsandmakeappropriateamendmentstoensurefulllegalanddefactoequalityforwomeninallaspectsofsociety,particularlyinthelawsgoverningthestatusofwomen,women'srightsandobligationsinmarriage.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmentconductastudyonthepracticeoffemalegenitalmutilationwithinitsterritoryandformulatespecificplanstoeradicatethispractice.262., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentreviewitspolicyonthedeathpenaltywithaviewtoitseventualabolishment.Recallingthatarticle6oftheCovenantlimitsthecircumstancesunderwhichthedeathpenaltymaybeimposed,itrecommendsthattheGovernmentincludeinitsnextreportalistofallofthecrimesthat,whentried,mayresultintheimpositionofthedeathpenalty.Iftheimpositionofthedeathpenaltyinrespectofsomeofthesecrimesisfoundtobeinconsistentwitharticle6,theCommitteerecommendsthattherelevantlawsbeappropriatelyamended.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmenttaketheinitiativeforthetotalabolishmentofcorporalpunishment.263., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentconductastudyonthephenomenonofworkingchildren,especiallychildreninruralareas,andincludeitsfindingsinitsnextperiodicreporttotheCommittee.264., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatmoredetailedinformationaboutspecificlawsandmoreconcreteandfactualinformationabouttheenjoymentofrightsbeprovidedbyYemeninitsnextperiodicreportsoastoenabletheCommitteetoclearlyunderstandtheprogressmadeintheimplementationoftheCovenantintheStateparty.265., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatemechanismsbeestablishedtorevisetherelevantlegalcodes,toprovidehumanrightstrainingforpersonnelinvolvedintheadministrationofjustice,todrafttheStateparty'sreportstovarioushumanrightstreatybodiesandtocollectandanalysedataonhumanrightsissues.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentdrawontheassistanceavailablethroughtheCentreforHumanRightstechnicalcooperationservices.&  @ .8J.UnitedStatesofAmerica15266., .,TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica'  (CCPR/C/81/Add.4andHRI/CORE/1/Add.49)atits1401st,1402nd,1405thand1406thmeetings,on29and31March1995,andadopted16thefollowingcomments:&  @ .1.Introduction267., .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationatthehighqualityofthereport'  submittedbytheStateparty,whichwasdetailed,informativeanddraftedinaccordancewiththeguidelines.TheCommitteeregrets,however,that,whilecontainingcomprehensiveinformationonthelawsandregulationsgivingeffecttotherightsprovidedintheCovenantatthefederallevel,thereportcontainedfewreferencestotheimplementationofCovenantrightsatthestatelevel.268., .,TheCommitteeappreciatestheparticipationofahighleveldelegationwhichincludedasubstantialnumberofexpertsinvariousfieldsrelatingtotheprotectionofhumanrightsinthecountry.Thedetailedinformationprovidedbythedelegationinitsintroductionofthereport,aswellasthecomprehensiveandwellstructuredrepliesprovidedtoquestionsraisedbymembers,contributedtomakingthedialogueextremelyconstructiveandfruitful.269., .,TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthattheGovernmentgavepublicitytoitsreport,thusenablingnongovernmentalorganizationstobecomeawareofitscontentsandtomakeknowntheirparticularconcerns.Inaddition,anumberofrepresentativesoftheseorganizationswerepresentduringtheCommittee'sconsiderationofthereport., .,  . 2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation, .,  . oftheCovenant270., .,TheCommitteenotesthat,despitetheexistenceoflawsoutlawingdiscrimination,therepersistwithinsocietydiscriminatoryattitudesandprejudicesbasedonraceorgender.Furthermore,theeffectsofpastdiscriminationsinsocietyhavenotyetbeenfullyeradicated.ThismakesitdifficulttoensurethefullenjoymentoftherightsprovidedforundertheCovenanttoeveryonewithintheStateparty'sjurisdiction.TheriseincrimeandviolencealsoaffectstheenjoymentoftherightsprovidedforintheCovenant.271., .,TheCommitteealsonotesthatunderthefederalsystemprevailingintheUnitedStates,thestatesoftheunionretainextensivejurisdictionovertheapplicationofcriminalandfamilylawinparticular.Thisfactor,coupledwiththeabsenceofformalmechanismsbetweenthefederalandstatelevelstoensureappropriateimplementationoftheCovenantrightsbylegislativeorothermeasures,mayleadtoasomewhatunsatisfactoryapplicationoftheCovenantthroughoutthecountry.@ .3.Positiveaspects272., .,TheCommitteerecognizestheexistenceofeffectiveprotectionofhumanrightsavailabletoindividualsundertheBillofRightsandfederallaws.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontherichtraditionandtheconstitutionalframeworkfortheprotectionofhumanrightsandfreedomsintheUnitedStates.273., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheUnitedStateshasrecentlyratifiedoraccededtosomeinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenant,theConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishmentandtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination.Theseratificationsreflectawelcometrendtowardsacceptanceofinternationalscrutiny,supervisionandcontroloftheapplicationofuniversalhumanrightsnormsatthedomesticlevel.274., .,TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsoftheFederalGovernmenttotakemeasuresatthelegislative,judicialandadministrativelevelstoensurethatthestatesoftheunionprovidehumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.ItfurtherappreciatestheexpressionofreadinessbytheGovernmenttotakesuchnecessaryfurthermeasurestoensurethatthestatesoftheunionimplementtherightsguaranteedbytheCovenant.275., .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatinthefirststatementofunderstandingmadeatthetimeofratificationtheprincipleofnon-discriminationisconstruedbytheGovernmentasnotpermittingdistinctionsthatwouldnotbelegitimateundertheCovenant.276., .,TheCommitteetakesnoteofthepositionexpressedbythedelegationthat,notwithstandingthenonselfexecutingdeclarationoftheUnitedStates,AmericancourtsarenotpreventedfromseekingguidancefromtheCovenantininterpretingAmericanlaw.̇277., .,TheCommitteefurthernoteswithsatisfactiontheassurancesoftheGovernmentthatitsdeclarationregardingthefederalsystemisnotareservationandisnotintendedtoaffecttheinternationalobligationsoftheUnitedStates.&  @ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern278., .,TheCommitteehastakennoteoftheconcernsaddressedbythedelegationin'  writingtoitsChairmanabouttheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.24(52)onissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoraccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolsthereto(CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.6).AttentionisdrawntotheobservationsmadebytheChairmanoftheCommitteeatthe1406thmeeting,on31March1995(CCPR/C/SR.1406).279., .,TheCommitteeregretstheextentoftheStateparty'sreservations,declarationsandunderstandingstotheCovenant.Itbelievesthat,takentogether,theyintendedtoensurethattheUnitedStateshasacceptedonlywhatisalreadythelawoftheUnitedStates.TheCommitteeisalsoparticularlyconcernedatreservationstoarticle6,paragraph5,andarticle7oftheCovenant,whichitbelievestobeincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.280., .,TheCommitteeregretsthatmembersofthejudiciaryatthefederal,stateandlocallevelshavenotbeenmadefullyawareoftheobligationsundertakenbytheStatepartyundertheCovenant,andthatjudicialcontinuingeducationprogrammesdonotincludeknowledgeoftheCovenantanddiscussiononitsimplementation.WhetherornotcourtsoftheUnitedStateseventuallydeclaretheCovenanttobenonselfexecuting,informationaboutitsprovisionsshouldbeprovidedtothejudiciary.281., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheexcessivenumberofoffencespunishablebythedeathpenaltyinanumberofstates,thenumberofdeathsentenceshandeddownbycourtsandthelongstayondeathrow,which,inspecificinstances,mayamounttoabreachofarticle7oftheCovenant.Itdeplorestherecentexpansionofthedeathpenaltyunderfederallawandthere-establishmentofthedeathpenaltyincertainstates.Italsodeploresprovisionsinthelegislationofanumberofstatesthatallowthedeathpenaltytobepronouncedforcrimescommittedbypersonsunder18andtheactualinstanceswheresuchsentenceshavebeenpronouncedandexecuted.Italsoregretsthat,insomecases,thereappearstohavebeenlackofprotectionfromthedeathpenaltyofthosementallyretarded.282., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedatthereportedlylargenumberofpersonskilled,woundedorsubjectedtoilltreatmentbymembersofthepoliceforceinthepurporteddischargeoftheirduties.ItalsoregretstheeasyavailabilityoffirearmstothepublicandthefactthatfederalandstatelegislationisnotstringentenoughinthatconnectiontosecuretheprotectionandenjoymentoftherighttolifeandsecurityoftheindividualguaranteedundertheCovenant.283., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatexcludablealiensaredealtwithbylowerstandardsofdueprocessthanotheraliensand,inparticular,thatthosewhocannotbedeportedorextraditedmaybeheldindetentionindefinitely.ThesituationofanumberofasylumseekersandrefugeesisalsoamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.284., .,TheCommitteedoesnotsharetheviewexpressedbytheGovernmentthattheCovenantlacksextraterritorialreachunderallcircumstances.SuchaviewiscontrarytotheconsistentinterpretationoftheCommitteeonthissubject,that,inspecialcircumstances,personsmayfallunderthesubject-matterjurisdictionofaStatepartyevenwhenoutsidethatState'sterritory.285., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutconditionsofdetentionofpersonsdeprivedoflibertyinfederalorstateprisons,particularlywithregardtoplannedmeasuresthatwouldleadtofurtherovercrowdingofdetentioncentres.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthepracticethatallowsmaleprisonofficersaccessinwomen'sdetentioncentresandhasledtoseriousallegationsofsexualabuseofwomenandtheinvasionoftheirprivacy.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheconditionsofdetentionincertainmaximumsecurityprisons,whichareincompatiblewitharticle10oftheCovenantandruncountertotheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonersandtheCodeofConductforLawEnforcementOfficials.286., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,insomestates,nontherapeuticresearchmaybeconductedonminorsormentallyillpatientsonthebasisofsurrogateconsentinviolationoftheprovisionsinarticle7oftheCovenant.287., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedattheseriousinfringementofprivatelifeinsomestatesthatclassifyasacriminaloffencesexualrelationsbetweenadultconsentingpartnersofthesamesexcarriedoutinprivate,andtheconsequencesthereoffortheirenjoymentofotherhumanrightswithoutdiscrimination.288., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheimpactthatthecurrentsystemofelectionofjudgesmay,inafewstates,haveontheimplementationoftherightsprovidedunderarticle14oftheCovenantandwelcomestheeffortsofanumberofstatesintheadoptionofameritselectionsystem.Itisalsoconcernedaboutthefactthatinmanyruralareasjusticeisadministeredbyunqualifiedanduntrainedpersons.TheCommitteealsonotesthelackofeffectivemeasurestoensurethatindigentdefendantsinseriouscriminalproceedings,particularlyinstatecourts,arerepresentedbycompetentcounsel.289., .,TheCommitteewelcomesthesignificanteffortsmadeinensuringtoeveryonetherighttovotebutisconcernedattheconsiderablefinancialcoststhatadverselyaffecttherightofpersonstobecandidatesatelections.290., .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthataboriginalrightsofNativeAmericansmay,inlaw,beextinguishedbyCongress.Itisalsoconcernedbythehighincidenceofpoverty,sicknessandalcoholismamongNativeAmericans,notwithstandingsomeimprovementsachievedwiththeSelfGovernanceDemonstrationProject.291., .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatinformationprovidedinthecoredocumentrevealsthatdisproportionatenumbersofNativeAmericans,AfricanAmericans,Hispanicsandsingleparentfamiliesheadedbywomenlivebelowthepovertylineandthatoneinfourchildrenundersixliveinpoverty.ItisconcernedthatpovertyandlackofaccesstoeducationadverselyaffectpersonsbelongingtothesegroupsintheirabilitytoenjoyrightsundertheCovenantonthebasisofequality.&  @ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations292., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitsreservations,'  declarationsandunderstandingswithaviewtowithdrawingthem,inparticularreservationstoarticle6,paragraph5,andarticle7oftheCovenant.̇293., .,TheCommitteehopesthattheGovernmentoftheUnitedStateswillconsiderbecomingapartytotheFirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.294., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriateinterfederalandstateinstitutionalmechanismsbeestablishedforthereviewofexistingaswellasproposedlegislationandothermeasureswithaviewtoachievingfullimplementationoftheCovenant,includingitsreportingobligations.295., .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedfortheGovernmenttoincreaseitseffortstopreventandeliminatepersistingdiscriminatoryattitudesandprejudicesagainstpersonsbelongingtominoritygroupsandwomenincluding,whereappropriate,throughtheadoptionofaffirmativeaction.StatelegislationwhichisnotyetinfullcompliancewiththenondiscriminationarticlesoftheCovenantshouldbebroughtsystematicallyintolinewiththemassoonaspossible.296., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytorevisefederalandstatelegislationwithaviewtorestrictingthenumberofoffencescarryingthedeathpenaltystrictlytothemostseriouscrimes,inconformitywitharticle6oftheCovenantandwithavieweventuallytoabolishingit.Itexhortstheauthoritiestotakeappropriatestepstoensurethatpersonsarenotsentencedtodeathforcrimescommittedbeforetheywere18.TheCommitteeconsidersthatthedeterminationofmethodsofexecutionmusttakeintoaccounttheprohibitionagainstcausingavoidablepainandrecommendstheStatepartytotakeallnecessarystepstoensurerespectofarticle7oftheCovenant.297., .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytotakeallnecessarymeasurestopreventanyexcessiveuseofforcebythepolice;thatrulesandregulationsgoverningtheuseofweaponsbythepoliceandsecurityforcesbeinfullconformitywiththeUnitedNationsBasicPrinciplesontheUseofForceandFirearmsbyLawEnforcementOfficials;thatanyviolationsoftheserulesbesystematicallyinvestigatedinordertobringthosefoundtohavecommittedsuchactsbeforethecourts;andthatthosefoundguiltybepunishedandthevictimsbecompensated.Regulationslimitingthesaleoffirearmstothepublicshouldbeextendedandstrengthened.298., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatemeasuresbeadoptedassoonaspossibletoensuretoexcludablealiensthesameguaranteesofdueprocessasareavailabletootheraliensandthatguidelinesbeestablishedthatwouldplacelimitsonthelengthofdetentionofpersonswhocannotbedeported.299., .,TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethatmeasureswillbeadoptedtobringconditionsofdetentionofpersonsdeprivedoflibertyinfederalorstateprisonsinfullconformitywitharticle10oftheCovenant.Legislative,prosecutorialandjudicialpolicyinsentencingmusttakeintoaccountthatovercrowdinginprisonscausesviolationofarticle10oftheCovenant.Existinglegislationthatallowsmaleofficersaccesstowomen'squartersshouldbeamendedsoastoprovideatleastthattheywillalwaysbeaccompaniedbywomenofficers.Conditionsofdetentioninprisons,inparticularinmaximumsecurityprisons,shouldbescrutinizedwithaviewtoguaranteeingthatpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertybetreatedwithhumanityandwithrespectfortheinherentdignityofthehumanperson,andimplementingtheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisonersandtheCodeofConductforLawEnforcementOfficialstherein.Appropriatemeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoprovidespeedyandeffectiveremediestocompensatepersonswhohavebeensubjectedtounlawfulorarbitraryarrestsasprovidedinarticle9,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.̇300., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoamendanyfederalorstateregulationwhichallow,insomestates,nontherapeuticresearchtobeconductedonminorsormentallyillpatientsonthebasisofsurrogateconsent.301., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatthecurrentsysteminafewstatesintheappointmentofjudgesthroughelectionsbereconsideredwithaviewtoitsreplacementbyasystemofappointmentonmeritbyanindependentbody.302., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatstepsbetakentoensurethatpreviouslyrecognizedaboriginalNativeAmericanrightscannotbeextinguished.TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttoensurethatthereisafulljudicialreviewinrespectofdeterminationsoffederalrecognitionoftribes.TheSelf-GovernanceDemonstrationProjectandsimilarprogrammesshouldbestrengthenedtocontinuetofightthehighincidenceofpoverty,sicknessandalcoholismamongNativeAmericans.303., .,TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethat,whendeterminingwhethercurrentlypermittedaffirmativeactionprogrammesforminoritiesandwomenshouldbewithdrawn,theobligationtoprovideCovenant'srightsinfactaswellasinlawwillbeborneinmind.304., .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoensuregreaterpublicawarenessoftheprovisionsoftheCovenantandthatthelegalprofessionaswellasjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesatfederalandstatelevelsbemadefamiliarwiththeseprovisionsinordertoensuretheireffectiveapplication.@ .K.UkraineS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)0S02305.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredthefourthperiodicreportofUkraine(CCPR/C/95/Add.2)atits1418thto1420thmeetings,on11and12July1995,andadopted17thefollowingfinalcomments:@ .1.Introduction2306.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthefourthperiodicreportofUkraineandviewswithsatisfactionthecooperativeattitudeofthedelegationinengaginginafrankandconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteeappreciatesthefactthatthereportdidnotconcealdifficultiesencounteredbytheStatepartyinimplementingtheCovenant.However,thosedifficultiesweredescribedinverybroadtermsandwithoutdescribingthestepsenvisagedbytheStatepartytoovercomethem.Furthermore,thereportdidnotprovidesufficientinformationontheimplementationoftheCovenantinpractice.TheadditionalinformationprovidedintheoralrepliesgivenbythedelegationtothequestionsposedandcommentsraisedbytheCommitteemembershaveenabledtheCommitteetogainaclearerpictureoftheoverallsituationinthecountry,especiallywithregardtoUkraine'sapproachtocompliancewiththeobligationsundertakenundertheCovenant.̀2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingthe󀀀applicationoftheCovenant  2307.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatitisnecessarytoovercomevestigesofthetotalitarianpastandthatmuchremainstobedonetostrengthendemocraticinstitutionsandrespectfortheruleoflaw.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotesthattheGovernment'seffortsinrestructuringthelegalsystemandendeavourstoimplementbettertheCovenanthavebeenhamperedbylacunaeinthenationallegislationaswellasbyacontinuingresorttoalargenumberofoutdatedalbeitstillinforcelawsoftheformerregime,manyofthemincompatiblewithcorrespondingprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteealsonotesthatextremistanddiscriminatoryattitudesareemerginginthecountrythatarenotconducivetothefullpromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.Inaddition,thisperiodoftransitiontoamarketorientedeconomyhasbeenmarkedbysevereeconomicandsocialdifficulties.@ .3.Positiveaspects2308.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionastothefundamentalandpositivechangesthathaverecentlytakenplaceinUkraine.Thesechangeswillcreateabetterpolitical,constitutionalandlegalframeworkforthefullimplementationoftherightsenshrinedintheCovenant.2309.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthat,throughtheadoptionoftheActontheEffectofInternationalAgreementsonUkrainianTerritoryinDecember1991andoftheActonUkraine'sInternationalTreatiesinDecember1993,internationaltreatiesratifiedbyUkrainearenowautomaticallypartofthedomesticlegalorder.TherecognitionbyUkraineofthecompetenceoftheCommitteetoreceiveandconsidercommunicationsfromindividualsundertheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenantanditswillingnesstoadoptappropriateprocedurestoimplementtheCommittee'sviewswithoutdelayisofparticularimportancefortheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant.2310.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthemanyotherrecentlegaldevelopmentsinUkraineandthepresentprogressinthetransitiontowardsdemocracyandpluralism.Ingeneral,theCommitteeisencouragedbytheadoptionoftheActonProvisionalDetentioninJune1993andoftheDecreeoftheUkrainianCabinetonProgrammesforBringinguptoWorldStandardstheConditionsofDetentioninJanuary1994,whichtakeintoaccounttheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheadoptionoftheActsontheUkrainianPublicProsecutor'sOfficeinNovember1991,theLegalProfessioninDecember1992,theStatusofJudgesinDecember1992andtheSelfGovernanceoftheJudiciaryinFebruary1994,aimedatstrengtheningtheindependentstatusofthejudicialsystemandimprovingjudicialguaranteesforindividuals.2311.3  , .,TheCommitteealsonotestheadoptionbytheGovernmentofUkraineofthe1991ActonFreedomofConscienceandReligiousOrganizations,ofthe1993ActsonInformationandonPrintedMedia,ofthe1993ActonTelevisionandRadioBroadcastingandoftheActonPublicAssociationofCitizens.TheadoptionbyUkraineoftheActonEnvironmentalProtectionin1991,alongwithspecialprovisionsinthePenalCodeestablishingliabilityforthepreparation,processingorsellingofradiationcontaminatedfoodstuffsorotherproductsandtheiraccessiontothenuclearnonproliferationtreatiesarealsoawelcomedevelopment.2312.3  , .,TheCommitteefurthernotestheadoptionbytheSupremeCouncilofUkraineofthe1991DeclarationofRightsoftheNationalitiesofUkraine,whichwasgivenlegalforcethroughtheActonNationalMinoritiesin1992.̀2313.3  , .,TheCommitteetakesnotewithappreciationoftheconfirmationbythedelegationthatvictimsofpasthumanrightsviolationsareentitledtocompensation.ItfurtherwelcomestheeffortsinitiatedbytheGovernmentofUkrainetoencourageandfacilitatethereturnofminoritiesdisplacedbytheSovietregimeandespeciallytheresettlementinCrimeaoftheCrimeanTartars.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern2314.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedbythecontinuingapplicabilityinUkraineofaConstitutionwhichdoesnotprovideguaranteesandrecourseproceduresinfullconformitywiththeCovenant.Furthermore,ithasnotbeenmadesufficientlyclearduringtheconsiderationofthereportwhether,underthelawandinthepracticeofthecourtsandadministrativeauthorities,provisionsoftheCovenantaresystematicallyappliedinprecedencetoaconflictingprovisiontodomesticlaw.2315.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutactualcasesofdiscriminationagainstwomenand,ingeneral,thepersistenceinaclimateofeconomicandsocialdifficultiesofgenderdisparitiesinpracticewithregardtosuchissuesasequalpay,theequitableparticipationofwomenintheconductofpublicaffairsandintheeconomic,socialandculturallifeofthecountry.TheStatepartyhasnotyetadoptedeffectivemeasurestoovercomeattitudesbasedontraditionalroleswhichhinderequalitybetweenmenandwomen.Additionally,theCommitteeregretsthehighleveloffamilyviolencewithinthecountryandrecallsthattheCovenantrequiresStatespartiestoimplementmeasuresofprotection.2316.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernaboutthecurrenttrendinUkrainetoimposeandcarryoutanincreasingnumberofdeathsentences,andabouttheinhumanecircumstancesinwhichthosesentencesarecarriedout.Itrecallsthatunderarticle6oftheCovenantasentenceofdeathmaybeimposedonlyforthemostseriouscrimes.2317.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheguaranteescontainedinarticles7,9,10and14oftheCovenantarenotfullycompliedwith.Inparticular,itisconcernedthattortureandilltreatmentofpersonscommittedbymembersofthepoliceandothersecurityforcescontinuetobereported,particularlytothePublicProsecutor'sOffice.Inthisregard,itisconcernedthattherighttopersonalsecuritymayberestrictedwithoutanyinvolvementofajudicialbody.TheProcurator'sfunctionsduringtheinvestigationprocessaswellasthroughoutthetrialdonotensuretheminimumrequirementscontainedinarticles9and14oftheCovenant.Furthermore,casesofadministrativedetention,inparticularofvagrants,denialofaccessofdetaineestolegalcounselandlongperiodsofpretrialdetentionaremattersofgreatconcern.2318.3  , .,TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheconditionsinplacesofdetention,whetherinprisonsorcurativelabourestablishments,whichdonotcomplywitharticle10oftheCovenantorotherinternationalstandards.PrisonovercrowdingisafurthermatterofconcerntotheCommittee.2319.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernthattheindependenceofthejudiciaryhasnotyetbeenensured.Inthisconnection,itregretsthattheConstitutionalCourt,whichistobeestablishedundertheActontheConstitutionalCourtofJune1992,hasnotyetbeensetup.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedbytheverylongdelaysintheadministrationofjustice,whicharenotinconformitywiththerequirementsofbotharticles9and14oftheCovenant,andnotesinthatregardthatthejudicialsysteminUkrainecannotbeefficientuntilthereisasufficientnumberofwelltrainedandqualifiedjudgesandlawyers.Theabsenceofspecialprovisionsforjuvenileoffendersisalsoamatterofconcern.2320.3  , .,TheCommitteeisfurtherdisturbedbycontinuingobstaclestofreedomofmovementinUkraineandinparticularbythelegalprovisionsthatallowfortherejectionofpassportapplicationsfromholdersofStatesecrets.Therequirementofexitvisasandthepersistenceoftheinternalpassportareunacceptableandincompatiblewitharticle12oftheCovenant.2321.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthat,althoughUkraineadoptedadomesticrefugeelawinDecember1993,currentlynoconcretemeasureshavebeentakentoimplementthislaw,ortoestablisharefugeedeterminationprocedureforasylumseekersinUkraine.2322.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernarisingfromtheinformationinthereport,corroboratedbycasesbroughttoitsattention,thatthereareincidentsandsituationsthatmaybeconducivetoactsofdiscriminationonethnic,gender,religious,linguisticorpropertygrounds.TheCommitteeregretsthatappropriatestepshavenotyetbeentakenbytheauthoritiestoresolvethosedifficultiesand,inparticular,topreventandsuppresstheadvocacyofnational,racialorreligioushatredinconformitywiththerequirementsofarticle20oftheCovenant.Thissituationisparticularlyalarminginthatitmayundermineharmoniousrelationswithminorities.Inthatregard,theCommitteeregretsthatthedefinitionofminoritiesundertheDeclarationoftheRightsoftheNationalitiesofUkrainedoesnotconformfullywitharticle27oftheCovenant,whichgrantsprotectiontopersonsbelongingtoallethnic,religiousorlinguisticminorities,andnotonlytothosebelongingto"national"minorities.Lastly,theCommitteenoteswithregretthatmeasureshavenotyetbeentakentograntautomaticallyUkrainiancitizenshiptoCrimeanTartarswhohavereturnedtoCrimea.&  @ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations2323.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheconstitutionalreformpresentlyunderway'  beacceleratedinordertoensuretheadoptionandimplementationofthenewConstitutionandthatthetextoftheCovenantbetakenintoaccountinthatregard.Indraftingnewlegislationaffectinghumanrights,attentionshouldsystematicallybepaidtotheestablishmentofeffectiveguaranteesforthesafeguardofcivilandpoliticalrights.Inthatregard,theauthoritiesmayavailthemselvesoftheadvisoryservicesandtechnicalcooperationprogrammesdevelopedbytheCentreforHumanRights. 2324.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttosetupanindependentbody,suchasahumanrightsombudsman,tomonitortheimplementationofthelawinconformitywiththeobligationsunderthevarioushumanrightsinstrumentstowhichUkraineisaparty,andtoreceivecomplaintsbyindividuals.2325.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewandincludeinformationinitsnextperiodicreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeunderthefirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant,alsobearinginmindtheobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.2326.3  , .,Withrespecttotherightsofwomen,theCommitteebelievesthataffirmativemeasuresshouldbetakentostrengthentheirparticipationinthepolitical,economic,andsociallifeofthecountry,aswellaspositivemeasurestoensureeffectiveprotectionagainstdomesticviolence.2327.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatUkrainestudymeasurestolimitthecategoriesofcrimespunishablebydeathtothemostseriousoffences,inconformitywitharticle6oftheCovenant,withaviewtoitsprospectiveabolition,andtomakewhenappropriatemoreextensiveuseoftherightsofcommutationorpardon.2328.3  , .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedforgreatercontroloverthepolice.Thereshouldbeintensivetrainingandeducationalprogrammesinthefieldofhumanrightsaimedatlawenforcementofficials.Stepsshouldbetakentostrengthenrecourseproceduresforvictimsofpoliceabuseanddetainedpersons.Adequatefollowuptoreportsofsuchabuseshouldbeensuredbythoroughinvestigationsandappropriatepenalandadministrativesanctions.Prisonconditionsshouldbebroughtintocompliancewitharticle10oftheCovenantandwiththeUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.2329.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inordertoensuretheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary,aswellastheconfidenceoftheindividualsintheproperadministrationofjustice,furtherstepsbetakentospeedupandcompletethereformprocess.Measuresforjuvenilesshouldbeappropriatetotheirneedsandstatus.Furthermore,vigorouseffortsshouldalsobemadetoencourageacultureofindependenceamongthejudiciaryitselfandtoestablishawelltrainedandindependentlegalprofession.Afirstpriorityshould,forinstance,betoadoptalawcontainingallthesafeguardssetforthintheCovenant.2330.3  , .,Existingprovisionslimitingorrestrictingtheexerciseoftherighttofreedomofmovement,includingtheinternalpassportrequirements,aswellasthelegalprovisionsrelatingtoholdersofStatesecrets,shouldbereviewedtobringthelegislationfullyinconformitywitharticle12oftheCovenant.2331.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatUkraineundertaketoimplementitsdomesticrefugeelawofDecember1993and,inthisconnection,thatitseekassistanceandadvicefromrelevantinternationalorganizations,includingUNHCR.2332.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesthewishthatvigorousmeasureswillbetakentogivefullimplementationtoarticle20oftheCovenant.2333.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthepublicationofthereportinUkraineandtheGovernment'sintentiontodisseminatetherecordofthedialogue.ItemphasizesthatthetextoftheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocolshouldbewidelypublicizedinthelanguagesspokeninUkraine,sothatthepubliccanbemadefullyawareoftherightsenshrinedintheprovisionsoftheseinstruments.Italsorecommendsthateducationinhumanrightsanddemocracybeincludedinschoolanduniversitycurriculaandthatitscommentsbewidelydisseminatedandincorporatedintothecurriculaofallhumanrightstrainingprogrammesorganizedforlawenforcementofficialsandadministrationofficers.@ .L.Latvia2334.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofLatvia(CCPR/C/81/Add.1/Rev.1)atits1421st,1422ndand1425thmeetings,on12to14July1995,andadopted18thefollowingfinalcomments:̇@ .1.Introduction2335.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreport(CCPR/C/81/Add.1/Rev.1)ofLatviaandexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyfortheopenandconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.However,itnotesthat,whileprovidingdetailedinformationonprevailinglegislationinLatvia,thereportdoesnotcontainenoughinformationonthewayinwhichtheCovenantisimplementedinpractice.Tosomeextent,theinformationprovidedbythedelegationandtheresponsestothequestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommitteelargelycoveredthesedeficienciesandprovidedtheCommitteewithabetterinsightintothehumanrightssituationinLatvia.̀2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheapplication󀀀oftheCovenant2336.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatitisnecessarytoovercomevestigesofthetotalitarianpastandthatmuchremainstobedonetostrengthendemocraticinstitutionsandrespectfortheruleoflaw.TheGovernment'seffortsinrestructuringthelegalsystemandendeavouringtoimplementbettertheCovenanthavebeenhamperedbylacunaeinsomeexistinglegislationaswellasbycontinuingresorttoanumberofoutdatedlawswhichareincompatiblewithcorrespondingprovisionsoftheCovenant.2337.3  , .,InconsequenceoflargescaleemigrationfromandimmigrationtoLatviainthepast,therecoexistedinthecountry,atthetimeoftherenewalofindependence,asignificantlylargeproportionofpersonsbelongingtovariousnationalminorities.ThepolicyoftheGovernmenttoestablishprecisecriteriawithregardtonaturalizationandcitizenshiphasraisedanumberofdifficultiesthatareaffectingtheapplicationoftheCovenant.&  @ .3.Positiveaspects2338.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionastothefundamentalandpositive'  changesthathavetakenplacesinceLatviareestablisheditselfasasovereignStatein1990.Thesechangeswillcreateabetterpolitical,constitutionalandlegalframeworkforthefullimplementationoftherightsenshrinedintheCovenant.2339.3  , .,Latvia'saccession,soonafteritsrenewalofindependenceon4May1990,tovarioushumanrightsinternationalinstruments,suchastheCovenant,confirmsthegenuinecommitmentoftheStatepartytoguaranteethebasichumanrightsofallindividuals.TherecognitionbyLatviaofthecompetenceoftheCommitteetoreceiveandconsidercommunicationsfromindividualsunderthefirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenantisofparticularimportancefortheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant.2340.3  , .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattherehasbeensignificantprogressinsecuringcivilandpoliticalrightsinLatviasincetheproclamationoftherenewalofindependence.ParticularsatisfactionisexpressedattheadoptioninJanuary1995oftheNationalProgrammefortheProtectionandPromotionofHumanRightsinLatviaandattheestablishmentofaHumanRightsCouncilinJuly1995.2341.3  , .,TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactiontheeliminationofcapitalpunishmentasapotentialpenaltyforseveraltypesofeconomiccrimesaswellastheplannedrevisionoftheCriminalCodewhichshouldleadtotheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern2342.3  , .,TheCommitteeregretsthattheCovenanthasnotbeengivenanoverridingstatusintheLatvianlegalorderandthattheConstitutionalLawontheRightsandObligationsofaCitizenandaPersonof10December1991hasnoconstitutionalstatus.Furthermore,theConstitutionof15February1922,whichwasrestoredin1993,hasnotyetbeenfullyamendedsoastoincorporatealltherightsenshrinedinthevariousarticlesoftheCovenant.Atthesametime,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheabsenceofabody,suchasaConstitutionalCourt,chargedwithdetermining,interalia,theconformityofdomesticlawswiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandotherrelevanthumanrightsinstruments.2343.3  , .,TheCommitteealsonotesthatitwasnotmadesufficientlyclear,duringtheconsiderationofthereport,howthehumanrightsofresidentnon-citizensareguaranteed,inaccordancewitharticle2,paragraph1,oftheCovenant.2344.3  , .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheLatvianlegalsystemhasnotyetprovidedforeffectivemechanismsofinvestigationinrespectofviolationsofhumanrights,asrequiredunderarticle2,paragraph3,oftheCovenant.IntheviewoftheCommittee,theneedtomakeeffectiveremediesavailabletoanypersonwhoserightsareviolatedisparticularlyurgentinrespectoftheobligationsembodiedinarticles7,9and10oftheCovenant.2345.3  , .,TheCommitteefurtherregretsthattherespectivefunctionsandmandatesoftheStateMinisteronHumanRightsandofthenewlycreatedHumanRightsCouncilwerenotclearlydescribedduringthediscussionandbelievesthattheremaybecertainoverlappingintheiractivitiesaswellasalackofeffectivecoordination.2346.3  , .,WhileexpressingsatisfactionattheimpendingchangesintheCriminalCodethatareexpectedtoabolishthedeathpenaltyinduecourse,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthedeathpenaltycanbeimposedforcrimesthatcannotbequalifiedasthemostseriouscrimesunderarticle6oftheCovenant.2347.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattherightscontainedinarticles7and10oftheCovenantarenotfullyrespected.TheCommitteeis,inparticular,concernedatallegationsofmistreatmentofdetaineesandattheconditionsinplacesofdetention,whichdonotcomplywitharticle10oftheCovenantorotherinternationalstandards.Theapparentnonseparationofaccusedpersonsfromconvictedpersonsandjuvenilesfromadultsisafurthermatterofconcern.TheCommitteeisespeciallyconcernedthattheredonotseemtobeclearmechanismsfordealingwithcomplaintsofviolencebylawenforcementauthoritiesandofconditionsindetentioncentresandprisons.TheCommitteealsonotesthatthejudicialsysteminLatviawillnotbeabletoexerciseitsfunctionsproperlyuntilthereisasufficientnumberofwelltrainedandqualifiedjudgesandlawyers.2348.3  , .,Withregardtoarticles9and14oftheCovenant,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedthatthenewCodeofCriminalProcedurehasnotbeenenacted.TheroleoftheProsecutorundertheLawonProsecutor'sSupervision,enactedon19May1994,runscountertotheprincipleofequalityofarmsincriminaltrialsanddoesnotprotectinaproperwaytherighttopersonalsecurity.̇2349.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,asaresultoftheabsenceofdomesticlegislationandproceduregoverningthetreatmentofasylumseekerstryingtoenterorwhohaveenteredLatvia,theGovernmenthasresortedtoanexcessiveuseofdetentionandremovalofasylumseekersfromthecountry.2350.3  , .,Whilewelcomingtheattemptsatbringingthenaturalizationandcitizenshiplegislationinconformitywithregionalhumanrightsinstruments,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatasignificantsegmentofthepopulationwillnotenjoyLatviancitizenshipowingtothestringentcriteriaestablishedbythelawandthepolicydeliberatelychosentoconsidereachcaseonanindividualbasisandpursuanttoatimetablecalculatedtodelaythenaturalizationprocessformanyyears.IntheviewoftheCommittee,thelegislationstillcontainscriteriaofexclusionthatgiveroomtodiscriminationunderarticles2and26oftheCovenantandraisedifficultiesunderarticles13and17oftheCovenant.@ . &  5.Suggestionsandrecommendations2351.3  ԀTheCommitteerecom'  mendsthatareviewoftheexistinglegalframeworkfortheprotectionofhumanrightsintheStatepartybeundertakeninordertoclarifythestatusofinternationalhumanrightstreaties,particularlytheCovenant,inthedomesticlegalhierarchy.Inthisregard,theCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceofgivingtheCovenantanoverridingstatusinthenationallegalorder.RegardingtheactualapplicationoftheCovenant,theCommitteerequeststheStatepartytoindicateinitssecondperiodicreportanypossibleinstanceswheretheCovenantwasdirectlyinvokedbeforethecourts,aswellasabouttheresultsofanysuchproceedings.2352.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewandincludeinformationinitsnextperiodicreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeunderthefirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant,alsobearinginmindtheobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.2353.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytotakeappropriatemeasurestoprovideeffectiveandefficientremediesforallpersonswhoserightsundertheCovenanthavebeenviolated.Inthatregard,theCommitteerequeststheStatepartytoensureduecoordinationbetweenexistingandplannedinstitutionsaimingatprotectinghumanrights.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoensuregreaterpublicawarenessoftheremediesavailabletoindividuals,includingtheprovisionsofthefirstOptionalProtocol.2354.3  , .,TheCommitteewouldwelcomeinformationonthesituationofwomen,tobeprovidedinthesecondperiodicreport,andrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeappropriatestepstoeducatethepopulationofLatviaontheequalityofmenandwomen.2355.3  , .,WhilestronglyendorsingthestepsenvisagedtowardstheabolitionofthedeathpenaltyinLatvia,theCommitteerecommendsthatafirmpolicybeadoptedaimingatcommuting,duringtheinterimperiod,alldeathsentencestolifeimprisonment.2356.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeanynecessarymeasurestoensurethattheconditionsofdetentionofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertycomplyfullywitharticle10oftheCovenant,aswellastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.2357.3  , .,TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedforgreatercontroloverthepolice,particularlyinthecontextoftherecentauthoritarianpastfromwhichLatviansocietyisemerging.Intensivetrainingandeducationprogrammesinthefieldofhumanrightsforlawenforcementofficialsaswellasofficialsofthecorrectionalservicearerecommended.Stepsshouldbetakentoinstituteeffectiverecourseproceduresforvictimsofpoliceabuseanddetainedpersons.Adequatepublicityshouldbegiventopronouncedadministrativeandpenalsanctions.2358.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inordertoensuretheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary,aswellastheconfidenceoftheindividualsintheproperadministrationofjustice,furtherstepsbetakentospeedupandcompletethereformprocess.Furthervigorouseffortsshouldalsobemadetoencourageacultureofindependenceamongthejudiciaryitself. .2359.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofLatviatakestepstoadoptdomesticlegislationgoverningthetreatmentofrefugeesandasylumseekersincompliancewiththeCovenantandinternationalrefugeelaw.Inthisregard,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmentofLatviaseekassistancefromrelevantinternationalorganizations,includingUNHCR.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheLatvianGovernmentconsideraccedingtothe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandits1967Protocol.2360.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestoguaranteethatthecitizenshipandnaturalizationlegislationfacilitatethefullintegrationofallpermanentresidentsofLatvia,withaviewtoensuringcompliancewiththerightsguaranteedundertheCovenant,inparticularwitharticles2and26.2361.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheCovenant,theOptionalProtocolandtheCommittee'scommentsbewidelydisseminatedamongtheLatvianpublic.Additionally,theCommitteerecommendsthathumanrightseducationbeprovidedinschoolatalllevelsandcomprehensivehumanrightstrainingbeprovidedtojudges,lawyers,lawenforcementofficersandotherpersonsinvolvedintheadministrationofjustice.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalcooperationservicesoftheCentreforHumanRights,andseekthecooperationoftherelevantnon-governmentalorganizations.@ .M.RussianFederation  2362.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredthefourthperiodicreportoftheRussianFederation(CCPR/C/84/Add.2)atits1426thto1429thmeetings,on17and18July1995,andadopted18thefollowingcomments:  1.Introduction    2363.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthefourthperiodicreportoftheRussianFederationandviewswithsatisfactionitsdialoguewiththedelegation,particularlythedelegation'swillingnesstoengageinafrankdiscussionwiththeCommitteeandthedetailinwhichitswrittenandadditionaloralquestionswereaddressed.TheCommitteeregretsthat,whilethereportwasmainlydraftedonthebasisoflegalmeasuresenactedorunderconsideration,insufficientinformationwasprovidedregardingtheactualenjoymentofsomeoftherightsguaranteedintheCovenant.TheCommitteeappreciatesthatthissituationwaspartlyremediedthroughtheoralresponsestotheCommittee'squestions,whichallowedittoobtainaclearerviewoftheoverallsituationintheStateparty.̀2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheapplication󀀀oftheCovenant2364.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatitisnecessarytoovercomevestigesofthetotalitarianpastandthatmuchremainstobedonetostrengthendemocraticinstitutionsandrespectfortheruleoflaw.Thishascreatedalegalvacuumincertainareas,inwhichtheprinciplessetforthintheConstitutionarenotimplementedbycorrespondinglawsandregulations.TheCommitteenotesthattheenactmentofnewlawsisbeingundertakenbytheGovernmentbuttheirconsiderationbytwoChambersoftheFederalAssemblypriortopromulgationisgenerallyaslowprocess.2365.3  , .,TheCommitteeisawareofeconomicdifficultiesfacingtheStateparty,whichinevitablyaffecttheapplicationoftheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects2366.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionastothefundamentalandpositivechangesthathaverecentlytakenplaceintheRussianFederation.Thesechangeswillcreateabetterpolitical,constitutionalandlegalframeworkforthefullimplementationoftherightsenshrinedintheCovenant.2367.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthenewConstitutionof1993,whichgiveslegalrecognitiontotheconceptofhumanrightsandfreedomsoftheindividual.TheCommitteeconsidersthatchapter2oftheConstitution,whichenumeratestherightsandlibertiesoftheindividuals,conformstomanyofthebasicrightsprovidedundertheCovenant.2368.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestheprovisionsofarticle15,paragraph4,oftheConstitution,which,togetherwiththelimitingprovisionofarticle125,paragraph6,establishesthatinternationaltreaties,includingtheCovenant,arepartoftheRussianlegalsystemandsuperiortodomesticlaw.Itfurtherwelcomestheinclusionofarticle17,paragraph1,whichstipulatesthatthebasicrightsandliberties,inconformitywiththecommonlyrecognizedprinciplesandnormsofinternationallaw,shallberecognizedandguaranteedbytheStatepartyundertheConstitution,therecognitionintheConstitutionoftherighttoapplytointernationalbodieswhendomesticremediesareexhaustedandthewrittenandoralaffirmationsthattheprovisionsoftheCovenantaredirectlyinvocableindomesticcourtsoflaw.2369.3  , .,Inthiscontext,theCommitteealsowelcomesthefactthattheRussianFederationispartytotheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.2370.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestheprogressmadetowardsdemocracysincetheconsiderationofthethirdperiodicreport.ItalsowelcomesthepromulgationofanumberoflegalinstrumentsaimedatguaranteeinghumanrightsforallpersonsintheterritoryoftheStateparty,includingthenewCivilCodeandCriminalCode.ItfurtherwelcomesthedraftlawaimedatacomprehensivereformofthejudicialprocessandtheCodeofCriminalProcedurescurrentlyinthedraftingstageandnoteswithappreciationthattherightofallpersonswhoserightsareviolatedtohaveaccesstojudicialrecoursehasbeenlegallyestablished.̇2371.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentofseveralbodieschargedwiththeprotectionofhumanrights,includingtheOfficeoftheHumanRightsCommissionerundertheStateDumaandthePresidentialHumanRightsCommission,aswellasthenewlyestablishedCommissionforHumanRightsoftheCommonwealthofIndependentStates.2372.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestheGovernment'sassurancesthatasystematicreviewofpersonsplacedinpsychiatricfacilitiesunderpreviousregimeswillbecarriedoutandtruststhatallthosefoundtobeplacedinsuchfacilitieswithoutduecausewillbereleased.  2373.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomesthespeciallegislationenactedtoprovidecompensationtovictimsoftheeventsofOctober1993.  @ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern    2374.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheprofoundlegislativechangestakingplacewithintheStatepartyhavenotbeenmatchedbytheactualprotectionofhumanrightsattheimplementationlevel.Specifically,itregretsthatmanyoftherightsestablishedundertheConstitutionhavenotbeenputintoeffectthroughtheenactmentofimplementinglawsandregulationsandthattherelationshipofthevariousbodiesentrustedwiththeprotectionofhumanrightshasnotbeenclearlydefined.Inthisconnection,itregretsthattheresponsibilitiesoftheHumanRightsCommissioner,althoughunderstoodtobebroadinnatureandtoincludethepowertoinvestigatecomplaintsofhumanrightsviolations,tobringcasestotheConstitutionalCourtwheneverConstitutionalrightsareinfringedandtotakelegislativeinitiatives,arenotspecifiedintheConstitutionandhavenotyetbeenlegallydefinedinsubsequentlegislation.Inaddition,theresponsibilitiesoftheProcurator'sOfficewithrespecttotheprotectionofhumanrightswouldappeartocoincideinmanyrespectswiththoseoftheHumanRightsCommissioner.Inrelationtothesebodies,itisnotclearwhythePresidentialHumanRightsCommissionoperatingdirectlyunderthePresident,whoispersonallyresponsibleasguarantorofhumanrightsundertheConstitution,isempoweredonlywithrecommendatoryfunctions,orwhatmechanismsareinplacetoensurethatpresidentialdecreesconformwiththeCovenant.2375.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,despiteguaranteesofequalityintheConstitutionandinlabourlegislation,thedefactosituationofwomenisoneofcontinuinginequality.Thefailuretoensureequalremunerationforworkofcomparableworthandthepersistenceofattitudesandpracticeswhichimposechildrearingandotherdomesticresponsibilitiesentirelyonwomencontributetothisinequalityandtodiscriminationintheworkplace.TheCommitteeisespeciallyalarmedattheextentofrapeanddomesticviolenceandtheinadequateeffortsmadebytheauthoritiestodealwiththisproblem.Itisalsoalarmedatthehighincidenceofunemploymentamongwomen.2376.3  , .,AlthoughtheCommitteenotesthatthedraftCriminalCodebeforetheFederalAssemblywouldreducethenumberofcrimesthatmayresultintheimpositionofthedeathpenalty,itisstillconcernedatthewiderangeofcrimesstillpunishablebysuchpenalty.Moreover,theCommitteenotesthatwhilethenumberofpersonsactuallyexecutedhasdeclineddramaticallysince1993,sentencingcontinues,whichhasresultedinalargeandgrowingnumberofpersonsondeathrow.2377.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesdeepconcernoverthepracticeofpretrialdetentionandoverthefactthattemporarydetentionhasbeenextendedfrom10to30daysincertaincases.ItisconcernedbytheextentoftheProcurator'scompetencetodecideonmattersrelatingtoarrestordetentionwhichcannotbechallengedbythepersonconcernedbeforeacourt.Underarticle9,paragraph3,oftheCovenant,thedetentionofpersonsbeforetheyaregrantedatrialshouldnotbethenormand,whenitoccurs,personssodetainedshouldbegrantedatrialwithinareasonabletimeorbereleased.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatpretrialdetentionispractised,notonlyincasesofseriouscriminalchargesbutmoresoonmisdemeanourchargesandfrequentlyforunreasonablylongperiodsoftime,andthatnoeffectivemechanismexistsformonitoringsuchdetention.2378.3  , .,TheCommitteefurtherexpressesgraveconcernoverthelackofamonitoringmechanismforpenitentiaryfacilitiestoensurehumanetreatmentofdetaineesandprisoners.Inthisregard,itdeploresthecruel,inhumaneanddegradingconditionsthatpersistinmanydetentioncentresandpenitentiaryfacilitiesandcondemnstheuseoffooddeprivationaspunishment.2379.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernaboutthelackofindependenceandefficiencyofthejudiciaryandthelongdelaysintheadministrationofjustice,whichdonotconformwiththerequirementsofbotharticles9and14oftheCovenant,andnotesinthatregardthatthejudicialsystemintheRussianFederationcannotbeeffectivetoensureprotectionofrightsuntilthereisasufficientnumberofwelltrainedandqualifiedjudgesandlawyers.2380.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatactionsmaycontinuethatviolatetherighttoprotectionfromunlawfulorarbitraryinterferencewithprivacy,family,homeorcorrespondence.Itisconcernedthatthemechanismstointrudeintoprivatetelephonecommunicationcontinuetoexist,withoutaclearlegislationsettingouttheconditionsforlegitimateinterferenceswithprivacyandprovidingforsafeguardsagainstunlawfulinterferences.2381.3  , .,Althoughfederallawhasprovidedfortheabolitionofthepropiska(residencepermit)system,theCommitteeisconcernedthatatregionalandlocallevels,thesystemisstillappliedinpractice,thusviolatingnotonlytheConstitution,butalsoarticle12oftheCovenant.ItexpressesfurtherconcernthatthemostimportantlegalrestrictionontherighttoleavethecountryisstillcastintermsofaStatesecret.Thisdoesnotcorrespondwiththerequirementsofarticle12,paragraph3,oftheCovenantandtheCommitteedeplores,inthatregard,theresistancetodateinbringingthelegislationinconformitywiththeCovenant.TheCommitteefurtherregretsthatallindividualsnothavingyetperformedtheirnationalserviceareexcludedinprinciplefromenjoyingtheirrighttoleavethecountry.2382.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatconscientiousobjectiontomilitaryservice,althoughrecognizedunderarticle59oftheConstitution,isnotapracticaloptionunderRussianlawandtakesnoteinthisregardofthedraftlawonalternativeservicebeforetheFederalAssembly.Itexpressesitsconcernatthepossibilitythatsuchalternativeservicemaybemadepunitive,eitherinnatureorinlengthofservice.TheCommitteeisalsoseriouslyconcernedattheallegationsofwidespreadcrueltyandilltreatmentofyoungconscriptsoldiers.2383.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedatreportsofgrowingnumbersofhomelessandabandonedchildreninneedofmeasuresofprotection.2384.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatthelimiteddefinitionoftheterm"nationalminorities",whichservesasthebasisformuchofthelegislationintheStatepartyconcerningtherightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities,doesnotgiveprotectiontoallpersonsreferredtoinarticle27oftheCovenant.ItisalsoconcernedatreportsofharassmentshowntowardspersonsbelongingtominoritygroupsfromtheCaucasusregion,intheformofsearches,beatings,arrestsanddeportation.2385.3  , .,TheCommitteedeeplyregretsthelackoffamiliarityoflawenforcementandprisonofficerswiththeguaranteesprovidedinthenewConstitutionandwithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsundertheCovenant.2386.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesconcernoverthejurisdictionofthemilitarycourtsincivilcases.PersonsdetainedbymembersofthearmedforcesaresaidtobeabletoraisecomplaintsbeforetheMilitaryProcurator'sOfficeinchargeofthedetentioncentrewheretheywereheld.Thiswouldappeartocreateasituationinwhichthearmyisentrustedwiththejudgementandsentencingofthecrimescommittedbyitsownmembers.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsuchasituationmaycausemiscarriagesofjustice,particularlyinthelightoftheGovernment'sacknowledgementthatthearmy,evenatthehighestlevels,isnotfamiliarwithinternationalhumanrightslaw,includingtheCovenant.2387.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesdeepconcernatthehighnumberofrefugeesfollowingtheeventsthatoccurredinNorthOssetiain1992andatthedifficultconditionsfacedbythesedisplacedpersonsintheneighbouringRepublicofIngushetia,aswellasatthenumerousincidentsthatoccurredduringtheirattemptstoreturntotheirhomeland.2388.3  , .,WithreferencetothespecificsituationinChechnya,theCommitteeexpressesconcernthatarticle4oftheCovenant,whichspecifiestheprovisionsthatarenonderogableevenintimesofpublicemergency,hasnotbeencompliedwith.ItmaintainsthatthisarticleisapplicabletothesituationinChechnya,wheretheuseofweaponsbycombatantshasledtothelossoflifeanddeprivationoffreedomoflargenumbersofpersons,regardlessofthefactthatastateofemergencyhasnotbeenformallydeclared.2389.3  , .,TheCommitteedeplorestheexcessiveanddisproportionateuseofforcebyRussianforcesinChechnya,indicatinggraveviolationofhumanrights.Itfurtherdeploresthefactthatnoonehasbeenmaderesponsiblefortheinhumanetreatmentofprisonersandotherdetainedpersons,thatinvestigationsonchargesofhumanrightsviolationsbyRussianforces,includingkillingofcivilians,havesofarbeeninadequate,thatcivilianinstallationssuchasschoolsandhospitalsweredestroyedbygovernmentforces,andthatalargenumberofcivilianshavebeenkilledordisplacedasaconsequenceofthedestructionoftheirhomes.2390.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesdeepconcernaboutthelargenumberofreportedcasesoftorture,illtreatmentofthepersonandarbitrarydetentionin"receptioncentres"or"filtrationcamps",whichwereoriginallyestablishedtodeterminetheidentitiesofcapturedcombatantsbutarereportedtoaccommodatelargenumbersofciviliansaswell.ItdeploresthemaltreatmentofdetaineesinthesecentresandisconcernedthattheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross(ICRC)hasnotbeengivenaccesstoallsuchcamps.2391.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,asaresultoftheviolentexcessesofrecentdevelopmentsinChechnya,thelevelofconfidenceofthepeopleinthereconstructioneffortsbythelocalauthoritiesandtheattemptstobringrelieftohumanrightsviolationsisextremelylow.̇&  @ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations2392.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattherelationshipbetweenthevariousbodies'  chargedwiththeprotectionofhumanrightsbeclearlydefinedandcoordinatedandthattheexistenceandfunctionsofthesebodiesbewidelypublicized.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatamechanismbeclearlyestablishedtoensureconformityofallpresidentialdecreesandlawswiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandotherinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentstowhichtheStateisparty.2393.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewandincludeinformationinitsnextperiodicreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeunderthefirstOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant,alsobearinginmindtheobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.2394.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatgreatereffortsbemadetocollectinformationonthesituationofwomenandtheeffectsonthemofthestructuralpolitical,economicandsocialchangestakingplace.Onthisbasis,theGovernmentshouldinitiateorstrengthenprogrammesaimedatprovidingassistancetowomenindifficultcircumstances,includingunemployedwomen,victimsofdomesticviolenceandvictimsofrape,withaviewtoensuringtheirequalitybeforethelawandtheequalprotectionofthelaw.Inparticular,itshouldconsiderallocatingresponsibilityforthatpurposetoanappropriatehighlevelgovernmentalbody.2395.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttoreducesubstantiallythenumberofcrimesforwhichthedeathpenaltymaybeimposed,inaccordancewitharticle6oftheCovenant,withaviewtoitseventualelimination.2396.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatthetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty,whetherindetentioncentresorinpenitentiaryfacilities,beeffectivelymonitored.Inthisconnection,itstronglyrecommendstheadoptionofnewrulesandregulationsthatcomplyfullywitharticles7,9,10and14oftheCovenantandtheUnitedNationsBodyofPrinciplesfortheProtectionofAllPersonsunderAnyFormofDetentionorImprisonmentandthatthetextsofallprisonrulesandordersandinternationalnormsonprisonadministrationbemadepublicandaccessible.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatprioritybegiventotheestablishmentoftheVisitors'CommitteeforthecorrectionalinstitutionsoftheFederationandthatlegislationonthejudicialreviewofarrestanddetentionbeurgentlypassedincompliancewitharticle9,paragraph3,oftheCovenant,andarticle22,paragraph2,oftheConstitution.IturgesthattheGovernmentshouldrefrainfromplacingfirsttime,nonviolentandpettyoffendersindetentioncentres,andgiveconsiderationtovariousotherpracticalmeasuresdesignedtoreducetheovercrowdingofpretrialdetentioncentres,particularlythegreateruseofreleasependingtrial.ItalsocallsforanimmediateendtothepracticeoffooddeprivationaspunishmentinprisonsandencouragestheGovernment'sinitiativestoinstitutealternativeformsofpunishment.2397.3  , .,TheCommitteestressestheneedforapromptenactmentofthelegislationonthejudiciaryandurgesthatthislegislationfullyincorporatetheessentialguaranteesfortheindependenceofthejudiciary,includingtheUnitedNationsBasicPrinciplesontheIndependenceoftheJudiciary.TheCommitteerecommendsthateffortsbemadetomaketheCovenantandotherinternationalhumanrightsnormsaswidelyknownaspossible,particularlyamongtheauthoritiesinvestedwiththeadministrationofjustice,lawenforcementandprisonofficersbutalsoamongthegeneralpublic.ItrecommendsthattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalcooperationservicesoftheCentreforHumanRights.2398.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheabolitionofthepropiskasystembecarriedoutalloverthecountrywithoutexceptions.FurtherstepsshouldbetakentobringthelawconcerningtherighttoleavethecountryinfulllinewiththeStateparty'sobligationsunderarticle12,paragraphs2and3,oftheCovenantand,inparticular,toremoverestrictionstoknowledgeofStatesecrets.TheCommitteeurgesthatallregionalandlocalauthoritiesbemadetocomplywiththeFederalpolicyofabolishingthepropiskasystem(i.e.,thesystemof"internalpasses"or"passports").2399.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgesthatlegislationbepassedontheprotectionofprivacy,aswellasthatstrictandpositiveactionbetakentopreventviolationsoftherighttoprotectionfromunlawfulorarbitraryinterferencewithprivacy,family,homeorcorrespondence.2400.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgesthatstringentmeasuresbeadoptedtoensureanimmediateendtomistreatmentandabuseofarmyrecruitsbytheirofficersandfellowsoldiers.Itfurtherrecommendsthateveryeffortbemadetoensurethatreasonablealternativestomilitaryservicebemadeavailablethatarenotpunitiveinnatureorinlengthofservice.Iturgesthatallchargesbroughtagainstconscientiousobjectorstomilitaryservicebedropped.2401.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatnationallegislationbeamendedtoreflectthebroadconceptofminoritiescontainedinarticles2,26and27oftheCovenant,whichprohibitdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,colour,sex,opinionorotherstatus,andfurtherprotecttherightsnotonlyof"nationalminorities"butalsoofethnic,religiousandlinguisticminorities.2402.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgesthatappropriateandeffectivemeasuresbeadoptedtoenableallpersonsdisplacedasaconsequenceoftheeventsthatoccurredinNorthOssetiain1992toreturntotheirhomeland.2403.3  , .,TheCommitteefirmlyurgesthattheseriousviolationsofhumanrightsthatoccurredandcontinuetooccurinChechnyabevigorouslyandimmediatelyinvestigated,theperpetratorspunishedandthevictimscompensated.IturgestheGovernmenttoensurethatallpersonsheldindetentionareheldforlegitimatecause,forareasonableperiodoftimeandunderhumaneconditions,inconformitywiththeStateparty'sobligationsundertheCovenant.2404.3  , .,TheCommittee,notingwithappreciationtheGovernment'sassurancesthatICRCwillbegrantedaccesstoalldetentioncamps,urgesthatsuchaccessbegrantedimmediatelyintheregionofChechnyaandneighbouringrepublics,toallowICRCnotonlytomonitorthetreatmentofdetaineesbutalsotoprovidesuppliesandservices.2405.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inordertoaddressthelackofconfidenceinthelocalgovernmentauthorities,theGovernmentconsiderinvitingagreaterinternationalpresence,includingfromtheCentreforHumanRights,toassisttheSpecialMultilateralCommissionestablishedtoinvestigaterecenteventsinChechnyainimprovingtheeffectivenessofhumanrightsinvestigationsandensuringfairnessoftrialsuntilsuchtimeasthejudiciaryisfunctioningproperly.SuchameasurewouldmakeclearthattheGovernmentiscommittedtoendinghumanrightsviolationsbothbysubmittingitselftointernationalscrutinyandbydrawingoninternationalexpertisetowardthisend.̇2406.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgesthatadequatemeasuresbeadoptedtoalleviatetheconditionsofalldisplacedpersonsfollowingthefightinginChechnya,includingmeasuresaimedatfacilitatingtheirreturntotheirtownsandvillages.2407.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthateducationinhumanrightsbeincludedinschoolanduniversitycurriculaandthatitscommentsbewidelydisseminatedandincorporatedintothecurriculaofallhumanrightstrainingprogrammesorganizedforlawenforcementofficersandadministrationofficials.@ .N.UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S2408.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredthefourthperiodicreportoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland(CCPR/C/95/Add.3)atits1432nd,1433rdand1434thmeetings,on20and21July1995,andadopted19thefollowingfinalcomments:20@ .1.Introduction2409.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsdetailedandexhaustivereport,whichlargelycomplieswiththeCommittee'sguidelines,althoughregretisexpressedconcerningthefailuretoaddressadequatelyissuesproperlyarisingunderarticle26oftheCovenant.Thehighlevelofcompetenceofthedelegationthatpresentedthereportistobeacknowledged,asistheirwillingnesstoofferthoroughandhelpfulanswerstothewiderangeofquestionsputbymembers.TheCommitteeparticularlyappreciatesthefrankacknowledgementbythedelegationofthoselegalissuesregardingwhichtheGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomisstillindisagreementwithviewsoftheCommitteeandfortheirwillingnesstoengageindialoguewithregardtothoseissues.Inthiscontext,thedelegationindicatedthatitwouldpresentwrittenobservationssettingouttheviewoftheGovernmentontheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.24(52)onissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoraccessiontotheCovenantortotheOptionalProtocolsthereto,orinrelationtodeclarationsunderarticle41oftheCovenant.21ItistheviewoftheCommitteethattheexchangeofviewswiththeStatepartyhasbeenparticularlyfruitfulandconstructive.2410.3  , .,Thedetailedinformationsubmittedbyawiderangeofnon-governmentalorganizationshasnotonlygreatlyassistedtheCommitteebutisalsoatributetothedemocraticnatureofUnitedKingdomsociety.Theseorganizationsplayanessentialroleinfurtheringtheprotectionofhumanrightsinthecountry.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingthèimplementationoftheCovenant2411.3  , .,WithregardtoallpartsoftheUnitedKingdomotherthanNorthernIreland,theCommitteefindsthattherearenosignificantfactorsorotherdifficultiesthatshouldpreventtheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenantbytheGovernment.WithregardtoNorthernIreland,theCommitteenotesthat,despitetherecentcease-fireandpoliticalnegotiations,thelackofafinalpoliticalsolutionandthecontinuationofemergencylegislationpresentdifficultiesaffectingfullimplementationoftheCovenant.&  @ .3.Positiveaspects2412.3  , .,TheCommitteewarmlywelcomesandencouragestheinitiationofthepeaceprocessinNorthernIreland.Itacknowledgesthehistoricsignificanceofthe'  recentinitiativesandoftheirimportanceforthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights,includingtherightofselfdetermination.2413.3  , .,WhiletheCommitteedoesnotagreewithsomeofthepositionsoftheStatepartyconcerningtheimplementationoftheCovenant,itacknowledgesthevibrantclimateofdebateintheUnitedKingdom,whichensuresthatissuesofhumanrightsarecomprehensivelydiscussedandinwhichitisclearthatallpointsofviewareseriouslyconsidered.2414.3  , .,TheCommitteeacknowledgestheeffortsoftheStatepartytocombatracialandethnicdiscrimination.Theprogrammestopromotethepositionofracialandethnicminoritiesinsocietyarewelcomed,includingrelevantchangestotheentryexaminationsystemforthepoliceforce,proposedsimilarchangesfortheprisonservice,theactivitiesoftheCommissionforRacialEquality,andtheattentionpaidtoraceandethnicsensitivitytraininginthetrainingprogrammesforthejudiciary.2415.3  , .,Improvementsintheprisonsystemarewelcomed.TheCommitteewelcomestheimprovementsinprisonsanitationconditionsandthestepstakeninaddressingproblemsofovercrowdingwithinprisons.TheGovernmentistobecommendedforintroducingasystemwherebyparticipationbyprisonersinprogrammesofeducationisremuneratedinthesamewayasengagementinprisonlabour.ThestatementbythedelegationthataccommodationofprisonersincellsatpolicestationshasceasedfromJune1995isalsotobewelcomed.TheappointmentofaPrisonsOmbudsmanbytheGovernmentinApril1994ishighlyappreciated.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern2416.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatthelegalsystemoftheUnitedKingdomdoesnotfullyensurethataneffectiveremedyisprovidedforallviolationsoftherightscontainedintheCovenant.TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheextenttowhichimplementationoftheCovenantisimpededbythecombinedeffectsofthenon-incorporationoftheCovenantintodomesticlaw,thefailuretoaccedetothefirstOptionalProtocolandtheabsenceofaconstitutionalbillofrights.2417.3  , .,TheCommitteealsoregretsthedecisionoftheStatepartynottowithdrawanyofitsreservationsundertheCovenant.2418.3  , .,ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatthepowersundertheprovisionspermittinginfringementsofcivilliberties,suchasofextendedperiodsofdetentionwithoutchargeoraccesstolegaladvisers,entryintoprivatepropertywithoutjudicialwarrant,impositionofexclusionorderswithintheUnitedKingdom,etc.,areexcessive.NoteistakenoftheGovernment'sownadmissionthatconditionsattheCastlereaghdetentioncentreinNorthernIrelandareunacceptableandconcernisthereforeexpressedattheGovernment'sadmissionthatithasnotdecideddefinitivelytoclosethefacility.TheCommitteeisalsodisturbedbyreportsofthecontinuationofthepracticeofstripsearchingmaleandfemaleprisonersinthecontextofthelowsecurityriskthatnowexistsandinviewoftheexistenceofadequatealternativesearchtechniques.2419.3  , .,DespitetherecentimprovementsinprisonconditionsintheUnitedKingdom,theCommitteeisstilldisturbedbythehighnumberofsuicidesofprisoners,especiallyamongjuveniles.2420.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,notwithstandingtheestablishmentintheUnitedKingdomofmechanismsfortheexternalsupervisionofinvestigationsofincidentsinwhichthepoliceormilitaryareallegedlyinvolved,especiallyincidentsthatresultinthedeathorwoundingofpersons,astheinvestigationsarestillcarriedoutbythepolice,theylacksufficientcredibility.2421.3  , .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatmembersofsomeethnicminorities,includingAfricansandAfroCaribbeans,areoftendisproportionatelysubjectedtostopandsearchpracticesthatmayraisedoubtsunderthenon-discriminatoryprovisionsoftheCovenant,particularlyitsarticles3and26.2422.3  , .,Thetreatmentofillegalimmigrants,asylumseekersandthoseorderedtobedeportedgivescauseforconcern.TheCommitteeobservesthattheincarcerationofpersonsorderedtobedeportedandparticularlythelengthoftheirdetentionmaynotbenecessaryineverycaseanditisgravelyconcernedatincidencesoftheuseofexcessiveforceintheexecutionofdeportationorders.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthatadequatelegalrepresentationisnotavailableforasylumseekerseffectivelytochallengeadministrativedecisions.2423.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthepracticeoftheStatepartyincontractingouttotheprivatecommercialsectorcoreStateactivitieswhichinvolvetheuseofforceandthedetentionofpersonsweakenstheprotectionofrightsundertheCovenant.TheCommitteestressesthattheStatepartyremainsresponsibleinallcircumstancesforadherencetoallarticlesoftheCovenant.2424.3  , .,TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheprovisionsoftheCriminalJusticeandPublicOrderActof1994,whichextendedthelegislationoriginallyapplicableinNorthernIreland,wherebyinferencesmaybedrawnfromthesilenceofpersonsaccusedofcrimes,violatesvariousprovisionsinarticle14oftheCovenant,despitetherangeofsafeguardsbuiltintothelegislationandtherulesenactedthereunder.2425.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelevelsofsupportofferedfortheprotectionofculturalandethnicdiversitywithintheUnitedKingdom.TheCommitteefurthernoteswithconcernthatmanypersonsbelongingtominoritiesfrequentlyfeelthatactsofracialharassmentarenotpursuedbythecompetentauthoritieswithsufficientrigorandefficiency.TheCommitteealsoregretsthelackofsuccessintheadequaterecruitmentofethnicminoritiesintothepolice.Itfurtherbelievesthatmuchremainstobedonetoeffectchangesinpublicattitudesandtocombatandovercomeracism.2426.3  , .,TheCommitteeregretsthatcorporalpunishmentmaystillbepermittedincertaincircumstancesinindependentschools.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations2427.3  , .,TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeurgentstepstoensurethatitslegalmachineryallowsforthefullimplementationoftheCovenant.Accordingly,itisurgedtoexaminetheneedtoincorporatetheCovenantintodomesticlawortointroduceabillofrightsunderwhichlegislativeorexecutiveencroachmentonCovenantrightscouldbereviewedbythecourts.ItshouldalsoreconsideritscurrentpositionastoaccessiontothefirstOptionalProtocol.̇2428.3  , .,TheStatepartyisrecommendedtoreviewthereservationswhichithasmadetotheCovenant.2429.3  , .,InthecontextoftheelaborationofapeacesettlementforNorthernIreland,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherconcretestepsbetakensoastopermittheearlywithdrawalofthederogationmadepursuanttoarticle4andtodismantletheapparatusoflawsinfringingcivillibertieswhichweredesignedforperiodsofemergency.ItalsorecommendsthatspecificeffortsbemadetoenhanceinNorthernIrelandconfidenceintheadministrationofjusticebyresolvingoutstandingcasesandbyputtinginplacetransparentlyfairproceduresfortheindependentinvestigationofcomplaints.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheCastlereaghdetentioncentrebeclosedasamatterofurgency.2430.3  , .,GiventhesignificantdeclineinterroristviolenceintheUnitedKingdomsincethecease-firecameintoeffectinNorthernIrelandandthepeaceprocesswasinitiated,theCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttokeepundertheclosestreviewwhetherasituationof"publicemergency"withinthetermsofarticle4,paragraph1,oftheCovenantstillexistsandwhetheritwouldbeappropriatefortheUnitedKingdomtowithdrawthenoticeofderogationthatitissuedon17May1976,inaccordancewitharticle4oftheCovenant.2431.3  , .,TheStatepartyshouldensurethatallthosewhoareinvolvedinthedetentionofprisonersbemadefullyawareoftheinternationalobligationsontheStatepartyconcerningthetreatmentofdetainees,includingtheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.2432.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheCriminalJusticeandPublicOrderActof1994andtheequivalentlegislationinNorthernIrelandbereviewedinordertoensurethattheprovisionsthatallowinferencestobedrawnfromthesilenceofaccusedpersonsdonotcompromisetheimplementationofvariousprovisionsinarticle14oftheCovenant.2433.3  , .,TheStatepartyisurgedtotakefurtheractiontotackletheremainingproblemsofracialandethnicdiscriminationandofsocialexclusion.Aconcertedcampaigniscalledfortoaddressissuesofresearch,juvenileandadulteducation,recruitmentpoliciesforthepublicandprivatesectors,legislativeinitiativeandlawenforcement.Similarlyforcefulactionisneededtoensurethatwomenplayanequalroleinsocietyandthattheyenjoythefullprotectionofthelaw.Lawenforcementofficers,thejudiciaryandthelegalprofessionshouldreceiveinformationandeducationtoensurethatlawsthatprotectwomenfromviolencearefullyenforcedandthattheinterpretationoflaws,suchasthoserelatingtothedoctrineofprovocation,doesnotunfairlydiscriminateagainstwomen.Allpublicofficialsshouldbemadefullycognizantoftheprogrammesofactionandreceiveguidancetoensurethattheiractionsalwaysservetosupportandpromotethestatedaims.2434.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatcorporalpunishmentadministeredtoprivatelyfundedpupilsinindependentschoolsbeabolished.2435.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartygivewidepublicitytotheCovenant,toitsreportandthereportingprocedure.ItrecommendsthatthesecommentsandinformationaboutthedialoguewiththeCommitteebedistributedtointerestednon-governmentalgroupsandthepublicatlarge.&  ԇ@ .bO.SriLanka2436.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportofSriLanka(CCPR/C/70/Add.6and'  HRI/Core/1/Add.52)atits1438thto1440thmeetings,on24and25July1995,andadopted22thefollowingfinalcomments:@ .1.Introduction2437.3  , .,TheCommitteeappreciatestheopportunitytoresumeitsdialoguewiththeStateparty.Itregrets,however,thattheStateparty'sreportwasnotsatisfactoryinthatitfailedtoprovidedetailedinformationontheactualimplementationinpracticeoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant.Moreover,theCommittee,whilewelcomingtheupdatedadditionalinformationpreparedbytheGovernmentandpresentedtotheCommittee,notesthatthelatenessofitssubmissiondidnotallowforwidedistribution,includingitsavailabilityinalltheworkinglanguagesoftheCommittee.Notwithstandingthispoint,theCommitteewishestoexpressitsgratitudetothedelegationforthesupplementaryinformationitprovidedorallyinanswertoboththewrittenandoralquestionsposedbymembersoftheCommittee.&  Ԁ2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingthe󀀀implementationoftheCovenant2438.3  , .,TheCommitteerecognizesandappreciatesthefirmcommitmentoftheGovernmenttoadurableandpeacefulsolutiontotheconflictinthenorthand'  eastofthecountry.InviewoftheconsiderableeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmenttoinitiateandbringpeacetotheisland,theCommitteedeeplyregretsthebreakdownofthenegotiationsandtheresumptionofarmedconflict.Thereturnofhostilitieshasgivenrisetoseriousviolationsofhumanrightsonbothsides,thusadverselyaffectingtheapplicationoftheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects2439.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativesbeingundertakenbytheGovernmenttofurthertheprotectionandpromotionofhumanrights.InthisrespecttheCommitteenotesthatapackageofconstitutionalreformsisintheprocessofpreparation.TheCommitteenotesthatdraftproposalsarecurrentlyunderconsiderationforestablishinganewprocedurefordirectpetitioningtotheSupremeCourtinthecaseoftheinfringementoffundamentalrightsandforbroadeningthescopeoflocalstandingsinsuchcasessoastopermitanon-governmentalorganizationtofileapetitionbeforetheSupremeCourt.2440.3  , .,TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheenactmentofParliamentaryCommissionerforAdministration(Amendment)ActNo.26of1994,whichprovidesformoredirectpublicaccesstotheOmbudsman.Inaddition,theCommitteenotesthatthefinalreportbytheCommitteeappointedtoinquireintomattersrelatingtopersonsdetainedunderthePreventionofTerrorismActandtheEmergencyRegulationshasrecommendedtheimmediaterevocationofdetentionordersrelatingto140personswhomtheAttorneyGeneralhasdecidednottoprosecute.TheappointmentofaCommissiontoinquireintoelectionrelatedviolenceisalsonoted.̀2441.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionattheGovernment'sstatedpolicyofnotimplementingdeathsentencesandthatcorporalpunishmentasapenaltyhasbeensuspendedforthelast10years.2442.3  , .,TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheimportantrolebeingplayedbynon-governmentalorganizationsinSriLankaincontributingtothereformoflawsprotectinghumanrights,forexamplewithrespecttotherecentamendmentofregulationsundersection5ofthePublicSecurityOrdinance,bywhichmembersofthearmedforcesandthepolicehavebeendirectedtoissue"arrestreceipts"eveninthecasewheresuchinformationhasnotbeenrequestedbytheinterestedparties,suchasfamilymembers.2443.3  , .,TheCommitteewelcomestherecentadoptionofanActestablishingtheNationalHumanRightsCommissionofSriLanka.ItalsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheHumanRightsAdvisoryGroup.2444.3  , .,TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationattheeffortsundertakentoincludehumanrightseducationwithinthecurriculaofsecondaryschoolsandhighereducationalestablishments,andthathumanrightstrainingprogrammesarebeingorganizedforthesecurityforces.&  @ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern2445.3  , .,TheCommitteeconsidersthatthedomesticlegalsystemofSriLankacontainsneitheralltherightssetforthintheCovenantnorallthenecessarysafeguardstopreventtheirrestrictionbeyondthelimitsestablishedbythe'  Covenant.ItnotesalsothattheGovernmentdoesnotappeartobeconsideringtheincorporationofallCovenantrightsintodomesticlawortheratificationoftheOptionalProtocol;individualsarethusunabletoinvokealltherightsconferredundertheCovenantbeforenationalcourtsorbeforetheHumanRightsCommittee.2446.3  , .,TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatthetimelimitoftwoyearsproposedinthedraftnewConstitutionforchallengingthevalidityofenactedlegislationwiththeConstitutionisamatterofseriousconcern.Equally,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernwithrespecttotheprovisionsofarticle16(1)oftheConstitution,whichpermitsallexistinglawstoremainvalidandoperativenotwithstandinganyinconsistencywiththeConstitution'sprovisionsrelatingtofundamentalrights.2447.3  , .,Withregardtotherecentestablishmentofvariousmechanismsforprotectingandpromotinghumanrights,theCommitteeappreciatestheundertakingoftheseinitiativesbutremainsconcernedastowhethersufficientattentionisbeinggiventothecoordinationoftheworkoftherespectivecommittees,commissionsandtheHumanRightsTaskForcesoastoavoidanyduplicationofeffortsandthusmaximizetheeffectivenessoftheirwork.2448.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthederogationofrightsunderthevariousemergencylawsandregulationsmaynotbeinfullcompliancewiththerequirementoftheprovisionsofarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.Itisfurtherconcernedthatcourtsdonothavethepowertoexaminethelegalityofthedeclarationofemergencyandofthedifferentmeasurestakenduringthestateofemergency.TheCommitteeemphasizesthattheobligationsassumedbySriLankaasaStatepartytovariousinternationalinstrumentsmustberespectedevenintimesofstatesofemergency.2449.3  , .,Withreferencetoarticle6oftheCovenant,theCommitteeisconcernedthatunderSriLankanlaw,thedeathpenaltymaybeimposedforcrimessuchasabettingsuicide,drugrelatedoffences,andcertainoffencesagainstproperty.Someoftheseoffencesdonotappeartobethemostseriousoffencesunderarticle6oftheCovenant.2450.3  , .,TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedabouttheinformationreceivedofcasesoflossoflifeofcivilians,disappearances,torture,andsummaryexecutionsandarbitrarydetentioncausedbybothpartiesinconflict.TheCommitteenoteswithparticularconcernthataneffectivesystemforthepreventionandpunishmentofsuchviolationsdoesnotappeartoexist.Inaddition,concernisexpressedthatviolationsandabusesallegedlycommittedbypoliceofficershavenotbeeninvestigatedbyanindependentbody,andthatfrequentlytheperpetratorsofsuchviolationshavenotbeenpunished.TheCommitteenotesthatthismaycontributetoanatmosphereofimpunityamongtheperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolationsandconstituteanimpedimenttotheeffortsbeingundertakentopromoterespectforhumanrights.2451.3  , .,WithrespecttothefunctionsofthethreePresidentialCommissionsofInquiryintoInvoluntaryRemovalsandDisappearances,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheCommissionsarenotmandatedtoinquireintosuchhumanrightsviolationsallegedlycommittedbetween1984and1988norintosummaryexecutions.2452.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheundetermineddetentionwhichmaybeorderedbytheSecretaryoftheMinistryofDefenceviolatestheCovenant,particularlywhensuchdetentioncanbechallengedonlyoneyearafterdetention.Inviewofthis,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheeffectivenessofthehabeascorpusremedyinrespectofthosearrestedunderthePreventionofTerrorismAct.2453.3  , .,TheCommitteeisconcernedthattherightsunderarticle10oftheCovenantofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyinprisonsandotherplacesofdetentionarenotfullyrespected.Itregretsthatconditionsinplacesofdetentionotherthanprisonsarenotregulatedbylawandthatprisonsandotherplacesofdetentionarenotregularlyvisitedbymagistratesorotherindependentbodies.2454.3  , .,Withrespecttotheindependenceofthejudiciary,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernabouttheproceduresetforthunderarticle107oftheConstitutionreadwithstandingordersmadebyParliament.2455.3  , .,ThelowageofcriminalresponsibilityandthestipulationwithinthePenalCodebywhichachildabove8yearsofageandunder12yearsofagecanbeheldtobecriminallyresponsibleonthedeterminationbythejudgeofthechild'smaturityofunderstandingastothenatureandconsequenceofhisorherconductaremattersofprofoundconcerntotheCommittee.2456.3  , .,TheprovisionsoftheSpecialPresidentialCommissionsofInquiryActwhichpermittheacceptanceofevidenceotherwiseinadmissibleinacourtoflawandwhichstipulatethatanydecisionadoptedbyaCommissionestablishedundertheActisfinalandconclusiveandmaynotbecalledintoquestionbyanycourtandtribunalaremattersofseriousconcerntotheCommitteeinviewofthefactthatthefindingsoftheseCommissionscanleadtoapenaltyofcivicdisabilitybeingimposedbyParliamentonthosesubjecttoaninvestigation.2457.3  , .,TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatarticle15(2)oftheConstitutionallowstherighttofreedomofexpressiontoberestrictedinrelationtoparliamentaryprivilege,particularlyinviewofthefactthattheParliament(PowerandPrivileges)Actasamendedin1978givesParliamentthepowertoimposepenaltiesforbreachesofthisAct.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedwiththeproposedamendmentsintheConstitutionwhichseektorestricttherighttofreedomofexpression,"intheinterestoftheauthorityofParliament",whichwouldbeinviolationofarticle19oftheCovenant.Itisequallyconcernedthatgovernmentownershipandcontrolovermuchoftheelectronicmediamightunderminetherightofeveryonetoseek,receiveorimpartinformationandideasofallkinds.2458.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthattheworkersemployedinthefreetradezones,80percentofwhomarewomen,areunable,inpractice,toenjoyfullytherightssetforthinarticles21and22oftheCovenant.2459.3  , .,WhiletheCommitteewelcomestheproposedchangestolegislationforoffencescommittedagainstchildren,suchasincestandthesexualexploitationofchildren,itisconcernedaboutthesituationoftheeconomicandsexualexploitationofchildrenbothwithrespecttotheuseofchildrenindomesticserviceandtheprostitutionofboys.2460.3  , .,TheCommitteenotesthatreformsareinplacetoraisethemarriageableageforgirlsto18.However,thecurrentlegislationpermitsthemarriageofgirlsfromtheageof12andcontainsdiscriminatoryprovisionswithregardtopropertybetweenmenandwomen,thuspreventingwomenfromfullyenjoyingtherightsprotectedunderarticles3,23,paragraph3,and26oftheCovenant.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations2461.3  , .,TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeurgentstepstoensurethatitsdomesticlawsareinfullcompliancewiththeCovenant.Inthisregard,itfurtherrecommendsthatwithinthecontextofthepresenteffortstoreformtheConstitutiondueconsiderationbegiventotheprovisionsoftheCovenant.2462.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsideraccedingtotheOptionalProtocol.2463.3  , .,TheCommitteenotestheeffortsbeingundertakenbytheGovernmenttoestablishvariousmechanismstopromoteandprotecthumanrights,includingwithrespecttotheNationalHumanRightsCommission.Inthisregard,theCommitteewouldlikestronglytorecommendthattheproliferationofbodieswithparallelcompetencesshouldbeavoidedandthatthecoordinationofsuchmechanismsshouldbeensured.ItalsourgestheStatepartytotakeintoaccountthatinvestigationandprosecutionofcriminaloffencesshouldbecarriedoutbyanindependentbodyandthatpunishmentofcriminaloffencesshouldbecarriedoutbythejudiciary.2464.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewtheprovisionofarticle16oftheConstitution,whichpermitsallexistinglawstoremainvalidandoperativenotwithstandinganyinconsistencywithconstitutionalstipulationsrelatingtofundamentalrights.Italsorecommendsthatthetwoyeartimelimitforchallengingtheconstitutionalityofenactedlegislationsbeabolished.2465.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheprovisionsoftheCovenantbefullyrespectedintheareaswhereastateofemergencyhasbeenproclaimed.TheCommitteealsourgestheStatepartyvigorouslytoinvestigateallviolationsofhumanrights-bothpastandpresent-throughanindependentagency,topunishthoseguiltyofsuchactsandtocompensatethevictims.̇2466.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensurethatthedeathpenaltymayonlybeimposedforthemostseriousofcrimesasrequiredbyarticle6oftheCovenant.Moreover,inviewofthefactthatthedeathpenaltyhasnotbeencarriedoutsince1977,theCommitteewishesfurthertorecommendthattheStatepartyconsidertakingmeasuresfortheabolitionofthedeathpenaltyandtheratificationoforaccessiontothesecondOptionalProtocol.2467.3  , .,NotingthatthedefinitionoftorturegivenintheConventionagainstTortureActpassedbyParliamenton25November1994issomewhatrestrictive,theCommitteerecommendsthattheActbeamendedtobringitintoconformitywitharticle7oftheCovenant,takingintoaccounttheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.20(44).ItfurtherrecommendsthatinviewofthestatementbytheGovernmentthatcorporalpunishmenthasbeensuspendedtheprovisionsofthedomesticlegislationallowingthisformofpunishmentberevoked.2468.3  , .,Withregardtoarticles9and10oftheCovenant,theCommitteerecommendsthatasamatterofpriorityalllegalprovisionsorexecutiveordersbereviewedtoensuretheircompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandtheireffectiveimplementationinpractice.2469.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewtheexistingprocedurerelatingtotheremovalofSupremeCourtjudgesandjudgesoftheCourtsofAppealwithaviewtoitsamendmentasameansofensuringthegreaterindependenceofthejudiciary.2470.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendstheamendmentoftheSpecialPresidentialCommissionsofInquiryActtobringitintoconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticles14and25oftheCovenant.2471.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatthepresentprovisionsbywhichfreedomofthepresscanberestrictedbyreasonofparliamentaryprivilegeshouldberemoved.TheStatepartyshouldalsotakethenecessarystepstopreventcontrolandmanipulationoftheelectronicmediabytheGovernment.2472.3  , .,Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticle22,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensurethatworkerswithinthefreetradezoneseffectivelyexercisetheirrighttoorganize.2473.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoensuretheprotectionofthechildandinthisregardtheparticularattentionoftheStatepartyisdrawntothePersonalStatusAct,whichpermitsthemarriageofagirlattheageof12,anditsincompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.2474.3  , .,TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytodevelopacomprehensiveprogrammetodealwiththeissuesofchildlabour,particularlyofchildrenindomesticservice,andthesexualexploitationofchildrenofbothsexes.2475.3  , .,TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatgreatereffortsbeundertakentoensurethatallethnicgroupsareprovidedwiththeopportunitytoparticipatefullyintheconductofpublicaffairsandareensuredequitableaccesstopublicservice.2476.3  , .,TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentodevelopgreaterawarenessoftheCovenant;inparticular,lawenforcementofficialsandmembersofthelegalprofessionshouldbemadefullycognizantoftheprovisionsoftheCovenant.@ .N VII.GENERALCOMMENTSOFTHECOMMITTEE@ .<Workongeneralcomments477., .,Atitsfiftysecondsession,theCommitteebegandiscussionofadraftgeneralcommentthatwouldaddressissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoforaccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolsthereto,orrelatingtostatementsmadeunderarticle41oftheCovenant.Itconsideredthatgeneralcommentatits1368th,1369th,1380th,1381stand1382ndmeetings,duringitsfiftysecondsession,onthebasisofadraftpreparedbyitsworkinggrouppursuanttosuccessivedraftsrevisedinthelightoftheobservationsandproposalsputforwardbymembersduringandafterthefiftyfirstsession.TheCommitteeadoptedthegeneralcommentatits1382ndmeeting,on2November1994(seeannexV).478., .,PursuanttotherequestoftheEconomicandSocialCouncil,theCommitteedecidedtotransmitthegeneralcommentaddressingissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoforaccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolsthereto,orrelatingtostatementsmadeunderarticle41oftheCovenant,totheCouncilatitssubstantivesessionin1995.479., .,Duringthethreesessionscoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteeconsideredadraftgeneralcommentonarticle25oftheCovenantatits1384th,1385th,1399th,1414th,1422ndand1423rdmeetingsonthebasisofsuccessivedraftsrevisedbyitsworkinggroupsinthelightoftheobservationsandproposalsofitsmembers.480., .,Atitsfiftyfourthsession,theCommitteenotedthatthepresessionalworkinggrouphadbegunconsiderationofthegeneralcommentsalreadyadoptedinthepast,soastodeterminewhichofthemshouldbeupdated.481., .,TheCommitteereceivedcommentsunderarticle40,paragraph5,oftheCovenant,concerningitsgeneralcommentNo.24(52)onissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoforaccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolsthereto,orrelatingtostatementsmadeunderarticle41oftheCovenant.Thesecomments,whichweretransmittedbytheUnitedStatesofAmericaandtheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland,arecontainedinannexVItothepresentreport.ǀVIII.CONSIDERATIONOFCOMMUNICATIONSUNDERTHÈOPTIONALPROTOCOL482., .,IndividualswhoclaimthatanyoftheirrightsundertheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightshavebeenviolated,andwhohaveexhaustedallavailabledomesticremedies,maysubmitwrittencommunicationstotheHumanRightsCommitteeforconsiderationundertheOptionalProtocol.Ofthe130StatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheCovenant,84haveacceptedtheCommittee'scompetencetodealwithindividualcomplaintsbybecomingpartiestotheOptionalProtocol(seeannexI,sect.B).SincetheCommittee'slastreporttotheGeneralAssembly,sevenStateshaveratifiedoraccededtotheOptionalProtocol:BosniaandHerzegovina,Chad,ElSalvador,Kyrgyzstan,Namibia,ParaguayandtheformerYugoslavRepublicofMacedonia.NocommunicationcanbeexaminedbytheCommitteeifitconcernsaStatepartytotheCovenantthatisnotalsoapartytotheOptionalProtocol.483., .,ConsiderationofcommunicationsundertheOptionalProtocolisconfidentialandtakesplaceinclosedmeetings(art.5,para.3,oftheOptionalProtocol).AlldocumentspertainingtotheworkoftheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocol(submissionsfromthepartiesandotherworkingdocumentsoftheCommittee)areconfidential.Rules96to99oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedureregulatetheconfidentialityofdocuments.ThetextsoffinaldecisionsoftheCommittee,consistingofViewsadoptedunderarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol,are,however,madepublic.Asregardsdecisionsdeclaringacommunicationinadmissible(whicharealsofinal),theCommitteehasdecidedthatitwillnormallymakethesedecisionspublic.@ .A.Progressofwork484., .,TheCommitteestarteditsworkundertheOptionalProtocolatitssecondsession,in1977.Sincethen,636communicationsconcerning46StatespartieshavebeenregisteredforconsiderationbytheCommittee,including49placedbeforeitduringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport.485., .,Thestatusofthe636communicationsregisteredforconsiderationbytheHumanRightsCommitteesofarisasfollows:, .,(a)  . ConcludedbyViewsunderarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol:208;, .,(b)  . Declaredinadmissible:213;, .,(c)  . Discontinuedorwithdrawn:108;, .,(d)  . Declaredadmissible,butnotyetconcluded:39;, .,(e)  . Pendingatthepreadmissibilitystage:68.486., .,Inaddition,thesecretariatoftheCommitteehasseveralhundredcommunicationsonfile,inrespectofwhichtheauthorshavebeenadvisedthatfurtherinformationwouldbeneededbeforetheircommunicationscouldberegisteredforconsiderationbytheCommittee.TheauthorsofanumberofadditionalcommunicationshavebeeninformedthattheircaseswillnotbesubmittedtotheCommittee,astheyfallclearlyoutsidethescopeoftheCovenantorappeartobefrivolous.̇487., .,TwovolumescontainingselecteddecisionsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocol,fromthesecondtothesixteenthsessionsandfromtheseventeenthtothethirtysecondsessions,respectively,havebeenpublished(CCPR/C/OP/1and2).488., .,Duringthefiftysecondtofiftyfourthsessions,theCommitteeconcludedconsiderationof15casesbyadoptingViewsthereon.ThesearecasesNos.386/1989(Konv.Senegal),400/1990(M;nacodeGallicchiov.Argentina),447/1991(Shaltov.TrinidadandTobago),453/1991(Coerielv.theNetherlands),464/1991and482/1991(Peartv.Jamaica),473/1991(Barrosov.Panama),493/1992(Griffinv.Spain),500/1992(Debreczenyv.theNetherlands),511/1992(Lnsmanetal.v.Finland),514/1992(Feiv.Colombia),516/1992(Simuneketal.v.theCzechRepublic),518/1992(Sohnv.theRepublicofKorea),539/1993(Coxv.Canadaand606/1994(Francisv.Jamaica).ThetextsoftheViewsinthese15casesarereproducedinannexX.489., .,TheCommitteealsoconcludedconsiderationof13casesbydeclaringtheminadmissible.ThesearecasesNos.437/1990(ColamarcoPatiov.Panama),438/1990(Thompsonv.Panama),460/1991(OmarSimonsv.Panama),494/1992(Rogersv.Jamaica),515/1992(Holderv.TrinidadandTobago),525/1992(Girev.France),536/1993(Pererav.Australia),541/1993(Simmsv.Jamaica),553/1993(Bullockv.TrinidadandTobago),575/1994,576/1994(GuerraandWallenv.TrinidadandTobago),578/1994(DeGrootv.theNetherlands)and583/1994(vanderHouwenv.theNetherlands).ThetextsofthesedecisionsarereproducedinannexXI.490., .,Duringtheperiodunderreview,29communicationsweredeclaredadmissibleforexaminationonthemerits.Decisionsdeclaringcommunicationsadmissiblearenotmadepublic.Considerationof15caseswasdiscontinued.Proceduraldecisionswereadoptedinanumberofpendingcases(underarticle4oftheOptionalProtocolorunderrules86and91oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure).TheCommitteerequestedSecretariatactioninotherpendingcases.̀B.GrowthoftheCommittee'scaseload̀undertheOptionalProtocol491., .,AstheCommitteehasalreadystatedinpreviousannualreports,theincreasingnumberofStatespartiestotheOptionalProtocolandbetterpublicawarenessoftheCommittee'sworkundertheOptionalProtocolhaveledtoagrowthinthenumberofcommunicationssubmittedtoit.Inaddition,theSecretariattookactiononseveralhundredcaseswhich,foronereasonoranother,werenotregisteredundertheOptionalProtocolandplacedbeforetheCommittee.Furthermore,followupactivitiesarerequiredinthemajorityofthe154casesinwhichtheCommitteefoundviolationsoftheCovenant.ThisworkloadmeansthattheCommitteecannolongerexaminecommunicationsexpeditiouslyandhighlightstheurgentneedtoreinforcetheSecretariatstaff.InthisconnectiontheCommitteealsonotesthatanincreasingnumberofcommunicationsarebeingsubmittedinlanguagesthatarenotamongtheworkinglanguagesoftheSecretariat,andexpressesitsconcernabouttheconsequentdelaysintheexaminationofsuchcommunications.TheCommitteereiteratesitsrequesttotheSecretaryGeneraltotakethenecessarystepstoensureasubstantialincreaseinthenumberofstaff,specializedinthevariouslegalsystems,assignedtoservicetheCommittee,andwishestorecordthattheworkundertheOptionalProtocolcontinuestosufferasaresultofinsufficientSecretariatresources.̇&  ԀC.Approachestoexaminingcommunications̀undertheOptionalProtocol@ .T 1.SpecialRapporteuronnewcommunications492., .,Atitsthirtyfifthsession,theCommitteedecidedtodesignateaSpecial'  Rapporteurtoprocessnewcommunicationsastheywerereceived,i.e.,betweensessionsoftheCommittee.Mrs.RosalynHigginsservedasSpecialRapporteurforaperiodoftwoyears.ShewassucceededasSpecialRapporteurbyMr.RajsoomerLallah(fortyfirsttofortysixthsessions)andbyMs.ChristineChanet(fortyseventhtofiftysecondsessions).AttheCommittee'sfiftythirdsession,Mr.FaustoPocarwasdesignatedtosucceedMs.ChanetasSpecialRapporteur.Sincetheendofthefiftyfirstsession,theSpecialRapporteurhastransmitted38newcommunicationstotheStatespartiesconcernedunderrule91oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure,requestinginformationorobservationsrelevanttothequestionofadmissibility.Insomecases,theSpecialRapporteursissuedrequestsforinterimmeasuresofprotectionpursuanttorule86oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure.Regardingothercommunications,theSpecialRapporteursrecommendedtotheCommitteethatthecommunicationsbedeclaredinadmissiblewithoutforwardingthemtotheStateparty.@ . 2.CompetenceoftheWorkingGrouponCommunications493., .,Atitsthirtysixthsession,theCommitteedecidedtoauthorizetheWorkingGrouponCommunicationstoadoptdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsadmissiblewhenallfivememberssoagreed.Failingsuchagreement,theWorkingGroupwouldreferthemattertotheCommittee.ItcouldalsodosowheneveritbelievedthattheCommitteeitselfshoulddecidethequestionofadmissibility.WhiletheWorkingGroupcouldnotadoptdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsinadmissible,itmightmakerecommendationsinthatrespecttotheCommittee.Pursuanttothoserules,theWorkingGroupthatmetpriortothefiftysecond,fiftythirdandfiftyfourthsessionsoftheCommitteedeclared23communicationsadmissible.@ .N 3.Joinderofadmissibilityandmerits494., .,Atitsfiftyfourthsession,theCommitteedecidedthatitwouldjointheconsiderationofadmissibilityandmeritsofcommunicationswhenbothpartiesconsentedandtheCommitteeconsidereditappropriate.Consequently,atitsfiftyfourthsession,theCommitteedeclaredcommunicationNo.606/1994(Francisv.Jamaica)admissibleandadopteditsViewsthereon.@ .nD.Individualopinions495., .,InitsworkundertheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteestrivestoarriveatitsdecisionsbyconsensus.However,pursuanttorule94,paragraph3,oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure,memberscanaddtheirindividualconcurringordissentingopinionstotheCommittee'sViews.Pursuanttorule92,paragraph3,memberscanappendtheirindividualopinionstotheCommittee'sdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsinadmissible.496., .,Duringthesessionscoveredbythepresentreport,individualopinionswereappendedtotheCommittee'sViewsincasesNos.453/1991(Coerielv.theNetherlands)and539/1993(Coxv.Canada).@ . E.IssuesconsideredbytheCommittee497., .,AreviewoftheCommittee'sworkundertheOptionalProtocolfromitssecondsessionin1977toitsfiftyfirstsessionin1994canbefoundintheCommittee'sannualreportsfor1984to1994,whichcontain,interalia,summariesoftheproceduralandsubstantiveissuesconsideredbytheCommitteeandofthedecisionstaken.ThefulltextsoftheViewsadoptedbytheCommitteeandofitsdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsinadmissibleundertheOptionalProtocolhavebeenreproducedregularlyinannexestotheCommittee'sannualreports.498., .,Thefollowingsummaryreflectsfurtherdevelopmentsonissuesconsideredduringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport.@ .1.Proceduralissues(a), .,Noclaimunderarticle2oftheOptionalProtocol499., .,Article2oftheOptionalProtocolprovidesthat"individualswhoclaimthatanyoftheirrightsenumeratedintheCovenanthavebeenviolatedandwhohaveexhaustedallavailabledomesticremediesmaysubmitawrittencommunicationtotheCommitteeforconsideration".500., .,Althoughanauthordoesnotneedtoprovetheallegedviolationattheadmissibilitystage,hemustsubmitsufficientevidencesubstantiatinghisallegationforpurposesofadmissibility.A"claim"is,therefore,notjustanallegation,butanallegationsupportedbyacertainamountofsubstantiatingevidence.Thus,incaseswheretheCommitteefindsthattheauthorhasfailedtosubstantiatehisclaimforpurposesofadmissibility,theCommitteehasheldthecommunicationinadmissible,underrule90(b)ofitsrulesofprocedure,declaringthattheauthor"hasnoclaimunderarticle2oftheOptionalProtocol".501., .,Casesdeclaredinadmissible,interalia,forlackofsubstantiationoftheclaimorfailuretoadvanceaclaim,arecommunicationsNos.460/1991(Simonsv.Panama),536/1993(Pererav.Australia)and541/1993(Simmsv.Jamaica).(b)0, .,CompetenceoftheCommitteeandincompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant(OptionalProtocol,art.3)502., .,InitsworkundertheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteehasonseveraloccasionshadtopointoutthatitisnotanappealinstanceintendedtorevieworreversedecisionsofdomesticcourtsandthatitcannotbeusedasaforumforpursuingacomplaintonthebasisofdomesticlaw.503., .,IncaseNo.541/1993(Simmsv.Jamaica),theauthor,whohadbeensentencedtodeath,complainedthathistrialwasunfairandthatthejudgehadmisdirectedthejuryontheissueofidentification.TheCommitteedecidedthatthecommunicationwasinadmissibleunderarticle3oftheOptionalProtocol.Itfoundthattheauthor'sclaimsdidnotcomewithinthecompetenceoftheCommittee,astheyrelatedprimarilytothejudge'sinstructionstothejuryandtheevaluationofevidencebythecourt.TheCommitteerecalledthatitwasgenerallyfortheappellatecourtsofStatespartiestotheCovenantandnotfortheCommitteetoevaluatethefactsandevidenceandtoreviewspecificinstructionstothejurybythejudge,unlessitcanbeascertainedthattheinstructionswereclearlyarbitraryoramountedtoadenialofjustice.504., .,TheCommitteereachedasimilarconclusionwithregardtocasesNos.460/1991(Simonsv.Panama),536/1993(Pererav.Australia)and553/1993(Bullockv.TrinidadandTobago).505., .,CommunicationNo.583/1994(vanderHouwenv.theNetherlands)wasdeclaredinadmissibleasincompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant,aswaspartofcommunicationNo.578/1994(DeGrootv.theNetherlands).(c)0, .,Therequirementofexhaustionofdomesticremedies(OptionalProtocol,art.5,para.2(b))506., .,Pursuanttoarticle5,paragraph2(b),oftheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteeshallnotconsideranycommunicationunlessithasascertainedthattheauthorhasexhaustedallavailabledomesticremedies.However,theCommitteehasalreadyestablishedthattheruleofexhaustionappliesonlytotheextentthattheseremediesareeffectiveandavailable.TheStatepartyisrequiredtogive"detailsoftheremedieswhichitsubmittedthathadbeenavailabletotheauthorinthecircumstancesofhiscase,togetherwithevidencethattherewouldbeareasonableprospectthatsuchremedieswouldbeeffective"(caseNo.4/1977(TorresRamrezv.Uruguay)).TherulealsoprovidesthattheCommitteeisnotprecludedfromexaminingacommunicationifitisestablishedthattheapplicationoftheremediesinquestionisunreasonablyprolonged.507., .,CommunicationsNos.437/1990(Colamarcov.Panama),438/1990(Thompsonv.Panama),515/1992(Holderv.TrinidadandTobago),525/1993(Girev.France)and575/1994(Guerrav.TrinidadandTobago)weredeclaredinadmissibleforfailuretopursueavailableandeffectivedomesticremedies.(d), .,Inadmissibilityrationetemporis508., .,Asatprevioussessions,theCommitteewasfacedwithcommunicationsbasedoneventsthatoccurredpriortotheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolfortheStateconcerned.ThecriterionofadmissibilityiswhethertheeventshavehadcontinuedeffectswhichthemselvesconstituteviolationsoftheCovenantaftertheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocol.509., .,IncommunicationNo.536/1993(Pererav.Australia),theauthor,interalia,complainedthatthepolicehadusedviolenceagainsthimin1986.SincetheOptionalProtocolenteredintoforceforAustraliaon25December1991,theCommitteedeclaredthispartofthecommunicationinadmissiblerationetemporis.510., .,IncaseNo.516/1992(Simuneketal.v.theCzechRepublic),theCommitteeobservedthat:0, .,"theStateparty'sobligationsundertheCovenantappliedasofthedateofitsentryintoforce.AdifferentissuearoseastowhentheCommittee'scompetencetoconsidercomplaintsaboutallegedviolationsoftheCovenantundertheOptionalProtocolwasengaged.InitsjurisprudenceundertheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteehasconsistentlyheldthatitcannotconsiderallegedviolationsoftheCovenantwhichoccurredbeforetheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolfortheStateparty,unlesstheviolationscomplainedofcontinueaftertheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocol.Acontinuingviolationistobeinterpretedasanaffirmation,aftertheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocol,byactorbyclearimplication,ofthepreviousviolationsoftheStateparty"(annexX,sect.K,para.4.5).Sincetheauthorsallegedthatthecontinuousapplicationofalawdiscriminatedagainstthem,theCommitteedeclaredthecommunicationadmissible.(e), .,Interimmeasuresunderrule86511., .,Underrule86oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure,theCommitteemay,afterreceiptofacommunicationandbeforeadoptingitsviews,requestaStatepartytotakeinterimmeasuresinordertoavoidirreparabledamagetothevictimoftheallegedviolations.TheCommitteehasappliedthisruleonseveraloccasions,mostlyincasessubmittedbyoronbehalfofpersonswhohavebeensentencedtodeathandareawaitingexecution,andwhoclaimthattheyweredeniedafairtrial.Inviewoftheurgencyofthecommunications,theCommitteehasrequestedtheStatespartiesconcernednottocarryoutthedeathsentenceswhilethecasesareunderconsideration.Staysofexecutionhavespecificallybeengrantedinthisconnection.Rule86hasalsobeenappliedinothercircumstances,forinstanceincasesofimminentextradition.@ .2.Substantiveissues(a), .,Righttolife(Covenant,art.6)512., .,Article6,paragraph2,providesthata"sentenceofdeathmaybeimposedonlyforthemostseriousofcrimesinaccordancewiththelawinforceatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrimeandnotcontrarytotheprovisionsofthepresentCovenant".Thus,anexusisestablishedbetweentheimpositionofasentenceofdeathandobservancebyStateauthoritiesofguaranteesundertheCovenant.Accordingly,incaseswheretheCommitteefoundthattheStatepartyhadviolatedarticle14oftheCovenant,inthattheauthorhadbeendeniedafairtrialandappeal,theCommitteeheldthattheimpositionofthesentenceofdeathalsoentailedaviolationofarticle6.InitsViewsincaseNos.464/1991and482/1991(GarfieldandAndrewPeartv.Jamaica)theCommitteeobserved:0, .,  . "TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthattheimpositionofasentenceofdeathuponconclusionofatrialinwhichtheprovisionsoftheCovenanthavenotbeenrespectedconstitutes,ifnofurtherappealagainstthesentenceispossible,aviolationofarticle6oftheCovenant.AstheCommitteenotedinitsgeneralcomment6(16),theprovisionthatasentenceofdeathmaybeimposedonlyinaccordancewiththelawandnotcontrarytotheprovisionsoftheCovenantimpliesthat'theproceduralguaranteesthereinprescribedmustbeobserved,includingtherighttoafairhearingbyanindependenttribunal,thepresumptionofinnocence,theminimumguaranteesforthedefence,andtherighttoreviewofconvictionandsentencebyahighertribunal'"(annexX,sect.E,para.11.8).513., .,Havingconcludedthatthefinalsentenceofdeathhadbeenimposedafteratrialthatfailedtocomplyfullywiththerequirementsofarticle14,theCommitteefoundthattherightprotectedbyarticle6hadbeenviolated.514., .,IncaseNo.539/1993(KeithCoxv.Canada),theCommitteehadoccasiontoaffirmitsearlierdecisionswithregardtothescopeoftherequirementunderarticle6,paragraph1,toprotecttherighttolife.InMr.Cox'scase,theCommitteehadtodeterminewhethertherequirementunderarticle6,paragraph1,preventedtheStatepartyfromextraditingthecomplainanttotheUnitedStates,wherehewastostandtrialontwomurderchargesand,ifconvicted,couldbesentencedtodeath.TheCommitteeobservedthat,ifMr.Cox'sextraditionfromCanadahadexposedhimtoarealriskofaviolationofarticle6,paragraph2,intheUnitedStates,thiswouldhaveentailedaviolationbyCanadaofitsobligationsunderthesaidprovision.Inthecircumstancesofthisparticularcase,theCommitteefoundthattheexistenceofsuchriskhadnotbeenshownandconsequentlyfoundnoviolationofarticle6,paragraph1,byCanada.515., .,FivemembersoftheCommitteeappendeddissentingopinions,arguingthatCanadahadviolatedarticle6intheinstantcase.OnememberappendedanindividualopinionarguingthatMr.Cox'sextraditionwouldentailaviolationbyCanadaofarticle7oftheCovenant.Furthermore,twomembersappendedindividualopinions,agreeingwiththefindingofnoviolation,butarguingthattheCommitteeshouldhavereviseditsdecisiononadmissibilityandnothaveproceededtothemerits.AstotheCommittee'sdecisiononadmissibility,sevenmembersappendeddissentingopinions.(b)0, .,Therightnottobesubjectedtotortureortocruel,inhumanordegradingtreatment(Covenant,art.7)516., .,Article7oftheCovenantprovidesthatnooneshallbesubjectedtotortureortocruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.517., .,Initsjurisprudenceregardingclaimsthataprolongedstayondeathrowconstitutescruel,inhumananddegradingtreatment,theCommitteehasconsistentlyheldthatthefactsandcircumstancesofeachcasemustbeexaminedtoseewhetheranissueunderarticle7arisesandthatprolongedjudicialproceedingsdonotperseconstitutethatkindoftreatment,eveniftheymightbeasourceofmentalstrainandtensionfordetainedpersons.518., .,IncaseNo.541/1993(Simmsv.Jamaica),theCommitteeobserved:0, .,  . "Althoughsomenationalcourtsoflastresorthaveheldthatprolongeddetentionondeathrowforaperiodoffiveyearsormoreviolatestheirconstitutionsorlaws,23thejurisprudenceofthisCommitteeremainsthatdetentionforanyspecificperiodwouldnotbeaviolationofarticle7oftheCovenantintheabsenceofsomefurthercompellingcircumstances"(annexXI,sect.H,para.6.5).519., .,IncaseNo.606/1994(Francisv.Jamaica),theCommitteehadtodeterminewhethertheauthor'streatmentduringhisnearly12years'detentionondeathrowentailedviolationsofarticles7and10oftheCovenant.Afterhavingreaffirmeditsestablishedjurisprudence,theCommitteefoundthatthedelaysinthiscasewereattributabletotheStatepartyandconsidered:0, .,  . "Whereasthepsychologicaltensioncreatedbyprolongeddetentionondeathrowmayaffectpersonsindifferentdegrees,theevidencebeforetheCommitteeinthiscase,includingtheauthor'sconfusedandincoherentcorrespondencewiththeCommittee,indicatesthathismentalhealthseriouslydeterioratedduringincarcerationondeathrow.Takingintoconsiderationtheauthor'sdescriptionoftheprisonconditions,includinghisallegationsaboutregularbeatingsinflicteduponhimbywarders,aswellastheridiculeandstraintowhichhewassubjectedduringthefivedayshespentinthedeathcellawaitingexecutioninFebruary1988,whichtheStatepartyhasnoteffectivelycontested,theCommitteeconcludesthatthesecircumstancesrevealaviolationofJamaica'sobligationsunderarticles7and10,paragraph1,oftheCovenant"(annexX,sect.N,para.9.2).(c)0, .,Libertyandsecurityofperson(Covenant,art.9)520., .,Article9oftheCovenantguaranteestoeveryonetherighttolibertyandsecurityofperson.Underparagraph1,nooneshallbesubjectedtoarbitraryarrestordetention.Paragraph2prescribesthatanyonewhoisarrestedshallbeinformed,atthetimeofhisarrest,ofthereasonsforhisarrestandshallbepromptlyinformedofanychargesagainsthim.Paragraph3givesanyonearrestedordetainedonacriminalchargetherighttobebroughtpromptlybeforeajudgeandstatesthatitshallnotbethegeneralrulethatpersonsawaitingtrialshallbedetainedincustody.Paragraph4entitlesanyonedeprivedofhislibertytotakeproceedingsbeforeacourt,inordertohavethecourtdecideonthelawfulnessofhisdetention.Paragraph5givesanyonewhohasbeenthevictimofunlawfularrestordetentionarighttocompensation.521., .,IncommunicationNo.493/1992(Griffinv.Spain),theauthor,aCanadiancitizenwhodidnotspeakSpanish,claimedaviolationofarticle9,paragraph2,becausetherewasnointerpreterpresentwhenhewasarrestedandhewasthereforenotinformedofthereasonsforhisarrest.TheCommitteenoted:0, .,"thattheauthorwasarrestedandtakenintocustodyat11.30p.m.on17April1991,afterthepolice,inthepresenceoftheauthor,hadsearchedthecamperanddiscoveredthedrugs.Thepolicereportsfurtherrevealthatthepolicerefrainedfromtakinghisstatementintheabsenceofaninterpreter,andthatthefollowingmorningthedrugswereweighedinthepresenceoftheauthor.Hewasthenbroughtbeforetheexaminingmagistrateand,withtheuseofaninterpreter,hewasinformedofthechargesagainsthim.TheCommitteeobservesthat,althoughnointerpreterwaspresentduringthearrest,itiswhollyunreasonabletoarguethattheauthorwasunawareofthereasonsforhisarrest.Inanyevent,hewaspromptlyinformed,inhisownlanguage,ofthechargesheldagainsthim"(annexX,sect.G,para.9.2).TheCommitteeconcludedthatnoviolationofarticle9,paragraph2,hadoccurred.522., .,IncommunicationNo.386/1989(Konv.Senegal),theauthorhadbeenarrestedon15January1982andreleasedon9May1986;duringthistimenotrialdatewasset.TheCommitteeconcludedthattheauthor'sdetentionoffouryearsandfourmonthswasincompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle9,paragraph3,thatanyonearrestedonacriminalchargeshallbeentitledtotrialwithinareasonabletimeortorelease.523., .,IncommunicationNo.447/1991(Shaltov.TrinidadandTobago),theauthorhadbeenfoundguiltyofmurderinghiswife.However,theCourtofAppeal,on23March1983,quashedhisconvictionandorderedaretrial.Theauthorremainedindetentionuntiltheretrial,whichstartedon20January1987.TheCommitteefoundthattheauthor'sdetentionforaperiodofalmostfouryearsbetweenthejudgementoftheCourtofAppealandthebeginningoftheretrialcouldnotbedeemedcompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle9,paragraph3.(d)0, .,Treatmentduringimprisonment(Covenant,art.10)̇524., .,Article10,paragraph1,prescribesthatallpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyshallbetreatedwithhumanityandwithrespectfortheinherentdignityofthehumanperson.Paragraph2ofarticle10statesthataccusedpersonsshallbesegregatedfromconvictedpersons,saveinexceptionalcircumstances,andthataccusedjuvenilepersonsshallbeseparatedfromadults.TheCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle10,paragraphs1and2,incaseNo.493/1992(Griffinv.Spain).(e)0, .,Guaranteesofafairtrial(Covenant,art.14)525., .,Article14,paragraph1,providesthatallpersonsshallbeequalbeforethecourtsandgiveseveryonetherighttoafairandpublichearinginthedeterminationofcriminalchargesagainsthim.526., .,IncaseNo.514/1992(Feiv.Colombia),theauthor,whohadseparatedfromherhusbandandhadsubsequentlyleftColombiaandtakenupresidenceinItaly,wasengagedinproceduresbeforetheColombiancourtsconcerningvisitingrightsandcustodyofhertwochildren.SheclaimedthattheproceedingshadbeendeliberatelydelayedbytheColombianjudicialauthorities.TheCommitteeobservedthattheconceptof"fairtrial"includesalsootherelementsthanthoseofimpartialityandindependenceofthejudicialauthorities:0, .,"Amongthese...aretherespectfortheprinciplesofequalityofarms,ofadversaryproceedingsandofexpeditiousproceedings.Inthepresentcase,theCommitteeisnotsatisfiedthattherequirementofequalityofarmsandofexpeditiousprocedurehavebeenmet.Itisnoteworthythateverycourtactioninstitutedbytheauthortookseveralyearstoadjudicateanddifficultiesincommunicationwiththeauthor,whodoesnotresideintheStateparty'sterritory,cannotaccountforsuchdelays,asshehadsecuredlegalrepresentationinColombia.TheStatepartyhasfailedtoexplainthesedelays.Ontheotherhand,actionsinstitutedbytheauthor'sex-husbandandbyoronbehalfofherchildrenwereheardanddeterminedconsiderablymoreexpeditiously.AstheCommitteehasnotedinitsadmissibilitydecision,theverynatureofcustodyproceedingsorproceedingsconcerningaccessofadivorcedparenttohischildrenrequiresthattheissuescomplainedofbeadjudicatedexpeditiously.IntheCommittee'sopinion,giventhedelaysinthedeterminationoftheauthor'sactions,thishasnotbeenthecase"(annexX,sect.J,para.8.4).527., .,Article14,paragraph3(c),giveseveryaccusedpersontherighttobetriedwithoutunduedelay.IncaseNo.447/1991(Shaltov.TrinidadandTobago),theCommitteefoundthatthedelayofalmostfouryearsbetweenthejudgementoftheCourtofAppealorderingaretrialandthebeginningoftheretrialcouldnotbedeemedcompatiblewiththisprovision.IncaseNo.473/1991(Barrosov.Panama),theCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle14,paragraph3(c),becauseofadelayofoverthreeandahalfyearsbetweenindictmentandtrial.528., .,Pursuanttoarticle14,paragraph3(e),anaccusedpersonshallhavetherighttoexamine,orhaveexamined,thewitnessesagainsthimandtoobtaintheattendanceandexaminationofwitnessesonhisbehalfunderthesameconditionsaswitnessesbroughtagainsthim.IncommunicationNo.536/1993(Pererav.Australia),whichwasdeclaredinadmissiblebytheCommittee,theauthorcomplainedthathisdefencelawyerhadnotcalledacertainwitnessforhisdefence.TheCommitteeconsidered:0, .,"thattheStatepartycannotbeheldaccountableforallegederrorsmadebyadefencelawyer,unlessitwasorshouldhavebeenmanifesttothejudgethatthelawyer'sbehaviourwasincompatiblewiththeinterestsofjustice"(annexXI,sect.G,para.6.3).529., .,IncasesNos.464/1991and482/1991(GarfieldandAndrewPeartv.Jamaica),astatementmadetothepolicebythemainprosecutionwitnessintheeveningafterthemurderforwhichthecomplainantswerechargedwasnotmadeavailabletothedefence.Itwasshownthatthestatementmateriallydifferedfromthestatementatthepreliminaryhearingandatthetrial.Inthespecificcircumstancesofthecase,theCommitteeconsideredthatthefailuretomakethestatementavailabletothedefencehadseriouslyobstructedthedefenceinitscrossexaminationofthewitness,therebyprecludingafairtrial.530., .,Article14,paragraph5,givesanyoneconvictedofacrimetherighttohavehisconvictionandsentencereviewedbyahighertribunalaccordingtolaw.IncaseNo.536/1993(Pererav.Australia),theCommitteehadoccasiontoobservethatarticle14,paragraph5,doesnotrequirethataCourtofAppealproceedtoafactualretrial,butthataCourtconductanevaluationoftheevidencepresentedatthetrialandoftheconductofthetrial.(f)0, .,Righttoprivacy(Covenant,art.17)531., .,Underarticle17,paragraph1,nooneshallbesubjectedtoarbitraryorunlawfulinterferencewithhisprivacy,family,homeorcorrespondence,nortounlawfulattacksonhishonourandreputation.IncaseNo.453/1991(Coerielv.theNetherlands),theCommitteehadtodeterminewhetherarticle17protectedtherighttochooseandchangeone'sownname.TheauthorsofthecommunicationhadrequestedachangeofsurnameinordertoenablethemtopursuetheirreligiousHindustudies,whichhadbeenrefusedbytheStateparty.TheCommitteeconsidered:0, .,"thatthenotionofprivacyreferstothesphereofaperson'slifeinwhichheorshecanfreelyexpresshisorheridentity,beitbyenteringintorelationshipswithothersoralone.TheCommitteeisoftheviewthataperson'ssurnameconstitutesanimportantcomponentofone'sidentityandthattheprotectionagainstarbitraryorunlawfulinterferencewithone'sprivacyincludestheprotectionagainstarbitraryorunlawfulinterferencewiththerighttochooseandchangeone'sownname.Forinstance,ifaStateweretocompelallforeignerstochangetheirsurnames,thiswouldconstituteinterferenceincontraventionofarticle17"(annexX,sect.D,para.10.2).Inthecircumstancesofthecase,theCommitteefoundthattherefusaloftheauthors'requesttohavetheirsurnameschangedwasunreasonableandthereforearbitrarywithinthemeaningofarticle17,paragraph1,oftheCovenant.TwomembersoftheCommitteeappendedadissentingindividualopiniontotheCommittee'sfindingofaviolation.&  (g)0, .,Freedomofexpression(Covenant,art.19)532., .,Underarticle19,paragraph1,everyonehastherighttoholdopinions'  withoutinterference;paragraph2giveseveryonethefreedomofexpression.Therightsprovidedforinarticle19,paragraph2,maybesubjecttocertainrestrictions,butonlyasareprovidedbylawandarenecessaryfortheprotectionoftherightsorreputationsofothersorfortheprotectionofnationalsecurity,publicorder(ordrepublic),orpublichealthormorals.533., .,IncaseNo.518/1992(Sohnv.theRepublicofKorea),theauthor,alabourunionleader,hadbeenarrested,chargedandconvictedforhavingissuedastatementofsupportforastrikeatashipyard.Hisconvictionwasbasedonarticle13(2)oftheLabourDisputeAdjustmentAct,whichprohibitsthirdpartyinterventioninlabourdisputes.TheCommitteeobserved:0, .,"thatanyrestrictionofthefreedomofexpressionpursuanttoparagraph3ofarticle19mustcumulativelymeetthefollowingconditions:itmustbeprovidedforbylaw,itmustaddressoneoftheaimsenumeratedinparagraph3(a)and(b)ofarticle19,andmustbenecessarytoachievethelegitimatepurpose.WhiletheStatepartyhasstatedthattherestrictionswerejustifiedinordertoprotectnationalsecurityandpublicorderandthattheywereprovidedforbylaw,underarticle13(2)oftheLabourDisputeAdjustmentAct,theCommitteemuststilldeterminewhetherthemeasurestakenagainsttheauthorwerenecessaryforthepurposestated.TheCommitteenotesthattheStatepartyhasinvokednationalsecurityandpublicorderbyreferencetothegeneralnatureofthelabourmovementandbyallegingthatthestatementissuedbytheauthorincollaborationwithotherswasadisguisefortheincitementtoanationalstrike.TheCommitteeconsidersthattheStatepartyhasfailedtospecifytheprecisenatureofthethreatwhichitcontendsthattheauthor'sexerciseoffreedomofexpressionposedandfindsthatnoneoftheargumentsadvancedbytheStatepartysufficetorendertherestrictionoftheauthor'srighttofreedomofexpressioncompatiblewithparagraph3ofarticle19"(annexX,sect.L,para.10.4).TheCommitteeconcludedthatarticle19hadbeenviolatedintheauthor'scase.(h)0, .,Therightsofthefamilyandtomarry(Covenant,art.23)534., .,Article23oftheCovenantprotectsthefamilyandtherighttomarry.Paragraph4ofthearticleprovidesthatStatespartiesshouldensureequalityofrightsandresponsibilitiesofspousesastomarriage,duringmarriageandatitsdissolution.Inthecaseofdissolution,provisionshallbemadeforthenecessaryprotectionofanychildren.535., .,IncaseNo.514/1992(Feiv.Colombia),theauthor,whosemarriagewasdissolved,hadbeenhinderedinhavingregularcontactwithherchildren.TheCommitteerecalleditsobservationsincaseNo.201/1985(Hendriksv.theNetherlands)thatarticle23,paragraph4,grants,barringexceptionalcircumstances,arighttoregularcontactbetweenchildrenandbothoftheirparentsupondissolutionofamarriage.Theunilateraloppositionofoneparentgenerallydoesnotconstitutesuchanexceptionalcircumstance.TheCommitteefoundthatnospecialcircumstanceswerediscernibleinthecaseathandwhichcouldjustifythatthemotherwasvirtuallyexcludedfromhavingaccesstohertwodaughtersanditconcludedthattherehadbeenaviolationofarticle23,paragraph4.(i)0, .,Therightofaminortoprotectiononthepartofhisfamily,societyandtheState(Covenant,art.24)536., .,Article24oftheCovenantprovidesthateverychildshallhave,withoutanydiscrimination,therighttosuchmeasuresofprotectionasrequiredbyhisstatusasaminor,onthepartofhisfamily,societyandtheState.ThefactsofcaseNo.400/1990(M;nacodeGallicchiov.Argentina)showedthattheauthor'sgranddaughterdisappeared,togetherwithherparents,in1977,whenshewasnineyearsold.Thegrandmothermanagedtolocatehergranddaughterin1984;shewasthenlivingastheadopteddaughterofoneS.S.,whowassubsequentlychargedwithconcealingthewhereaboutsofaminorandforgeryofdocuments.InJanuary1989,thegrandmotherwasgrantedprovisionalguardianshipoverthechild,butdeniedtherighttorepresentthechildinthevariousproceedings;S.S.wasgrantedvisitingrights.On11August1992,theadoptionofthechildbyS.S.wasnullified.In1993,thegranddaughter'slegalidentitywasestablished.537., .,Notingthelongdelayinthecompletionofthejudicialproceedings,theCommittee,inthespecificcircumstancesofthecase,found:0, .,"thattheprotectionofchildrenstipulatedinarticle24oftheCovenantrequiredtheStatepartytotakeaffirmativeactiontograntMs.Vicariopromptandeffectiverelieffromherpredicament.Inthiscontext,theCommitteerecallsitsgeneralcommentonarticle24,24inwhichitstressedthateverychildhasarighttospecialmeasuresofprotectionbecauseofhis/herstatusasaminor;thosespecialmeasuresareadditionaltothemeasuresthatStatesarerequiredtotakeunderarticle2toensurethateveryoneenjoystherightsprovidedforintheCovenant.BearinginmindthesufferingalreadyenduredbyMs.Vicario,wholostbothofherparentsundertragiccircumstancesimputabletotheStateparty,theCommitteefindsthatthespecialmeasuresrequiredunderarticle24,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,werenotexpeditiouslyappliedbyArgentina,andthatthefailuretorecognizethestandingofMrs.M;nacointheguardianshipandvisitationproceedingsandthedelayinlegallyestablishingMs.Vicario'srealnameandissuingidentitypapersalsoentailedaviolationofarticle24,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,whichisdesignedtopromoterecognitionofthechild'slegalpersonality"(annexX,sect.B,para.10.5).(j)0, .,Therighttovoteandtobeelected(Covenant,art.25)538., .,Article25(b)oftheCovenantprotectstherightandtheopportunity,withoutanyofthedistinctionsmentionedinarticle2oftheCovenantandwithoutunreasonablerestrictions,tovoteandtobeelected.IncaseNo.500/1992(Debreczenyv.theNetherlands),theauthor,alocalpoliceman,waselectedtothemunicipalcouncil,butwasnotallowedtotakehisseatbecauseunderNetherlandslawthemembershipinthemunicipalcouncilwasincompatiblewithemploymentasacivilservantinsubordinationtolocalauthorities.InitsViews,theCommitteenotesthatwhiletherightprovidedforbyarticle25isnotanabsoluteright,restrictionsoftherightmustbeneitherdiscriminatorynorunreasonable.IntheCommittee'sopinion,theapplicationofthelawfulrestrictionstotheauthordidnotconstituteaviolationofarticle25oftheCovenant.(k)0, .,Therighttoequalitybeforethelawandtoequalprotectionbythelawandtheprohibitionofdiscrimination539., .,Article26oftheCovenantprovidesthatallpersonsareequalbeforethelawandareentitledwithoutanydiscriminationtotheequalprotectionofthelaw.Inthisrespect,thelawshallprohibitanydiscriminationandguaranteetoallpersonsequalandeffectiveprotectionagainstdiscrimination.540., .,IncaseNo.516/1992(Simuneketal.v.theCzechRepublic),theauthorshadlefttheircountry(Czechoslovakia)forpoliticalreasonsandhadhadtheirpropertyconfiscated.Alawenactedin1991providedforrestitutionorcompensationforconfiscationscarriedoutbytheCommunistGovernment,butexcludednon-residentsandnonCzechcitizens.Theauthorsarguedthattheapplicationofthelawviolatedtheirrightsunderarticle26.TheCommitteeconsideredthat:0, .,  . "InexaminingwhethertheconditionsforrestitutionorcompensationarecompatiblewiththeCovenant,theCommitteemustconsiderallrelevantfactors,includingtheauthors'originalentitlementtothepropertyinquestionandthenatureoftheconfiscations.TheStatepartyitselfacknowledgesthattheconfiscationswerediscriminatory,andthisisthereasonwhyspecificlegislationwasenactedtoprovideforaformofrestitution.TheCommitteeobservesthatsuchlegislationmustnotdiscriminateamongthevictimsofthepriorconfiscations,sinceallvictimsareentitledtoredresswithoutarbitrarydistinctions.Bearinginmindthattheauthors'originalentitlementtotheirrespectivepropertieswasnotpredicatedeitheroncitizenshiporresidence,theCommitteefindsthattheconditionsofcitizenshipandresidenceinAct87/1991areunreasonable.InthisconnectiontheCommitteenotesthattheStatepartyhasnotadvancedanygroundswhichwouldjustifytheserestrictions.Moreover,ithasbeensubmittedthattheauthorsandmanyothersintheirsituationleftCzechoslovakiabecauseoftheirpoliticalopinionsandthattheirpropertywasconfiscatedeitherbecauseoftheirpoliticalopinionsorbecauseoftheiremigrationfromthecountry.Thesevictimsofpoliticalpersecutionsoughtresidenceandcitizenshipinothercountries.TakingintoaccountthattheStatepartyitselfisresponsibleforthedepartureoftheauthors,itwouldbeincompatiblewiththeCovenanttorequirethempermanentlytoreturntothecountryasaprerequisitefortherestitutionoftheirpropertyorforthepaymentofappropriatecompensation.0, .,  . "TheStatepartycontendsthatthereisnoviolationoftheCovenantbecausetheCzechandSlovaklegislatorshadnodiscriminatoryintentatthetimeoftheadoptionofAct87/1991.TheCommitteeisoftheview,however,thattheintentofthelegislatureisnotalonedispositiveindeterminingabreachofarticle26oftheCovenant.Apoliticallymotivateddifferentiationisunlikelytobecompatiblewitharticle26.Butanactwhichisnotpoliticallymotivatedmaystillcontravenearticle26ifitseffectsarediscriminatory"(annexX,sect.K,paras.11.6and11.7).Consequently,theCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle26intheauthors'case.&  (l)0, .,Therightofpersonsbelongingtominoritiestoenjoytheirownculture,toprofessandpractisetheirownreligion,ortousetheirownlanguage(Covenant,art.27)541., .,Article27oftheCovenantprotectstherightofpersonsbelongingtominoritiestoenjoytheir'  ownculture,toprofessandpractisetheirownreligion,ortousetheirownlanguage.IncaseNo.511/1992(Lnsmanetal.v.Finland),theauthors,whobelongedtoalocalSamicommunity,arguedthatthequarryinggoingonintheirareainterferedwiththeirreindeerhusbandry.InitsViews,theCommitteerecalledthateconomicactivitiesmightcomewithintheambitofarticle17iftheywereanessentialelementofthecultureofanethniccommunity:0, .,  . "Therighttoenjoyone'sculturecannotbedeterminedinabstractobuthastobeplacedincontext.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeobservesthatarticle27doesnotonlyprotecttraditionalmeansoflivelihoodofnationalminorities,asindicatedintheStateparty'ssubmission.Therefore,thefactthattheauthorsmayhaveadaptedtheirmethodsofreindeerherdingovertheyearsandmaypractiseitwiththehelpofmoderntechnologydoesnotpreventthemfrominvokingarticle27oftheCovenant"(annexX,sect.I,para.9.3).Inthespecificcircumstancesofthecase,theCommitteeconcludedthatthequarryingthathadtakenplacedidnotconstituteadenialoftheauthors'righttoenjoytheirownculture.TheCommitteenoted,however,thatifminingactivitiesweretobeapprovedonalargescaleinthefuture,itmightconstituteaviolationoftheauthors'rightsunderarticle27.TheCommitteestatedthattheStatepartywasunderadutytokeepthatinmindwheneitherextendingexistingcontractsorgrantingnewones.@ . F.RemediescalledforundertheCommittee'sViews542., .,TheCommittee'sdecisionsonthemeritsarereferredtoas"Views"inarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol.AftertheCommitteehasmadeafindingofaviolationofaprovisionoftheCovenant,itproceedstoasktheStatepartytotakeappropriatestepstoremedytheviolation.Forinstance,intheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommittee,inacaseconcerningcustodyandchildren'srights,foundasfollows:0, .,  . "Inaccordancewitharticle2,paragraph3(a),oftheCovenant,theStatepartyisunderanobligationtoprovidetheauthorwithaneffectiveremedy.IntheCommittee'sopinion,thisentailsguaranteeingtheauthor'sregularaccesstoherdaughters,andthattheStatepartyensurethatthetermsofthejudgmentsintheauthor'sfavourarecompliedwith.TheStatepartyisunderanobligationtoensurethatsimilarviolationsdonotoccurinthefuture"(annexX,sect.J,para.10).TheCommitteefurtherobservedthat:0, .,  . "Bearinginmindthat,bybecomingapartytotheOptionalProtocol,theStatepartyhasrecognizedthecompetenceoftheCommitteetodeterminewhethertherehasbeenaviolationoftheCovenantornotandthat,pursuanttoarticle2oftheCovenant,theStatepartyhasundertakentoensuretoallindividualswithinitsterritoryandsubjecttoitsjurisdictiontherightsrecognizedintheCovenantandtoprovideaneffectiveandenforceableremedyincaseaviolationhasbeenestablished,theCommitteewishestoreceivefromtheStateparty,within90days,informationaboutthemeasurestakentogiveeffecttotheCommittee'sViews"(annexX,sect.J,para.11).@ . G.NoncooperationbyStatesparties543., .,ThefollowingStateshaveofferednocooperationintheCommittee'sconsiderationofcommunicationsundertheOptionalProtocolrelatingtothem:CentralAfricanRepublic,DominicanRepublic,EquatorialGuineaandZaire.@ . IX.FOLLOWUPACTIVITIESUNDERTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOL544., .,Fromitsseventhsession,in1979,toitsfiftyfourthsession,inJuly1994,theHumanRightsCommitteehasadopted208ViewsoncommunicationsreceivedandconsideredundertheOptionalProtocol.TheCommitteehasfoundviolationsin154ofthem.Formanyyears,however,theCommitteewasinformedbyStatespartiesinonlyalimitednumberofcasesofanymeasurestakenbythemtogiveeffecttotheViewsadopted.BecauseoflackofknowledgeaboutStatepartycompliancewithitsdecisions,theCommitteehasdevisedamechanismthatshouldenableittoevaluateStatepartycompliancewithitsViews.545., .,Duringitsthirtyninthsession(July1990),followingathoroughdebateontheCommittee'scompetencetoengageinfollowupactivities,theCommitteeestablishedaprocedureformonitoringthefollowuptoitsViewsunderarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol.Atthesametime,theCommitteecreatedthemandateofSpecialRapporteurforthefollowuponViews.HismandateisspeltoutinannexXIoftheCommittee'sreporttotheGeneralAssemblyatitsfortyfifthsession.25Fromthethirtyninth(July1990)tothefortyseventh(March1993)session,thelateMr.JnosFodoractedasSpecialRapporteurforthefollowuponViews.Atthefortyseventhsession(March1993),Mr.AndreasMavrommatiswasappointedSpecialRapporteurforfollowuponViews.Hismandatewasextendedforanothertwoyearsatthefiftythirdsession(March1995).DuringitsfiftyfirstsessiontheCommitteeadoptedanewruleofprocedure,rule95,whichspellsoutthemandateoftheSpecialRapporteur.26546., .,Pursuanttohismandate,theSpecialRapporteurhasrequestedfollowupinformationfromStatespartiessincetheautumnof1990.FollowupinformationhassystematicallybeenrequestedinrespectofallViewswithafindingofaviolationoftheCovenant.AtthebeginningoftheCommittee'sfiftyfourthsession,followupinformationhadbeenreceivedinrespectof81Views.Noinformationhadbeenreceivedinrespectof62Views;infivecases,thedeadlineforreceiptoffollowupinformationhadnotyetexpired.Itmaybenotedthatinmanyinstances,theSecretariathasalsoreceivedinformationfromauthorstotheeffectthattheCommittee'sViewshadnotbeenimplemented.Conversely,insomerareinstances,theauthorofacommunicationhasinformedtheCommitteethattheStatepartydidgiveeffecttotheCommittee'srecommendations,whereastheStatepartydidnotprovidethisinformation.547., .,Therearecertaindifficultiesinattemptingtocategorizefollowupreplies.Bythebeginningofthefiftyfourthsession,ittranspiredthatapproximately30percentoftherepliesreceivedweresatisfactoryinthattheydisplayedawillingnessonthepartoftheStatepartytoimplementtheCommittee'sViewsortooffertheapplicantanappropriateremedy.Manyrepliessimplyindicatedthatthevictimhadfailedtofileaclaimforcompensationwithinthestatutorydeadlinesandthat,therefore,nocompensationcouldbepaidtothevictim.AnothercategoryofrepliescannotbeconsideredfullysatisfactoryinthattheyeitherdidnotaddresstheCommittee'srecommendationsatallormerelyrelatedtooneaspectthereof.548., .,TheremainderofthereplieseitherexplicitlychallengedtheCommittee'sfindingsonfactualoronlegalgrounds(ninereplies),indicatedthattheStatepartywouldnot,foronereasonoranother,giveeffecttotheCommittee'srecommendations(ninereplies),promisedaninvestigationofthematterconsideredbytheCommitteeorconstitutedmuchbelatedsubmissionsonthemeritsofthecase.̇549., .,Acountrybycountrybreakdownoffollowuprepliesreceivedorrequestedandoutstandingasof28July1995givesthefollowingpicture: 8822 .2Argentina0 .1decisionfindingviolations,followupdeadlinenotyetexpired.2 .2Australia0 .1decisionfindingviolations(preliminary),followupreplyreceived.2 .2Austria0 .1decisionfindingviolations(unsatisfactory),followupreplyreceived.2 .2Bolivia0 .2Viewsfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Cameroon0 .1decisionfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Canada0 .6Viewsfindingviolations,3fullysatisfactoryfollowupreplies,2(incomplete)followupreplies,nofollowupreplyin1case.2 .2CentralAfricanRepublic0 .1decisionfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Colombia0 .7Viewsfindingviolations,6followupreplieschallengingtheCommittee'sfindingsoramountingtolatesubmissionsonthemerits;deadlineforfollowupsubmissionnotexpiredin1case.2 .2DominicanRepublic0 .3Viewsfindingviolations,1followupreply,norepliesin2cases.2 .2Ecuador0 .ThreeViewsfindingviolations,1followupreplyreceived,norepliesreceivedin2cases.2 .2EquatorialGuinea0 .2Viewsfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Finland0 .4Viewsfindingviolations,followuprepliesreceivedinall4cases.2 .2France0 .1decisionfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Hungary0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations(preliminary),followupreplyreceived.̆2 .2Jamaica0 .37Viewsfindingviolations,9followuprepliesreceived,allindicatingthattheStatepartywillnotimplementtheCommittee'srecommendations;nofollowupreplyin18cases.2 .2LibyanArabJamahiriya0 .1decisionfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Madagascar0 .4Viewsfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Mauritius0 .1decisionfindingviolations,followupreplyreceived.2 .2Netherlands0 .4Viewsfindingviolations,followuprepliesreceivedinall4cases.2 .2Nicaragua0 .1Viewfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Panama0 .1decisionfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Peru0 .4Viewsfindingviolations,followuprepliesindicatingthatViewswerepassedontotheSupremeCourtforactionin2cases,nofollowuprepliesreceivedin2cases.2 .2Senegal0 .1decisionfindingviolations,followupreplyreceived.2 .2Spain0 .1decisionfindingviolations,followupreplyreceived.2 .2Suriname0 .8Viewsfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2TrinidadandTobago0 .3Viewsfindingviolations,1followupreplyreceived,nofollowupreplyin1case,followupdeadlinein1casenotyetexpired.2 .2Uruguay0 .45Viewsfindingviolations,43followuprepliesreceived,nofollowuprepliesin2cases.2 .2Venezuela0 .1decisionfindingviolations,followupreplyreceived.2 .2Zaire0 .9Viewsfindingviolations,nofollowupreplyreceived.2 .2Zambia0 .2Viewsfindingviolations,1completeand1(preliminary)followupreplyreceived. 8,  550., .,Theoverallresultsofthefirstfiveyearsofexperiencewiththefollow-upprocedureareencouraging,yettheycannotbetermedfullysatisfactory.SomeStatespartiesreplyingunderthefollowupprocedurehaveindeedarguedthattheyareimplementingtheCommittee'sViewsby,forexample,releasingfromdetentionvictimsofhumanrightsviolations,bygrantingthevictimcompensationfortheviolationssuffered,byamendinglegislationfoundincompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant,orbyofferingthecomplainantotherformsofremedies.SomeStatespartieshaveactedontheCommittee'sViewsandgrantedorofferedsomeformofremedybutfailedtoinformtheCommitteeaccordingly.̇551., .,Ontheotherhand,anumberofStatespartieshaveindicatedthatcompensatorypaymentstothevictimorvictimsweremadeexgratia,notablywherethedomesticlegalsystemdoesnotprovideforcompensationinadifferentmanner,orthataremedywasofferedexgratia.This,forexample,wastheargumentoftheGovernmentoftheNetherlandsinitsfollowuprepliesontheCommittee'sViewsinrespectofcommunicationsNo.305/1988(HugovanAlphenv.Netherlands)andNo.453/1991(Coerielv.theNetherlands).552., .,TheCommitteeisequallyawarethattheabsenceofspecificenablinglegislationisacrucialfactorwhichoftenstandsinthewayofmonetarycompensationtovictimsofviolationsoftheCovenant.Thisargumentwas,forexample,adducedbytheGovernmentofAustriainitsfollowupreplyontheViewsincaseNo.415/1990(Paugerv.Austria),andbytheGovernmentofSenegalinitsfollowupreplyontheViewsincaseNo.386/1989(Konv.Senegal).TheCommitteecommendsthoseStatespartieswhichhavecompensatedvictimsofviolationsoftheCovenant;itencouragesStatespartiestoconsidertheadoptionofspecificenablinglegislationand,pendingthis,tomakeexgratiapaymentsbywayofcompensation.553., .,InthecaseofPeru,whereenablinglegislationdoesexist,theCommitteeconsideredwhetheritwasappropriatetotreatthecomplaintoftheauthorofcommunicationNo.203/1986(MuozHermosav.Peru),contendingthattheCommittee'sViewshadnotbeenimplementedbythePeruviancourts,asanewcaseundertheOptionalProtocol.TheCommitteeconcludedthat,onbalance,theauthor'scontentionthattheStatepartyhadfailedtoprovidehimwitharemedyshouldbeexaminedinthecontextofthefollowupprocedure.554., .,Sinceitbegantodiscussfollowupmattersin1990,theCommitteehascarefullyexaminedandanalysedalltheinformationgatheredthroughthefollowupprocedure.Betweenthefortyfirstandfiftiethsessions,itconsideredfollowupinformationonaconfidentialbasis.Periodicreportsonfollowupactivities(socalled"progressreports")werenotmadepublic,andthediscussionsonfollowupissuestookplaceinclosedmeetings.555., .,Atthesametime,however,theCommitteeacknowledgedthatpublicityforfollowupactivitieswouldbethemostappropriatemeansformakingtheproceduremoreeffective.Thus,publicityforfollowupactivitieswouldnotonlybeintheinterestofvictimsofviolationsoftheCovenant'sprovisions,butcouldalsoservetoenhancetheauthorityoftheCommittee'sViewsandprovideanincentiveforStatespartiestoimplementthem.ThereactionofStatespartiestotheincreasedpublicityandvisibilityoffollowupactivitiessincethepublicationofthelastannualreport,andtheinterestofacademicandnongovernmentalinstitutionsinthefollowupprocedure,hasreinforcedtheCommittee'sresolvetocontinuetogivepublicitytotheprocedure.556., .,DuringitsfortyseventhsessioninMarchApril1993,theCommitteeagreedinprinciplethatinformationonfollowupactivitiesshouldbemadepublic.Discussionsonthisissuehavebeenheldregularlysincethen.DuringthefiftiethsessioninMarch1994,theCommitteeformallyadoptedanumberofdecisionsconcerningtheeffectivenessandpublicityofthefollowupprocedure.Thesedecisionswerethefollowing:882 2 .2(a) .Everyformofpublicitywillbegiventofollowupactivities;2 .2(b) .AnnualreportsshallincludeaseparateandhighlyvisiblechapteronfollowupactivitiesundertheOptionalProtocol.ThisshouldclearlyconveytothepublicwhichStateshavecooperatedandwhichStateshavefailedtocooperatewiththeSpecialRapporteurforthefollowuponViews.Paragraph547aboveconveyswhichStatespartieshaveandwhichhavenotprovidedfollowupinformationorcooperatedwiththeSpecialRapporteurforthefollowuponViews;2 .2(c) .RemindersshallbesenttoallStatespartiesthathavefailedtoprovidefollowupinformation.Thus,betweenDecember1994andJune1995,some65followupremindersweresenttoStatesthathadfailedtoreplytorequestsforfollowupinformationfromtheSpecialRapporteur.Asaresultofthesereminders,someStatesdidformulatefollowuprepliesandforwardthemtotheSpecialRapporteur;2 .2(d) .PresscommuniquswillbeissuedonceayearafterthesummersessionoftheCommittee,highlightingbothpositiveandnegativedevelopmentsconcerningtheCommittee'sandtheSpecialRapporteur'sfollowupactivities;2 .2(e) .TheCommitteewelcomesinformationwhichnongovernmentalorganizationsmightwishtosubmitastowhatmeasuresStatespartieshavetaken,orfailedtotake,inrespectoftheimplementationoftheCommittee'sViews;2 .2(f) .TheSpecialRapporteurandmembersoftheCommitteeshould,asappropriate,establishcontactswithparticularGovernmentsandpermanentmissionstotheUnitedNationstomakefurtherinquiriesabouttheimplementationoftheCommittee'sViews.Followingthefiftysecondsession,CommitteememberJulioPradoVallejohadcontactswithgovernmentauthoritiesinColombiaandPeru,duringwhichthequestionoffollowuptosomeoftheCommittee'sViewswasraised.DuringthefiftythirdsessionoftheCommittee(MarchApril1995),theSpecialRapporteurmetwiththePermanentRepresentativesofColombia,SurinameandZambiatodiscusswhattheGovernmentsconcernedmightbepreparedtodotogiveeffecttotheCommittee'sViewsadoptedinrespectofthoseStates.TheSpecialRapporteurregretsthat,duringthesamesession,hewasunabletoestablishdirectcontactswiththePermanentMissionsofEquatorialGuineaandZaire;2 .2(g) .TheCommitteeshoulddrawtheattentionofStatesparties,attheirbiannualmeetings,tothefailureofcertainStatestoimplementtheCommittee'sViewsandtocooperatewiththeSpecialRapporteurinprovidinginformationontheimplementationofViews.FollowupmissionbytheSpecialRapporteurtoJamaica,June1995557.2 .2Inaccordancewithhismandateunderrule95oftherulesofprocedure,theSpecialRapporteurconductedhisfirstmissioninthecontextofthefollowupprocedure.From24to30June1995,hevisitedJamaicaandhelddiscussionswiththeGovernmentofJamaica,judicialauthorities,andnongovernmentalorganizations.558.2 .2Duringhismission,theSpecialRapporteurhadtheopportunitytomeetmanygovernmentofficialsandrepresentativesofthejudiciaryandthepenitentiarysystem,aswellastheGovernorGeneralofJamaica.Heappreciatesthespiritofcooperationandthefranknessoftheexchangeswhichcharacterizedtheentiremission.559.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteurthoroughlydiscussedthestatusofimplementationoftheCommittee'sViewsadoptedinrespectofJamaicawiththeauthorities.HewasinformedoftheconstitutionalandlegalconstraintswhichhavetendedtomakeitdifficultfortheStatepartytoimplementfullytheCommittee'sViews.Nonetheless,manydeathsentenceshadrecentlybeencommuted,andtheMinisterforForeignAffairspledgedfullcooperationwiththeCommitteeandtheSpecialRapporteurunderthefollowupprocedure.560.2 .2Atotherlevels,theSpecialRapporteurwastoldthattheJamaicanGovernmentconsiderstheCommittee'sViewstobemererecommendations,therebyimplyingareluctancetocomplywiththeViews.TheSpecialRapporteurdidindicate,whileacknowledgingtheStateparty'sreadinessto"consider"theCommittee'sViews,thatcompliancewithitsViewsstillleftmuchtobedesired.561.2 .2Finally,theSpecialRapporteurwasabletoascertaintheeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmentofJamaicatoimprovecertainaspectsoftheadministrationofjustice.Hewasinformedabouteffortstoimproveprisonfacilitiesingeneralandsanitaryconditionsinparticular;aboutimprovementsintheexaminationofallegationsofprisonerabusebywardensandthepaymentofcompensationtoinmates,whereappropriate;aboutimprovementsrelatingtotheavailabilityofwrittenjudgementsoftheCourtofAppealofJamaica;aboutbettermedicalcareinthepenitentiarysystem;andaboutdraftlegislationcurrentlyunderconsiderationwhichwouldgreatlyimprovethesystemoflegalaidincapitalcases.TheSpecialRapporteurexpresseshishopethatthesereformsorimprovementswillbeimplementedandeffectedwithallduespeed.562.2 .2On25July1995,theSpecialRapporteurreportedtotheCommitteeonhismissiontoJamaica.Followingitsdiscussiononthemission,theCommittee,notingtheimprovedcompliancebyJamaicawithitsViews,requestedtheSpecialRapporteurtocontinuehiscontactswiththeGovernmentofJamaica,withaviewtoensuringthatJamaicaachievedagreaterdegreeofcompliancewiththeCommittee'sdecisions.Inthatcontext,theSpecialRapporteurrecalledthatformalfollowuprepliesremainedoutstandinginrespectof18Views,andnotedthattheStatepartyhadpromisedtoforwardtheoutstandingreplieswithallduespeed.Concernoverinstancesofnoncooperationunderthefollowupmandate563.2 .2Inspiteoftheprogressincollectingfollowupinformationsincetheadoptionofthelastannualreport,theCommitteeandtheSpecialRapporteurnotewithconcernthatanumberofcountrieshaveeithernotprovidedanyfollowupinformationorhavenotrepliedtorequestsfromtheSpecialRapporteur.ThoseStateswhichhavenotrepliedinrespectofatleasttwofollowuprequests,orwhichhavenotrepliedtorequestsforinformationinspiteoftwofollowupreminders,are:Bolivia(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);DominicanRepublic(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);EquatorialGuinea(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);France(nofollowupreplyinrespectofonedecisioninspiteoftworeminders);Peru(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);Suriname(noreplyinrespectofeightcases);Uruguay(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);andZaire(noreplyinrespectofninecases).564.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteururgestheseStatespartiesandallthosewhichhavefailedtoreplytohisrequestsforfollowupinformationtodosoinatimelymanner.Infutureannualreports,theCommitteewillsingleouttheworstcasesofnoncompliancewithitsViewsandreportonthemindividually,shouldtherebenoreactiontofurtherrequestsforfollowupinformation.565.2 .2TheCommitteereconfirmsthatitwillkeepthefunctioningofthefollowupprocedureunderconstantreview.IthasrequestedthatatleastonefollowupmissionperyearbebudgetedandscheduledbytheCentreforHumanRightsintheyearstocome.@ .Notes2 .21OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/49/40),vol.I,para.14.2 .22Ibid.,annexXI.2 .23Ibid.,vol.I,paras.3656.2 .24A/CONF.157/24(PartI),chap.III.2 .25OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,ThirtysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/36/40),annexV.2 .26Ibid.,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/45/40),vol.I,para.12.2 .27Ibid.,FortysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/46/40),paras.21and32andannexVII.2 .28Ibid.,FortyeighthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/48/40),vol.I,paras.166-182.2 .29Ibid.,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/49/40),para.61.2 .210Atits1382ndmeeting(fiftysecondsession),on2November1994.2 .211Atits1383rdmeeting(fiftysecondsession),on3November1994.2 .212Atits1411thmeeting(fiftythirdsession),on5April1995.2 .213Atthe1412thmeeting(fiftythirdsession),on5April1995.2 .214Atits1414thmeeting(fiftythirdsession),on6April1995.2 .215ConsistentwiththepracticeoftheCommittee,theStateparty'sexpert,Mr.Buergenthal,didnottakepartintheformulationofthesecomments.2 .216Atits1413thmeeting(fiftythirdsession),on6April1995.2 .217Atits1440thmeeting(fiftyfourthsession),on26July1995.2 .218Atits1441stmeeting(fiftyfourthsession),on26July1995.2 .219Atits1442ndmeeting(fiftyfourthsession),on27July1995.2 .220InaccordancewiththeCommittee'spractice,theexpertfromtheStateparty,Mrs.Higgins,didnottakepartinthepreparationofthecomments.2 .221ThewrittenobservationssettingouttheviewoftheGovernmentontheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.24(52)weresubmittedtotheChairmanoftheCommitteeon21July1995.2 .222Atits1443rdmeeting(fiftyfourthsession),on27July1995.̇2 .223See,interalia,thejudgementoftheJudicialCommitteeofthePrivyCouncildated2November1993(PrattandMorganv.Jamaica).2 .224GeneralcommentNo.17,adoptedbytheCommitteeatitsthirtyfifthsessionin1989.2 .225OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/45/40).2 .226Ibid.,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/49/40),vol.I,annexVI.@ .ANNEXÌStatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPolitical̀RightsandtotheOptionalProtocolsandStateswhichhavemadethe@ .declarationunderarticle41oftheCovenantasat28July1995 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .forcèA.StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenant̀onCivilandPoliticalRights(131)8824 NAfghanistan4 .4 24January1983(a)N .N24April1983Albania4 .4 4October1991(a)N .N4January1992Algeria4 .4 12September1989N .N12December1989Angola04 .4 10January1992(a)N .N10April1992Argentina4 .4 8August1986N .N8November1986Armenia4 .4 23June1993N .N23September1993Australia4 .4 13August1980N .N13November1980Austria4 .4 10September1978N .N10December1978Azerbaijan4 .4 13August1992(a)N .N13November1992Barbados4 .4 5January1973(a)N .N23March1976Belarus4 .4 12November1973N .N23March1976Belgium4 .4 21April1983N .N21July1983Benin04 .4 12March1992(a)N .N12June1992Bolivia4 .4 12August1982(a)N .N12November1982Bosniaand̀Herzegovina4 .4 1September1993(d)N .N6March1992Brazil04 .4 24January1992(a)0N .N24April1992Bulgaria4 .4 21September1970N .N23March1976Burundi4 .4 9May1990(a)N .N9August1990Cambodia4 .4 26May1992(a)N .N26August1992Cameroon4 .4 27June1984(a)N .N27September1984Canada4 .4 19May1976(a)N .N19August1976CapeVerde4 .4 6August1993(a)N .N6November1993CentralAfricaǹRepublic4 .4 8May1981(a)N .N8August1981Chad2 .24 .4 9June1995(a)N .N9September1995Chile4 .4 10February1972N .N23March1976Colombia4 .4 29October1969N .N23March1976Congo4 .4 5October1983(a)N .N5January1984CostaRica4 .4 29November1968N .N23March1976C=ted'Ivoire4 .4 26March1992(a)N .N26June1992Croatia4 .4 12October1992(d)N .N8October1991 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .force8824 NCyprus4 .4 2April1969N .N23March1976CzechRepublic4 .4 22February1993(d)N .N1January1993DemocraticPeople's̀RepublicofKorea4 .4 14September1981(a)N .N14December1981Denmark4 .4 6January1972N .N23March1976Dominica4 .4 17June1993(a)N .N17September1993DominicanRepublic4 .4 4January1978(a)N .N4April1978Ecuador4 .4 6March1969N .N23March1976Egypt4 .4 14January1982N .N14April1982ElSalvador4 .4 30November1979N .N29February1980EquatorialGuinea4 .4 25September1987(a)N .N25December1987Estonia04 .4 21October1991(a)0N .N21January1992Ethiopia4 .4 11June1993(a)N .N11September1993Finland4 .4 19August1975N .N23March1976France4 .4 4November1980(a)N .N4February1981Gabon4 .4 21January1983(a)N .N21April1983Gambia4 .4 22March1979(a)N .N22June1979Georgia4 .4 3May1994(a)N .N3August1994Germany4 .4 17December1973N .N23March1976Grenada4 .4 6September1991(a)N .N6December1991Guatemala4 .4 6May1992(a)N .N5August1992Guinea04 .4 24January19780N .N24April1978Guyana04 .4 15February19770N .N15May1977Haiti4 .4 6February1991(a)N .N6May1991Hungary4 .4 17January1974N .N23March1976Iceland4 .4 22August1979N .N22November1979India4 .4 10April1979(a)N .N10July1979Iran(Islamic̀Republicof)4 .4 24June1975N .N23March1976Iraq2 .24 .4 25January1971N .N23March1976Ireland4 .4 8December1989N .N8March1990Israel4 .4 3October1991(a)N .N3January1992Italy4 .4 15September1978N .N15December1978Jamaica4 .4 3October1975N .N23March1976Japan4 .4 21June1979N .N21September1979Jordan4 .4 28May1975N .N23March1976Kenya4 .4 1May1972(a)N .N23March1976Kyrgyzstan4 .4 7October1994(a)N .N7January1995Latvia4 .4 14April1992(a)N .N14July1992Lebanon4 .4 3November1972(a)N .N23March1976Lesotho4 .4 9September1992(a)N .N9December1992LibyanArab̀Jamahiriya4 .4 15May1970(a)N .N23March1976 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .force8824 NLithuania04 .4 20November1991(a)0N .N20February1992Luxembourg4 .4 18August1983N .N18November1983Madagascar4 .4 21June1971N .N23March1976Malawi4 .4 22December1993(a)N .N22March1994Mali2 .24 .4 16July1974(a)N .N23March1976Malta4 .4 13September1990(a)N .N13December1990Mauritius4 .4 12December1973(a)N .N23March1976Mexico4 .4 23March1981(a)N .N23June1981Mongolia4 .4 18November1974N .N23March1976Morocco4 .4 3May1979N .N3August1979Mozambique4 .4 21July1993(a)N .N21October1993Namibia4 .4 28November1994(a)N .N28February1995Nepal4 .4 14May1991N .N14August1991Netherlands4 .4 11December1978N .N11March1979NewZealand4 .4 28December1978N .N28March1979Nicaragua4 .4 12March1980(a)N .N12June1980Niger4 .4 7March1986(a)N .N7June1986Nigeria4 .4 29July1993(a)N .N29October1993Norway4 .4 13September1972N .N23March1976Panama4 .4 8March1977N .N8June1977Paraguay4 .4 10June1992(a)N .N10September1992Peru2 .24 .4 28April1978N .N28July1978Philippines4 .4 23October1986N .N23January1987Poland4 .4 18March1977N .N18June1977Portugal4 .4 15June19780N .N15September1978RepublicofKorea4 .4 10April1990(a)N .N10July1990RepublicofMoldova4 .4 26January1993(a)N .N26April1993Romania4 .4 9December1974N .N23March1976RussianFederation04 .4 16October19730N .N23March1976Rwanda4 .4 16April1975(a)N .N23March1976SaintVincentand̀theGrenadines4 .4 9November1981(a)N .N9February1982SanMarino4 .4 18October1985(a)N .N18January1986Senegal4 .4 13February1978N .N13May1978Seychelles4 .4 5May1992(a)N .N5August1992Slovakia4 .4 28May1993(d)N .N1January1993Slovenia04 .4 6July1992(d)0N .N25June1991Somalia4 .4 24January1990(a)N .N24April1990Spain4 .4 27April1977N .N27July1977SriLanka4 .4 11June1980(a)N .N11September1980Sudan4 .4 18March1986(a)N .N18June1986 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .force8824 NSuriname4 .4 28December1976(a)N .N28March1977Sweden4 .4 6December1971N .N23March1976Switzerland4 .4 18June1992(a)N .N18September1992SyrianArabRepublic4 .4 21April1969(a)N .N23March1976TheformerYugoslav̀Republicof̀Macedonia4 .4 18January1994(d)N .N17September1991Togo2 .24 .4 24May1984(a)N .N24August1984TrinidadandTobago4 .4 21December1978(a)N .N21March1979Tunisia4 .4 18March1969N .N23March1976Uganda4 .4 21June1995(a)N .N21September1995Ukraine4 .4 12November1973N .N23March1976UnitedKingdomof̀GreatBritainand̀NorthernIreland4 .4 20May1976N .N20August1976UnitedRepublicof̀Tanzania4 .4 11June1976(a)N .N11September1976UnitedStatesof̀America4 .4 8June1992N .N8September1992Uruguay4 .4 1April1970N .N23March1976Venezuela4 .4 10May1978N .N10August1978VietNam4 .4 24September1982(a)N .N24December1982Yemen4 .4 9February1987(a)N .N9May1987Yugoslavia4 .4 2June1971N .N23March1976Zaire4 .4 1November1976(a)N .N1February1977Zambia4 .4 10April1984(a)N .N10July1984Zimbabwe4 .4 13May1991(a)N .N13August1991@ . B.StatespartiestotheOptionalProtocol(84)Algeria4 .4 12September1989(a)N .N12December1990Angola04 .4 10January1992(a)N .N10April1992Argentina4 .4 8August1986(a)N .N8November1986Armenia4 .4 23June1993N .N23September1993Australia4 .4 25September1991(a)N .N25December1991Austria4 .4 10December1987N .N10March1988Barbados4 .4 5January1973(a)N .N23March1976Belarus4 .4 30September1992(a)N .N30December1992Belgium4 .4 17May1994(a)N .N17August1994Benin4 .4 12March1992(a)N .N12June1992 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .force8824 NBolivia4 .4 12August1982(a)N .N12November1982Bosniaand̀Herzegovina4 .4 1March1995N .N1June1995Bulgaria4 .4 26March1992(a)N .N26June1992Cameroon4 .4 27June1984(a)N .N27September1984Canada4 .4 19May1976(a)N .N19August1976CentralAfricaǹRepublic4 .4 8May1981(a)N .N8August1981Chad2 .24 .4 9June1995(a)N .N9September1995Chile4 .4 28May1992(a)N .N28August1992Colombia4 .4 29October1969N .N23March1976Congo4 .4 5October1983(a)N .N5January1984CostaRica4 .4 29November1968N .N23March1976Cyprus4 .4 15April1992N .N15July1992CzechRepublic4 .4 22February1993(d)N .N1January1993Denmark4 .4 6January1972N .N23March1976DominicanRepublic4 .4 4January1978(a)N .N4April1978Ecuador4 .4 6March1969N .N23March1976ElSalvador4 .4 6June1995N .N6September1995EquatorialGuinea4 .4 25September1987(a)N .N25December1987Estonia04 .4 21October1991(a)0N .N21January1992Finland4 .4 19August1975N .N23March1976France4 .4 17February1984(a)N .N17May1984Gambia4 .4 9June1988(a)N .N9September1988Georgia4 .4 3May1994(a)N .N3August1994Germany4 .4 25August1993N .N25November1993Guinea4 .4 17June1993N .N17September1993Guyana4 .4 10May1993(a)N .N10August1993Hungary4 .4 7September1988(a)N .N7December1988Iceland4 .4 22August1979(a)N .N22November1979Ireland4 .4 8December1989N .N8March1990Italy4 .4 15September1978N .N15December1978Jamaica4 .4 3October1975N .N23March1976Kyrgyzstan4 .4 7October1994(a)N .N7January1995Latvia4 .4 22June1994(a)N .N22September1994LibyanArab̀Jamahiriya4 .4 16May1989(a)N .N16August1989Lithuania04 .4 20November1991(a)0N .N20February1992Luxembourg4 .4 18August1983(a)N .N18November1983Madagascar4 .4 21June1971N .N23March1976Malta4 .4 13September1990(a)N .N13December1990Mauritius4 .4 12December1973(a)N .N23March1976Mongolia4 .4 16April1991(a)N .N16July1991 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .force8824 NNamibia4 .4 28November1994(a)N .N28February1995Nepal4 .4 14May1991(a)N .N14August1991Netherlands4 .4 11December1978N .N11March1979NewZealand4 .4 26May1989(a)N .N26August1989Nicaragua4 .4 12March1980(a)N .N12June1980Niger4 .4 7March1986(a)N .N7June1986Norway4 .4 13September1972N .N23March1976Panama4 .4 8March1977N .N8June1977Paraguay4 .4 10January1995(a)N .N10April1995Peru2 .24 .4 3October1980N .N3January1981Philippines4 .4 22August1989(a)N .N22November1989Poland04 .4 7November1991(a)0N .N7February1992Portugal4 .4 3May1983N .N3August1983RepublicofKorea4 .4 10April1990(a)N .N10July1990Romania4 .4 20July1993(a)N .N20October1993RussianFederation04 .4 1October1991(a)0N .N1January1992SaintVincentand̀theGrenadines4 .4 9November1981(a)N .N9February1982SanMarino4 .4 18October1985(a)N .N18January1986Senegal4 .4 13February1978N .N13May1978Seychelles4 .4 5May1992(a)N .N5August1992Slovakia4 .4 28May1993N .N1January1993Slovenia4 .4 16July1993(a)N .N16October1993Somalia4 .4 24January1990(a)N .N24April1990Spain4 .4 25January1985(a)N .N25April1985Suriname4 .4 28December1976(a)N .N28March1977Sweden4 .4 6December1971N .N23March1976TheformerYugoslav̀Republicof̀Macedonia04 .4 12December1994(a)0N .N12March1995Togo2 .24 .4 30March1988(a)N .N30June1988TrinidadandTobago4 .4 14November1980(a)N .N14February1981Ukraine4 .4 25July1991(a)N .N25October1991Uruguay4 .4 1April1970N .N23March1976Venezuela4 .4 10May1978N .N10August1978Zaire4 .4 1November1976(a)N .N1February1977Zambia4 .4 10April1984(a)N .N10July1984 88 0 . Dateofreceiptofthe0 . instrumentofratification0 . oraccession(a)0 .DateofentryintòStateparty0 . orsuccession(d)0 .force8824 NӀC.StatusoftheSecondOptionalProtocolaiming̀attheabolitionofthedeathpenalty(28)Australia04 .4 2October1990(a)N .N11July1991Austria4 .4 2March1993N .N2June1993Denmark4 .4 24February1994N .N24May1994Ecuador4 .4 23February1993(a)N .N23May1993Finland4 .4 4April1991N .N11July1991Germany4 .4 18August1992N .N18November1992Hungary4 .4 24February1994(a)N .N24May1994Iceland4 .4 2April1991N .N11July1991Ireland4 .4 18June1993(a)N .N18September1993Italy4 .4 14February1995N .N14May19958824 NLuxembourg4 .4 12February1992N .N12May1992Malta04 .4 29December19940N .N29March1995Mozambique4 .4 21July1993(a)N .N21October1993Namibia4 .4 28November1994(a)N .N28February1995Netherlands4 .4 26March1991N .N11July1991NewZealand04 .4 22February1990N .N11July1991Norway4 .4 5September1991N .N5December1991Panama4 .4 21January1993(a)N .N21April1993Portugal4 .4 17October1990N .N11July1991Romania4 .4 27February1991N .N11July1991Seychelles4 .4 15December1994(a)N .N15March1995Slovenia4 .4 10March1994N .N10June1994Spain4 .4 11April1991N .N11July1991Sweden4 .4 11May1990N .N11July1991Switzerland4 .4 16June1994(a)N .N16September1994TheformerYugoslav̀Republicof̀Macedonia04 .4 26January1995(a)0N .N26April1995Uruguay4 .4 21January1993N .N21April1993Venezuela4 .4 22February1993N .N22May1993Stateparty4 .4 Validfrom󀀀Validuntil̀D.Stateswhichhavemadethedeclarationunder̀article41oftheCovenant(44)Algeria4 .4 12September1989N .NIndefinitelyArgentina4 .4 8August1986N .NIndefinitelyAustralia4 .4 28January1993N .NIndefinitelyAustria4 .4 10September1978N .NIndefinitelyBelarus4 .4 30September1992N .NIndefinitelyBelgium4 .4 5March1987N .NIndefinitelyBosniaand̀Herzegovina4 .4 6March1992N .NIndefinitelyBulgaria4 .4 12May1993N .NIndefinitelyCanada4 .4 29October1979N .NIndefinitelyChile4 .4 11March1990N .NIndefinitelyCongo4 .4 7July1989N .NIndefinitelyCzechRepublic4 .4 1January1993N .NIndefinitelyDenmark4 .4 23March1976N .NIndefinitelyEcuador4 .4 24August1984N .NIndefinitelyFinland4 .4 19August1975N .NIndefinitelyGambia4 .4 9June1988N .NIndefinitelyGermany4 .4 28March1979N .N27March1996Guyana4 .4 10May1993N .NIndefinitelyHungary4 .4 7September1988N .NIndefinitelyIceland4 .4 22August1979N .NIndefinitelyIreland4 .4 8December1989N .NIndefinitelyItaly4 .4 15September1978N .NIndefinitelyLuxembourg4 .4 18August1983N .NIndefinitelyMalta4 .4 13September1990N .NIndefinitelyNetherlands4 .4 11December1978N .NIndefinitelyNewZealand4 .4 28December1978N .NIndefinitelyNorway4 .4 23March1976N .NIndefinitelyPeru2 .24 .4 9April1984N .NIndefinitelyPhilippines4 .4 23October1986N .NIndefinitelyPoland4 .4 25September1990N .NIndefinitelyRepublicofKorea4 .4 10April1990N .NIndefinitelyRussianFederation04 .4 1October1991N .NIndefinitelySenegal4 .4 5January1981N .NIndefinitelySlovakia4 .4 1January1993N .NIndefinitelySlovenia4 .4 6July1992N .NIndefinitelySpain4 .4 25January1985N .N25January1993SriLanka4 .4 11June1980N .NIndefinitelySweden4 .4 23March1976N .NIndefinitelySwitzerland4 .4 18September1992N .N18September1997Tunisia4 .4 24June1993N .NIndefinitelyStateparty4 .4 Validfrom󀀀ValiduntilUkraine4 .4 28July1992N .NIndefinitelyUnitedKingdomof̀GreatBritainand̀NorthernIreland4 .4 20May1976N .NIndefinitelyUnitedStates̀ofAmerica4 .4 8September1992N .NIndefinitelyZimbabwe4 .4 20August1991N .NIndefinitely ? UK     \R3'\ X      +O@<6X9`("Courier NewTTO  S A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sk882   @ .\ANNEXII@ . MembersandofficersoftheHumanRightsCommittee,@ .*19951996  @ .0A.Membership882Mr.FranciscoJosAGUILARURBINA* .CostaRicaMr.NisukeANDO** .JapanMr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBAGHWATI** .IndiaMr.TamsBN* .HungaryMr.MarcoTulioBRUNICELLI* .VenezuelaMr.ThomasBUERGENTHAL** .UnitedStatesofAmericaMrs.ChristineCHANET** .FranceMr.OmranELSHAFEI** .EgyptMrs.ElizabethEVATT* .AustraliaMr.LaurelFRANCIS* .JamaicaMrs.RosalynHIGGINS* .UnitedKingdomofGreatBritain2 .2 . .andNorthernIrelandMr.EckartKLEIN** .GermanyMr.DavidKRETZMER** .IsraelMr.RajsoomerLALLAH* .MauritiusMr.AndreasV.MAVROMMATIS* .CyprusMs.CeciliaMDINAQUIROGA** .ChileMr.FaustoPOCAR* .ItalyMr.JulioPRADOVALLEJO** .Ecuador򀀀 8,  , .,*Termexpireson31December1996.̀**Termexpireson31December1998.  B.Officers  , .,TheofficersoftheCommittee,electedfortwoyeartermsatthe1387thand1399thmeetings,heldon20and28March1995,areasfollows:, .,Chairman:Mr.FranciscoJosAGUILARURBINA, .,ViceChairmen:Mr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBAGHWATI, .,  .  . Mr.TamsBN, .,  .  . Mr.OmranELSHAFEI, .,Rapporteur:Mrs.ChristineCHANET-l<6X`(-@ .nANNEXIII@ .SubmissionofreportsandadditionalinformationbyStatesparties@ .] underarticle40oftheCovenantduringtheperiodunderreviewa jӀDateofwrittenreminder(s)̀sent,duringtheperiod̀underreview,toStates̀Typeof󀀀Dateof󀀀whosereportshavenotyetStateparty󀀀report󀀀Datedue󀀀submission󀀀beensubmittedAfghanistan . Thirdj .j23April1994 .Notyetreceived .Albania . Initialj .j3January1993 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . .(5)29June1995Angola . Initialbj .j9April1993 .Notyetreceived .Armenia . Initialj .j22September1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Australia . Thirdj .j12November1991 .Notyetreceived .(6)12December1994 . j .j . .(7)29June1995Austria . Thirdj .j9April1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Barbados . Thirdj .j11April1991 .Notyetreceived .(8)12December1994 . j .j . .(9)29June1995Belarus . Fourthj .j4November1993 .11April1995 .Belgium . Thirdj .j20July1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Benin . Initialj .j11June1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)29June1995Bolivia . Secondcj .j13July1990 .Notyetreceived .(8)29June1995 . Thirdj .j11November1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Bosniaand . Initialj .j5March1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995HerzegovinaBrazil . Initialj .j23April1993 .17November1994 .Bulgaria . Thirddj .j31December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Cambodia . Initialj .j25August1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994Canada . Fourthj .j4April1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995CapeVerde . Initialj .j5November1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995CentralAfrican . Secondej .j9April1989 .Notyetreceived .(11)12December1994Republic . j .j . .(12)29June1995 . Thirdj .j7August1992 .Notyetreceived .(5)12December1994 . j .j . .(6)29June1995 Chile . Fourthj .j28April1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Congo . Secondj .j4January1990 .Notyetreceived .(10)12December1994 . j .j . .(11)29June1995 . Thirdj .j4January1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995ǀDateofwrittenreminder(s)̀sent,duringtheperiod̀underreview,toStates̀Typeof󀀀Dateof󀀀whosereportshavenotyetStateparty󀀀report󀀀Datedue󀀀submission󀀀beensubmittedC=ted'Ivoire . Initialj .j25June1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Croatia . Initialj .j7October1992 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Cyprus . Thirdj .j18August1989 .28December1994 .CzechRepublic . Initialj .j31December1993 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Democratic . Secondj .j13December1987 .Notyetreceived .(14)12December1994People'sRepublic . j .j . .(15)29June1995ofKorea . Thirdj .j13December1992 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . .(5)29June1995Denmark . Thirdj .j1November1990 .7April1995 .Dominica . Initialj .j16September1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Dominican . Fourthj .j3April1994 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994Republic . j .j . .(3)29June1995Ecuador . Fourthj .j4November1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Egypt . Thirdfj .j31December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995ElSalvador . Thirdgj .j28February1991 . .Equatorial . Initialj .j24December1988 .Notyetreceived .(12)12December1994Guinea . j .j . .(13)29June1995 . Secondj .j24December1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994 . j .j . .(3)29June1995Estonia . Initialj .j20January1993 .27September1994 .Ethiopia . Initialj .j10September1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Finland . Fourthj .j18August1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995France . Thirdj .j3February1992 .Notyetreceived .(6)12December1994Gabon . Initialj .j20April1984 .Notyetreceived .(21)12December1994 . j .j . .(22)29June1995 . Secondj .j20April1989 .Notyetreceived .  (11)12December1994 . j .j . .(12)29June1995 . Thirdj .j20April1994 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994 . j .j . .(3)29June1995Gambia . Secondj .j21June1985 .Notyetreceived .(20)12December1994 . j .j . .(21)29June1995 . Thirdj .j21June1990 .Notyetreceived .(9)12December1994 . j .j . .(10)29June1995ǀDateofwrittenreminder(s)̀sent,duringtheperiod̀underreview,toStates̀Typeof󀀀Dateof󀀀whosereportshavenotyetStateparty󀀀report󀀀Datedue󀀀submission󀀀beensubmittedGermany . Fourthj .j3August1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Grenada . Initialj .j5December1992 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . .(5)29June1995Guatemala . Initialj .j4August1993 .7December1994 .Guinea . Thirdj .j31December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Guyana . Secondj .j10April1987 .Notyetreceived .(16)12December1994 . j .j . .(17)29June1995 . Thirdj .j10April1992 .Notyetreceived .(6)12December1994 . j .j . .(7)29June1995Haiti . Initialhj .j5May1992 . .Iceland . Thirdj .j31December1994 .23March1995 .India . Thirdij .j31March1992 .Notyetreceived .(6)12December1994 . j .j . .(7)29June1995Iran(Islamic . Thirdjj .j31December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Republicof)Iraq . Fourthj .j4April1995 .Notyetreceived .Israel . Initialj .j2January1993 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . .(5)29June1995Jamaica . Secondj .j1August1986 .Notyetreceived .(16)12December1994 . j .j . .(15)29June1995 . Thirdj .j1August1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994 . j .j . .(8)29June1995 Kenya . Secondj .j11April1986 .Notyetreceived .(18)12December1994 . j .j . .(19)29June1995 . Thirdj .j11April1991 .Notyetreceived .(8)12December1994 . j .j . .(9)29June1995Latvia . Initialj .j13April1993 .26September1994 .Lebanon . Secondj .j21March1986 .Notyetreceived .(19)12December1994 . j .j . .(20)29June1995 . Thirdj .j21March1988 .Notyetreceived .(14)12December1994 . j .j . .(15)29June1995 . Fourthj .j21March1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994 . j .j . .(3)29June1995Lesotho . Initialj .j8December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Lithuania . Initialj .j19February1993 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . .(5)29June1995LibyanArab . Thirdkj .j4February1988 . .q .qJamahiriyaǀDateofwrittenreminder(s)̀sent,duringtheperiod̀underreview,toStates̀Typeof󀀀Dateof󀀀whosereportshavenotyetStateparty󀀀report󀀀Datedue󀀀submission󀀀beensubmittedLuxembourg . Thirdj .j17November1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1994Madagascar . Thirdlj .j31July1992 .Notyetreceived .(5)12December1994 . j .j . .(6)29June1995 . Fourthj .j3August1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Malawi . Initialj .j21March1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Mali . Secondj .j11April1986 .Notyetreceived .(18)12December1994 . j .j . .(19)29June1995 . Thirdj .j11April1991 .Notyetreceived .(8)12December1994 . j .j . .(9)29June1995 Mauritius . Thirdj .j18July1990 .2June1995 . . Fourthj .j4November1993 . .Mongolia . Fourthj .j4April1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Mozambique . Initialj .j20October1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Netherlands . Thirdj .j31October1991 .6February1995 .Nicaragua . Thirdj .j11June1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994 . j .j . .(8)29June1995Niger . Secondmj .j31March1994 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994 . j .j . .(3)29June1995Nigeria . Initialj .j28October1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Panama . Thirdnj .j31March1992 .Notyetreceived .(6)12December1994 . j .j . .(7)29June1995 . Fourthj .j6June1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Peru . Thirdj .j9April1993 .24October1994 .Philippines . Secondj .j22January1993 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . .(5)29June1995Poland . Fourthj .j27October1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Portugal . Thirdj .j1August1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994Republicof . Initialj .j25April1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994Moldova . j .j . .(2)29June1995Romania . Fourthj .j31December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Russian . Fourthj .j4November1993 .27September1994 .FederationRwandab . Thirdj .j10April1992 .Notyetreceived .ǀDateofwrittenreminder(s)̀sent,duringtheperiod̀underreview,toStates̀Typeof󀀀Dateof󀀀whosereportshavenotyetStateparty󀀀report󀀀Datedue󀀀submission󀀀beensubmittedSaintVincentand . Secondoj .j31October1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994theGrenadines . j .j . . .(8)29June1995 . Thirdj .j8February1993 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . . .(5)29June1995SanMarino . Secondj .j17January1992 .Notyetreceived .(6)12December1994 . j .j . . .(7)29June1995Senegal . Fourthj .j4April1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Seychelles . Initialj .j4August1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . . .(4)29June1995Slovakia . Initialj .j31December1993 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995Slovenia . Initialj .j24June1992 .1October1993 .Somalia . Initialj .j23April1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994 . j .j . . .(8)29June1995Sudan . Secondj .j17June1992 .Notyetreceived .(4)12December1994 . j .j . . .(5)29June1995Suriname . Secondj .j2August1985 .Notyetreceived .(19)12December1994 . j .j . . .(20)29June1995 . Thirdj .j2August1990 .Notyetreceived .(9)12December1994 . j .j . . .(10)29June1995Sweden . Fourthj .j5December1994 .27October1994 .Switzerland . Initialj .j17September1993 .24February1995 .SyrianArab . Secondj .j18August1984 .Notyetreceived .(22)12December1994Republic . j .j . . .(23)29June1995 . Thirdj .j18August1989 .Notyetreceived .(11)12December1994 . j .j . . .(12)29June1995 . Fourthj .j18August1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)12December1994 . j .j . .(2)29June1995Theformer . Initialj .j6September1992 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995YugoslavRepublicofMacedoniaTrinidadand . Thirdj .j20March1990 .Notyetreceived .(10)12December1994Tobago . j .j . . .(11)29June1995 . Fourthj .j20March1995 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995UnitedKingdomof . Fourthj .j19May1994 .14October1994 .GreatBritainandNorthernIrelandUnitedRepublic . Thirdpj .j31December1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994ofTanzania . j .j . .(3)29June1995Uruguay . Fourthj .j31December1994 .Notyetreceived .(1)29June1995ǀDateofwrittenreminder(s)̀sent,duringtheperiod̀underreview,toStates̀Typeof󀀀Dateof󀀀whosereportshavenotyetStateparty󀀀report󀀀Datedue󀀀submission󀀀beensubmittedVenezuela . Thirdqj .j31December1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994 . j .j . .(3)29June1995VietNam . Secondrj .j31July1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994 . j .j . .(8)29June1995 . Thirdj .j23December1993 .Notyetreceived .(2)12December1994 . j .j . .(3)29June1995Yugoslavia . Fourthj .j3August1993 .Notyetreceived .(3)12December1994 . j .j . .(4)29June1995Zaire . Thirdsj .j31July1991 .Notyetreceived .(7)12December1994 . j .j . .(8)29June1995Zambia . Secondj .j9July1990 .27January1995 .Zimbabwe . Initialj .j12August1992 .Notyetreceived .(5)12December1994 . j .j . .(6)29June1995O@<6X9`("Courier NewTTO  @ .Notes .aFrom1August1994to29July1995(endofthefiftyfourthsession). .bNotesverbalesweresenttoAngolaandRwandaon12December1994and23June1995,asreminderstosendtheinitialreportpursuanttoaspecialdecisiontakenbytheCommittee. .cAtitsthirtysixthsession(914thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofBoliviafrom11November1988to13July1990. .dAtitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofBulgariafrom28April1989to31December1994. .eAtitsthirtysecondsession(794thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportoftheCentralAfricanRepublicfrom7August1987to9April1989. .fAtitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofEgyptfrom13April1993to31December1994. .gPursuanttoadecisiontakenbytheCommitteeatitsfiftiethsession(1319thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofElSalvadoris31December1995. .hPursuanttoadecisiontakenbytheCommitteeatitsfiftythirdsession(1415thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofHaitiis31December1996. .iAtitsfortyfirstsession(1062ndmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofIndiafrom9July1990to31March1992. .jAtitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheIslamicRepublicofIranfrom21March1988to31December1994. .kPursuanttoadecisiontakenbytheCommitteeatitsfiftysecondsession(1386thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheLibyanArabJamahiriyais31December1995. .lAtitsfortythirdsession(1112thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofMadagascarfrom3August1988to31July1992. .mAtitsfortyseventhsession(1215thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofNigerfrom6June1992to31March1994. .nAtitsfortyfirstsession(1062ndmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofPanamafrom6June1988to31March1992. .oAtitsthirtyeighthsession(973rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofSaintVincentandtheGrenadinesfrom8February1988to31October1991. .pAtitsfortysixthsession(1205thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniafrom11April1991to31December1993. .qAtitsfortysixthsession(1205thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofVenezuelafrom1November1991to31December1993. .rAtitsthirtyninthsession(1003rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofVietNamfrom23December1988to31July1991. .sAtitsthirtyninthsession(1003rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofZairefrom30January1988to31July1991.@ .\ANNEXIV@ .fStatusofreportsconsideredduringtheperiodunderreview@ .Z andofreportsstillpendingbeforetheCommitteèMeetingsatStateparty󀀀Datedue󀀀Dateofsubmission󀀀whichconsidered D @ .6A.InitialreportsBrazilD .D 23April1993 .17November1994 .NotyetconsideredEstoniaD .D 20January1993 .27September1994 .NotyetconsideredGuatemalaD .D 4August1993 .7December1994 .NotyetconsideredLatviaD .D 13April1993 .26September19940 .1421st,1422ndand1425th(fiftyfourthsession)NepalD .D 13August1992 .30March19940 .1359thand1363rd(fiftysecondsession)ParaguayD .D 9September1993 .1February19940 .1392ndand1396th(fiftythirdsession)SwitzerlandD .D 17September1993 .24February1995 .NotyetconsideredUnitedStatesD .D 7September1993 .29July19940 .1401st,1402nd,1405thofAmericaD .D  .0 .and1406th(fiftythirdsession)@ .B.SecondperiodicreportsAfghanistanD .D 23April1989 .23March1992 .NotyetconsideredArgentinaD .D 7November1992 .7January19940 .1389th1391st(fiftythirdsession)LibyanArabD .D 4February1983 .4February1993 .1376th1377tha(fiftyJamahiriyaD .D  .0 .secondsession)YemenD .D 8May1993 .10May19930 .1403rdand1404th(fiftythirdsession)ZambiaD .D 9July1990 .27January1995 .Notyetconsidered@ .C.ThirdperiodicreportsCyprusD .D 18August1989 .28December1994 .NotyetconsideredDenmarkD .D 1November1990 .7April1995 .NotyetconsideredIcelandD .D 30October1992 .23March1995 .Notyetconsidered̀MeetingsatStateparty󀀀Datedue󀀀Dateofsubmission󀀀whichconsidered  <Mauritius . 18July1990< .<2June1995 .NotyetconsideredMorocco . 31December1992< .<20July19930 .1364th1366th(fiftysecondsession)Netherlands . 31October1991< .<6February1995 .NotyetconsideredNewZealand . 27March1990< .<1April19940 .1393rd1395th(fiftythirdsession)Peru . 9April1993< .<24October1994 .NotyetconsideredSriLanka . 10September1991< .<18July19940 .1436th1438th(fiftyfourthsession)@ .D.FourthperiodicreportsBelarus . 4November1993< .<11April1995 .NotyetconsideredRussian . 4November1994< .<27September1994 .1426th1429th(fiftyFederation . < .< .fourthsession)Spain . 28April1994< .<2June19940 .NotyetconsideredSweden . 5December1994< .<27October1994 .NotyetconsideredTunisia . 4February1993< .<23March19930 .1360th1363rd(fiftysecondsession)Ukraine . 18August1994< .<13July19940 .1418th1420th(fiftyfourthsession)UnitedKingdom . 19May1994< .<14October1994 .1432nd1434th(fiftyofGreatBritain< .< .fourthsession)andNorthernIreland̀E.ReportssubmittedpursuanttoaspecialdecisioǹtakenbytheCommittee d <Burundibd .d < .<12July19940 .1349thand1350th(fiftysecondsession)Haiticd .d < .<28February1995 .Notyetconsidered̀F.AdditionalinformationsubmittedsubsequenttothèexaminationofinitialreportsbytheCommitteedGambiad .d < .<5June1984 .NotyetconsideredKenyad .d < .<4May1982 .Notyetconsidered@ .Notes ,  , .,aTheCommitteeconcludedtheconsiderationofthereportoftheLibyanArabJamahiriya,whichwasinitiatedatthefortyninthsessionoftheCommittee,atitsfiftysecondsession,heldattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom17Octoberto4November1994., .,bSpecialdecisionadoptedbytheCommitteeon27October1994(fiftysecondsession)., .,cSpecialdecisionadoptedbytheCommitteeon27October1994(fiftysecondsession)., .,dAtitstwentyfifthsession(601stmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoconsideradditionalinformationsubmittedsubsequenttotheexaminationofinitialreportstogetherwiththeStateparty'ssecondperiodicreport.@ .ANNEXV@ .Generalcommentsadoptedunderarticle40,paragraph4,ofthe@ . InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsa@ .p GeneralcommentNo.24(52)bandc, .,  . Generalcommentonissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeupon, .,  . ratificationoraccessiontotheCovenantortheOptional, .,  . Protocolsthereto,orinrelationtodeclarationsunder@ .article41oftheCovenant1., .,Asof1November1994,46ofthe127StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightshadbetweenthem,entered150reservationsofvaryingsignificancetotheiracceptanceoftheobligationsoftheCovenant.SomeofthesereservationsexcludethedutytoprovideandguaranteeparticularrightsintheCovenant.Othersarecouchedinmoregeneralterms,oftendirectedtoensuringthecontinuedparamountcyofcertaindomesticlegalprovisions.StillothersaredirectedatthecompetenceoftheCommittee.Thenumberofreservations,theircontentandtheirscopemayunderminetheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenantandtendtoweakenrespectfortheobligationsofStatesparties.ItisimportantforStatespartiestoknowexactlywhatobligationsthey,andotherStatesparties,haveinfactundertaken.AndtheCommittee,intheperformanceofitsdutiesundereitherarticle40oftheCovenantorundertheOptionalProtocols,mustknowwhetheraStateisboundbyaparticularobligationortowhatextent.Thiswillrequireadeterminationastowhetheraunilateralstatementisareservationoraninterpretativedeclarationandadeterminationofitsacceptabilityandeffects.2., .,ForthesereasonstheCommitteehasdeemeditusefultoaddressinageneralcommenttheissuesofinternationallawandhumanrightspolicythatarise.Thegeneralcommentidentifiestheprinciplesofinternationallawthatapplytothemakingofreservationsandbyreferencetowhichtheiracceptabilityistobetestedandtheirpurporttobeinterpreted.ItaddressestheroleofStatespartiesinrelationtothereservationsofothers.ItfurtheraddressestheroleoftheCommitteeitselfinrelationtoreservations.AnditmakescertainrecommendationstopresentStatespartiesforareviewingofreservationsandtothoseStatesthatarenotyetpartiesaboutlegalandhumanrightspolicyconsiderationstobeborneinmindshouldtheyconsiderratifyingoraccedingwithparticularreservations.3., .,ItisnotalwayseasytodistinguishareservationfromadeclarationastoaState'sunderstandingoftheinterpretationofaprovision,orfromastatementofpolicy.RegardwillbehadtotheintentionoftheState,ratherthantheformoftheinstrument.Ifastatementirrespectiveofitsnameortitle,purportstoexcludeormodifythelegaleffectofatreatyinitsapplicationtotheState,itconstitutesareservation.dConversely,ifasocalledreservationmerelyoffersaState'sunderstandingofaprovisionbutdoesnotexcludeormodifythatprovisioninitsapplicationtothatState,itis,inreality,notareservation.4., .,ThepossibilityofenteringreservationsmayencourageStateswhichconsiderthattheyhavedifficultiesinguaranteeingalltherightsintheCovenantnonethelesstoacceptthegeneralityofobligationsinthatinstrument.ReservationsmayserveausefulfunctiontoenableStatestoadaptspecificelementsintheirlawstotheinherentrightsofeachpersonasarticulatedintheCovenant.However,itisdesirableinprinciplethatStatesacceptthefullrangeofobligations,becausethehumanrightsnormsarethelegalexpressionoftheessentialrightsthateverypersonisentitledtoasahumanbeing.5., .,TheCovenantneitherprohibitsreservationsnormentionsanytypeofpermittedreservation.ThesameistrueofthefirstOptionalProtocol.TheSecondOptionalProtocolprovides,inarticle2,paragraph1,that"NoreservationisadmissibletothepresentProtocol,exceptforareservationmadeatthetimeofratificationoraccessionthatprovidesfortheapplicationofthedeathpenaltyintimeofwarpursuanttoaconvictionforamostseriouscrimeofamilitarynaturecommittedduringwartime".Paragraphs2and3provideforcertainproceduralobligations.6., .,Theabsenceofaprohibitiononreservationsdoesnotmeanthatanyreservationispermitted.ThematterofreservationsundertheCovenantandthefirstOptionalProtocolisgovernedbyinternationallaw.Article19(3)oftheViennaConventionontheLawofTreatiesprovidesrelevantguidance.eItstipulatesthatwhereareservationisnotprohibitedbythetreatyorfallswithinthespecifiedpermittedcategories,aStatemaymakeareservationprovideditisnotincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthetreaty.Eventhough,unlikesomeotherhumanrightstreaties,theCovenantdoesnotincorporateaspecificreferencetotheobjectandpurposetest,thattestgovernsthematterofinterpretationandacceptabilityofreservations.7., .,Inaninstrumentwhicharticulatesverymanycivilandpoliticalrights,eachofthemanyarticles,andindeedtheirinterplay,securestheobjectivesoftheCovenant.TheobjectandpurposeoftheCovenantistocreatelegallybindingstandardsforhumanrightsbydefiningcertaincivilandpoliticalrightsandplacingtheminaframeworkofobligationswhicharelegallybindingforthoseStateswhichratify;andtoprovideanefficacioussupervisorymachineryfortheobligationsundertaken.8., .,ReservationsthatoffendperemptorynormswouldnotbecompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.AlthoughtreatiesthataremereexchangesofobligationsbetweenStatesallowthemtoreserveinterseapplicationofrulesofgeneralinternationallaw,itisotherwiseinhumanrightstreaties,whichareforthebenefitofpersonswithintheirjurisdiction.Accordingly,provisionsintheCovenantthatrepresentcustomaryinternationallaw(andafortioriwhentheyhavethecharacterofperemptorynorms)maynotbethesubjectofreservations.Accordingly,aStatemaynotreservetherighttoengageinslavery,totorture,tosubjectpersonstocruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,toarbitrarilydeprivepersonsoftheirlives,toarbitrarilyarrestanddetainpersons,todenyfreedomofthought,conscienceandreligion,topresumeapersonguiltyunlessheproveshisinnocence,toexecutepregnantwomenorchildren,topermittheadvocacyofnational,racialorreligioushatred,todenypersonsofmarriageableagetherighttomarry,ortodenytominoritiestherighttoenjoytheirownculture,professtheirownreligion,orusetheirownlanguage.Andwhilereservationstoparticularclausesofarticle14maybeacceptable,ageneralreservationtotherighttoafairtrialwouldnotbe.9., .,ApplyingmoregenerallytheobjectandpurposetesttotheCovenant,theCommitteenotesthat,forexample,reservationtoarticle1denyingpeoplestherighttodeterminetheirownpoliticalstatusandtopursuetheireconomic,socialandculturaldevelopment,wouldbeincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.Equally,areservationtotheobligationtorespectandensuretherightsrecognizedintheCovenant,andtodosoonanon-discriminatorybasis(art.2(1))wouldnotbeacceptable.NormayaStatereserveanentitlementnottotakethenecessarystepsatthedomesticleveltogiveeffecttotherightsoftheCovenant(art.2(2)).10., .,TheCommitteehasfurtherexaminedwhethercategoriesofreservationsmayoffendthe"objectandpurpose"test.Inparticular,itfallsforconsiderationastowhetherreservationstothenonderogableprovisionsoftheCovenantarecompatiblewithitsobjectandpurpose.WhilethereisnohierarchyofimportanceofrightsundertheCovenant,theoperationofcertainrightsmaynotbesuspended,evenintimesofnationalemergency.Thisunderlinesthegreatimportanceofnonderogablerights.Butnotallrightsofprofoundimportance,suchasarticles9and27oftheCovenant,haveinfactbeenmadenonderogable.Onereasonforcertainrightsbeingmadenonderogableisbecausetheirsuspensionisirrelevanttothelegitimatecontrolofthestateofnationalemergency(forexample,noimprisonmentfordebt,inart.11).Anotherreasonisthatderogationmayindeedbeimpossible(as,forexample,freedomofconscience).Atthesametime,someprovisionsarenonderogableexactlybecausewithoutthemtherewouldbenoruleoflaw.Areservationtotheprovisionsofarticle4itself,whichpreciselystipulatesthebalancetobestruckbetweentheinterestsoftheStateandtherightsoftheindividualintimesofemergency,wouldfallinthiscategory.Andsomenonderogablerights,whichinanyeventcannotbereservedbecauseoftheirstatusasperemptorynorms,arealsoofthischaractertheprohibitionoftortureandarbitrarydeprivationoflifeareexamples.fWhilethereisnoautomaticcorrelationbetweenreservationstononderogableprovisionsandreservationswhichoffendagainsttheobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant,aStatehasaheavyonustojustifysuchareservation.11., .,TheCovenantdoesnotmerelyestablishspecificrights;itaccompaniesthemwithimportantsupportiveguarantees.TheseguaranteesprovidethenecessaryframeworkforsecuringtherightsintheCovenantandarethusessentialtoitsobjectandpurpose.Someoperateatthenationallevelandsomeattheinternationallevel.Reservationsdesignedtoremovetheseguaranteesarethusnotacceptable.Thus,aStatecouldnotmakeareservationtoarticle2,paragraph3,oftheCovenant,indicatingthatitintendstoprovidenoremediesforhumanrightsviolations.GuaranteessuchastheseareanintegralpartofthestructureoftheCovenantandunderpinitsefficacy.TheCovenantalsoenvisages,forthebetterattainmentofitsstatedobjectives,amonitoringrolefortheCommittee.ReservationsthatpurporttoevadethatessentialelementinthedesignoftheCovenant,whichisalsodirectedtosecuringtheenjoymentoftherights,arealsoincompatiblewithitsobjectandpurpose.AStatemaynotreservetherightnottopresentareportandhaveitconsideredbytheCommittee.TheCommittee'sroleundertheCovenant,whetherunderarticle40orundertheOptionalProtocols,necessarilyentailsinterpretingtheprovisionsoftheCovenantandthedevelopmentofajurisprudence.Accordingly,areservationthatrejectstheCommittee'scompetencetointerprettherequirementsofanyprovisionsoftheCovenantwouldalsobecontrarytotheobjectandpurposeofthattreaty.12., .,TheintentionoftheCovenantisthattherightscontainedthereinshouldbeensuredtoallthoseunderaStateparty'sjurisdiction.Tothisendcertainattendantrequirementsarelikelytobenecessary.DomesticlawsmayneedtobealteredproperlytoreflecttherequirementsoftheCovenant;andmechanismsatthedomesticlevelwillbeneededtoallowtheCovenantrightstobeenforceableatthelocallevel.ReservationsoftenrevealatendencyofStatesnottowanttochangeaparticularlaw.Andsometimesthattendencyiselevatedtoageneralpolicy.OfparticularconcernarewidelyformulatedreservationswhichessentiallyrenderineffectiveallCovenantrightswhichwouldrequireanychangeinnationallaw.Norealinternationalrightsorobligationshavethusbeenaccepted.AndwhenthereisanabsenceofprovisionstoensurethatCovenantrightsmaybesuedonindomesticcourts,and,further,afailuretoallowindividualcomplaintstobebroughttotheCommitteeunderthefirstOptionalProtocol,alltheessentialelementsoftheCovenantguaranteeshavebeenremoved.13., .,TheissuearisesastowhetherreservationsarepermissibleunderthefirstOptionalProtocoland,ifso,whetheranysuchreservationmightbecontrarytotheobjectandpurposeoftheCovenantorofthefirstOptionalProtocolitself.ItisclearthatthefirstOptionalProtocolisitselfaninternationaltreaty,distinctfromtheCovenantbutcloselyrelatedtoit.ItsobjectandpurposeistorecognizethecompetenceoftheCommitteetoreceiveandconsidercommunicationsfromindividualswhoclaimtobevictimsofaviolationbyaStatepartyofanyoftherightsintheCovenant.StatesacceptthesubstantiverightsofindividualsbyreferencetotheCovenant,andnotthefirstOptionalProtocol.ThefunctionofthefirstOptionalProtocolistoallowclaimsinrespectofthoserightstobetestedbeforetheCommittee.Accordingly,areservationtoanobligationofaStatetorespectandensurearightcontainedintheCovenant,madeunderthefirstOptionalProtocolwhenithasnotpreviouslybeenmadeinrespectofthesamerightsundertheCovenant,doesnotaffecttheState'sdutytocomplywithitssubstantiveobligation.AreservationcannotbemadetotheCovenantthroughthevehicleoftheOptionalProtocolbutsuchareservationwouldoperatetoensurethattheState'scompliancewiththatobligationmaynotbetestedbytheCommitteeunderthefirstOptionalProtocol.AndbecausetheobjectandpurposeofthefirstOptionalProtocolistoallowtherightsobligatoryforaStateundertheCovenanttobetestedbeforetheCommittee,areservationthatseekstoprecludethiswouldbecontrarytotheobjectandpurposeofthefirstOptionalProtocol,evenitnotoftheCovenant.AreservationtoasubstantiveobligationmadeforthefirsttimeunderthefirstOptionalProtocolwouldseemtoreflectanintentionbytheStateconcernedtopreventtheCommitteefromexpressingitsviewsrelatingtoaparticulararticleoftheCovenantinanindividualcase.14., .,TheCommitteeconsidersthatreservationsrelatingtotherequiredproceduresunderthefirstOptionalProtocolwouldnotbecompatiblewithitsobjectandpurpose.TheCommitteemustcontrolitsownproceduresasspecifiedbytheOptionalProtocolanditsrulesofprocedure.Reservationshave,however,purportedtolimitthecompetenceoftheCommitteetoactsandeventsoccurringafterentryintoforcefortheStateconcernedofthefirstOptionalProtocol.IntheviewoftheCommitteethisisnotareservationbut,mostusually,astatementconsistentwithitsnormalcompetencerationetemporis.Atthesametime,theCommitteehasinsisteduponitscompetence,eveninthefaceofsuchstatementsorobservations,wheneventsoractsoccurringbeforethedateofentryintoforceofthefirstOptionalProtocolhavecontinuedtohaveaneffectontherightsofavictimsubsequenttothatdate.Reservationshavebeenenteredwhicheffectivelyaddanadditionalgroundofinadmissibilityunderarticle5,paragraph2,byprecludingexaminationofacommunicationwhenthesamematterhasalreadybeenexaminedbyanothercomparableprocedure.Insofarasthemostbasicobligationhasbeentosecureindependentthirdpartyreviewofthehumanrightsofindividuals,theCommitteehas,wherethelegalrightandthesubjectmatterareidenticalundertheCovenantandunderanotherinternationalinstrument,viewedsuchareservationasnotviolatingtheobjectandpurposeofthefirstOptionalProtocol.15., .,TheprimarypurposeoftheSecondOptionalProtocolistoextendthescopeofthesubstantiveobligationsundertakenundertheCovenant,astheyrelatetotherighttolife,byprohibitingexecutionandabolishingthedeathpenalty.gIthasitsownprovisionconcerningreservations,whichisdeterminativeofwhatispermitted.Article2,paragraph1,providesthatonlyonecategoryofreservationispermitted,namelyonethatreservestherighttoapplythedeathpenaltyintimeofwarpursuanttoaconvictionforamostseriouscrimeofamilitarynaturecommittedduringwartime.TwoproceduralobligationsareincumbentuponStatespartieswishingtoavailthemselvesofsuchareservation.Article2,paragraph1,obligessuchaStatetocommunicatetotheSecretaryGeneral,atthetimeofratificationoraccession,therelevantprovisionsofitsnationallegislationapplicableduringwartime.ThisisclearlydirectedtowardstheobjectivesofspecificityandtransparencyandintheviewoftheCommitteeapurportedreservationunaccompaniedbysuchinformationiswithoutlegaleffect.Article2,paragraph3,requiresaStatemakingsuchareservationtonotifytheSecretaryGeneralofanybeginningorendingofastateofwarapplicabletoitsterritory.IntheviewoftheCommittee,noStatemayseektoavailitselfofitsreservation(thatis,haveexecutionintimeofwarregardedaslawful)unlessithascompliedwiththeproceduralrequirementofarticle2,paragraph3.16., .,TheCommitteefindsitimportanttoaddresswhichbodyhasthelegalauthoritytomakedeterminationsastowhetherspecificreservationsarecompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.Asforinternationaltreatiesingeneral,theInternationalCourtofJusticehasindicatedintheReservationstotheGenocideConventionCase(1951)thataStatewhichobjectedtoareservationonthegroundsofincompatibilitywiththeobjectandpurposeofatreatycould,throughobjecting,regardthetreatyasnotineffectasbetweenitselfandthereservingState.Article20,paragraph4,oftheViennaConventionontheLawofTreaties1969containsprovisionsmostrelevanttothepresentcaseonacceptanceofandobjectiontoreservations.ThisprovidesforthepossibilityofaStatetoobjecttoareservationmadebyanotherState.Article21dealswiththelegaleffectsofobjectionsbyStatestoreservationsmadebyotherStates.Essentially,areservationprecludestheoperation,asbetweenthereservingandotherStates,oftheprovisionreserved;andanobjectiontheretoleadstothereservationbeinginoperationasbetweenthereservingandobjectingStateonlytotheextentthatithasnotbeenobjectedto.17., .,Asindicatedabove,itistheViennaConventionontheLawofTreatiesthatprovidesthedefinitionofreservationsandalsotheapplicationoftheobjectandpurposetestintheabsenceofotherspecificprovisions.ButtheCommitteebelievesthatitsprovisionsontheroleofStateobjectionsinrelationtoreservationsareinappropriatetoaddresstheproblemofreservationstohumanrightstreaties.Suchtreaties,andtheCovenantspecifically,arenotawebofinterStateexchangesofmutualobligations.Theyconcerntheendowmentofindividualswithrights.TheprincipleofinterStatereciprocityhasnoplace,saveperhapsinthelimitedcontextofreservationstodeclarationsontheCommittee'scompetenceunderarticle41.AndbecausetheoperationoftheclassicrulesonreservationsissoinadequatefortheCovenant,Stateshaveoftennotseenanylegalinterestinorneedtoobjecttoreservations.TheabsenceofprotestbyStatescannotimplythatareservationiseithercompatibleorincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.Objectionshavebeenoccasional,madebysomeStatesbutnotothers,andongroundsnotalwaysspecified;whenanobjectionismade,itoftendoesnotspecifyalegalconsequence,orsometimesevenindicatesthattheobjectingpartynonethelessdoesnotregardtheCovenantasnotineffectasbetweenthepartiesconcerned.Inshort,thepatternissounclearthatitisnotsafetoassumethatanonobjectingStatethinksthataparticularreservationisacceptable.IntheviewoftheCommittee,becauseofthespecialcharacteristicsoftheCovenantasahumanrightstreaty,itisopentoquestionwhateffectobjectionshavebetweenStatesinterse.However,anobjectiontoareservationmadebyStatesmayprovidesomeguidancetotheCommitteeinitsinterpretationastoitscompatibilitywiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.18., .,ItnecessarilyfallstotheCommitteetodeterminewhetheraspecificreservationiscompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.Thisisinpartbecause,asindicatedabove,itisaninappropriatetaskforStatespartiesinrelationtohumanrightstreaties,andinpartbecauseitisataskthattheCommitteecannotavoidintheperformanceofitsfunctions.InordertoknowthescopeofitsdutytoexamineaState'scomplianceunderarticle40oracommunicationunderthefirstOptionalProtocol,theCommitteehasnecessarilytotakeaviewonthecompatibilityofareservationwiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenantandwithgeneralinternationallaw.Becauseofthespecialcharacterofahumanrightstreaty,thecompatibilityofareservationwiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenantmustbeestablishedobjectively,byreferencetolegalprinciples,andtheCommitteeisparticularlywellplacedtoperformthistask.ThenormalconsequenceofanunacceptablereservationisnotthattheCovenantwillnotbeineffectatallforareservingparty.Rather,suchareservationwillgenerallybeseverable,inthesensethattheCovenantwillbeoperativeforthereservingpartywithoutbenefitofthereservation.19., .,Reservationsmustbespecificandtransparent,sothattheCommittee,thoselivingintheterritoryofthereservingStateandotherStatespartiesmaybeclearastowhatobligationsofhumanrightscompliancehaveorhavenotbeenundertaken.Reservationsmaythusnotbegeneral,butmustrefertoaparticularprovisionoftheCovenantandindicateinprecisetermsitsscopeinrelationthereto.WhenconsideringthecompatibilityofpossiblereservationswiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant,Statesshouldalsotakeintoconsiderationtheoveralleffectofagroupofreservations,aswellastheeffectofeachreservationontheintegrityoftheCovenant,whichremainsanessentialconsideration.Statesshouldnotentersomanyreservationsthattheyareineffectacceptingalimitednumberofhumanrightsobligations,andnottheCovenantassuch.Sothatreservationsdonotleadtoaperpetualnon-attainmentofinternationalhumanrightsstandards,reservationsshouldnotsystematicallyreducetheobligationsundertakenonlytothosepresentlyexistinginlessdemandingstandardsofdomesticlaw.NorshouldinterpretativedeclarationsorreservationsseektoremoveanautonomousmeaningtoCovenantobligations,bypronouncingthemtobeidentical,ortobeacceptedonlyinsofarastheyareidentical,withexistingprovisionsofdomesticlaw.StatesshouldnotseekthroughreservationsorinterpretativedeclarationstodeterminethatthemeaningofaprovisionoftheCovenantisthesameasthatgivenbyanorganofanyotherinternationaltreatybody.20., .,StatesshouldinstituteprocedurestoensurethateachandeveryproposedreservationiscompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant.ItisdesirableforaStateenteringareservationtoindicateinprecisetermsthedomesticlegislationorpracticeswhichitbelievestobeincompatiblewiththeCovenantobligationreserved;andtoexplainthetimeperioditrequirestorenderitsownlawsandpracticescompatiblewiththeCovenant,orwhyitisunabletorenderitsownlawsandpracticescompatiblewiththeCovenant.Statesshouldalsoensurethatthenecessityformaintainingreservationsisperiodicallyreviewed,takingintoaccountanyobservationsandrecommendationsmadebytheCommitteeduringexaminationoftheirreports.Reservationsshouldbewithdrawnattheearliestpossiblemoment.ReportstotheCommitteeshouldcontaininformationonwhatactionhasbeentakentoreview,reconsiderorwithdrawreservations.@ .Notes, .,aForthenatureandpurposeofthegeneralcomments,seeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,ThirtysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/36/40),annexVII,introduction.Foradescriptionofthehistoryofthemethodofwork,theelaborationofgeneralcommentsandtheiruse,seeibid.,ThirtyninthSession,SupplementNo.40andcorrigenda(A/39/40andCorr.1and2),paras.541557.ForthetextofthegeneralcommentsalreadyadoptedbytheCommittee,seeibid.,ThirtysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/36/40),annexVII;ibid.,ThirtyseventhSession,SupplementNo.40(A/37/40),annexV;ibid.,ThirtyeighthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/38/40),annexVI;ibid.,ThirtyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/39/40andCorr.1and2),annexVI;ibid.,FortiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/40/40),annexVI;ibid.,FortyfirstSession,SupplementNo.40(A/41/40),annexVI;ibid.,FortythirdSession,SupplementNo.40(A/43/40),annexVI;ibid.,FortyfourthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/44/40),annexVI;ibid.,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/45/40),annexVI;ibid.,FortyseventhSession,SupplementNo.40(A/47/40),annexVI;ibid.,FortyeighthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/48/40),vol.I,annexVI;andibid.,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.I,annexV.AlsoissuedindocumentsHRI/GEN/1/Rev.1andCCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.5., .,bAdoptedbytheCommitteeatits1382ndmeeting(fiftys