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C I'  .X$o[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?AXo~=>>>>B2.Z|P. @@EP.P-HD~ <>N9709863E<><>A/51/40(Vol.I)(Suppl)<><><>Y) `CG TimesWPC  9513 ,, XF}G"?!   ?  ? ??????? ??????????? ?? ?? ? ? ? ? >? ?0 0 0  ??? ?        ?  ? ?   ? ??      ?8 ? ~   ??? ? ??? ? ? ?? ??? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?? ? ? ?? ??? ?0? x??????~??<???????????? ? ???8x???? ??????x  ?x ?   ?@ #? # #??>???????????? ?????`?`?  ?~??????????????????B8<BpC???C???C??B?B?`B??B??B???B??B???C???B???C??C??C*?C?G?C?? ?? ?? ?? ????? ?? ??? ??? ??? p?>? <~p??>>x??>?8??<>8??<~??8?8???? ??? ?? ?? > <?   |? ??  x? ?? p?? ??? ?? `?? ?????????????????        ?   ?   ?   ? ?   ?       ?   ? p?#@x?#/?#??>?>?~?????????@ ????? ????????????????? ??? ? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??   ? ?  ? ?? 8? >???   ? ?  ? `?  `?  p?  p? 0? p?? x? p? ? 0?.??? 0? 0?? 0x  x ? x ?8 ?8 ?<  <   '  -  -?  -?=  ?0?  ?0?? -?`x?? #p? #` ? ? -?-?!? !?? ?! ??? ??  ?    ?~? ?~????? 0? ?  ? ?? >?? <? 8? ? ? ?@ `   ?x   ~  8  ? ??????????????? ?? ? ???? p?? ??`?< >? ?0~ 0?  ? ? ??? ???????????????? ?  ?? ?????`??? ?? ? ? ?? ?? ???? ?   ??   ?   ?  ?  ? ?   ??  ? ?   ~        ? ??  >   ?   ??       8  `  ?? ???   ?  ?    ?p    ?   ?     ?  ?   ?   ??    ?   ?? ?   ?    8 ?  _   ?               ?  ? @  ? ?  8 ~  ?  ?  ?    ?   ? ?  ??  ?   ?       ???? ?       ?? ? ?       ?? 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(G_UNLOGO1.WPG w B)  8  8 Rl@..$    ڄ- -($     e$  )8 8,  P")  SeeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftyfirstSession,SupplementNo.40(A/51/40),vol.II.(2:$ ~q!UKUS.,  +'F` X'   ++88Ҁ  0  ڀ B)  8  8  8,    @ .$    ڄ dTable_A B)  8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ B)  8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ B)  8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ B)  8  8 882     @ .$    ڄ B)  8  8 882 \    @ .$    ڄTable_B B)  8  8 88 \    @ .$    ڄTable_C B)  8  8  8     @ .$    ڄ B)  8  8  8,      @ .$    ڄ B)  8  8 882     @ .$    ڄTable_D U E*  8  8 882     9709863(E)230498XXX]zj`$0Code 3 of 9 4.6cpiBC]*9709863*C<6X9`(CourierCԂj`$0Code 3 of 9 4.6cpiBC  5u{13Right-Aligned Paragraph NumbersI.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)3|d<6X9`(Courierd6X@`7@) `CG TimesO PE37P) `CG Times PE37P* `CG Timesxx PE37xP* `CG Times PE37P) `CG Timesc PE37P<6X9`(CourierMP6X@`7@<6X9`(CourierwZ6X@`7@j`$0Code 3 of 9 4.6cpiBCXXj@(7X@(q$UKUS.,  +'F` X'  # e37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)horw)h)HH& ~q!UKUS.,  +'F` X'   Z  $$$$Z%Z[nZA/51/40=]TD@z 8 X ` @@ELOOLO߈      [ 2[nUnitedNations   ."  #aPdd[x x[ 2^x x x[x Reportofthe  HumanRightsCommittee^ 2 x^x [ 2^ 2VolumeI   #dPaPGeneralAssembly ?3  [ [ 2^  [OfficialRecords^' ^['^'[ ['^  [ԀFiftyfirstSession cW  SupplementNo.40(A/51/40)  {  ^' ^['^'    MA/51/40       y[ 2['Reportofthe    HumanRightsCommitteeVolumeI[ [ 2^  [GeneralAssemblyM  OfficialRecords^n ^[n^n[ [n^  [ԀFiftyfirstSession  SupplementNo.40(A/51/40)**)"=`QA=z (  ` @@Ev*FFv*F--+,(*UnitedNations^n ^[n^n[ [n^  [ԀNewYork,1997 -+    .,    E[) `CG TimesERl 4  4    @.. NOTESymbolsofUnitedNationsdocumentsarecomposedofcapitalletterscombinedwithfigures.MentionofsuchasymbolindicatesareferencetoaUnitedNationsdocument. #/ @..ISSN0255-2353 ? UK     \R3'\ X      + 8  8 C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sa882   #dd   b #..[Original:English/French]#..[13April1997]@..\CONTENTS 88tChaptert..tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 P") .I. .ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS..................... .<125P" .!1 . .A. .StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenanton . . .CivilandPoliticalRights....................... . .<14P" .!1 . .B. .SessionsoftheHumanRightsCommittee........... . .5P" .!1 . .C. .Election,membershipandattendance.............. . .<68P" .!1 . .D. .Solemndeclaration............................... . .9P" .!2 . .E. .Workinggroups................................... . .1012P" .!2 . .F. .Othermatters.................................... . .1317P" .!3 . .G. .Staffresources.................................. . .18P" .!4 . .H. .PublicityfortheworkoftheCommittee.......... . .19P" .!4 . .I. .Documentsandpublicationsrelatingtothework̀oftheCommittee................................. .2024P" .!4 . .J. .Adoptionofthereport........................... . .25P" .!5 .II. .METHODSOFWORKOFTHECOMMITTEEUNDERARTICLE40OF̀THECOVENANT:OVERVIEWOFPRESENTWORKINGMETHODS... .2636P" .!6 . .A. .Considerationofinitialreportsandperiodic̀reports.......................................... .2830P" .!6 . .B. .Overduereports.................................. . .3132P" .!6 . .C. .FollowuptotheCommittee'sactivitiesunder̀article40....................................... .33P" .!7 . .D. .ObservationsofStatespartiesontheCommittee's̀concludingcomments.............................. .34P" .!7 . .E. .Cooperationwithothertreatymonitoringbodies.. . .35P" .!7 . .F. .ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunder̀article40....................................... .36P" .!8 .4III. .SUBMISSIONOFREPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDER̀ARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT........................... .3743P" .!9 . .A. .ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunder̀article40....................................... .40P" .!9@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 P")&   . .B. .ObservationsofStatespartiesontheCommittee's̀concludingcomments.............................. .41P" .!10 . .C. .SpecialdecisionsoftheCommitteeconcerning̀reportsofparticularStates..................... .4243P" .!10'   .IV. .STATESTHATHAVENOTCOMPLIEDWITHTHEIROBLIGATIONS̀UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT..................... .4445P" .!11 .V. .CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIES̀UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT..................... .46364P" .!13 . .A. .UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNortherǹIreland(HongKong).............................. .4772P" .!13 . .B. .Sweden........................................... . .7398P" .!17 . .C. .Estonia.......................................... . .99135P" .!19 . .D. .Mauritius........................................ . .t136166P" .!24 . .E. .Spain............................................ . .t167186P" .!27 . .F. .Zambia........................................... . .t187216P" .!29 . .G. .Guatemala........................................ . .t217253P" .!33 . .H. .Nigeria(discussionatthefiftysixthsession).. . .t254266P" .!37 . .I. .Nigeria(continuedatthefiftyseventhsession). . .t267305P" .!39 . .J. .Brazil........................................... . .t306338P" .!44 . .K. .Peru............................................. . .t339364P" .!48 .VI. .GENERALCOMMENTSOFTHECOMMITTEE.................... .t365367P" .!53 .4VII. .CONSIDERATIONOFCOMMUNICATIONSUNDERTHEOPTIONAL̀PROTOCOL............................................. .t368423P" .!54 . .A. .Progressofwork................................. . .t370376P" .!54 . .B. .GrowthoftheCommittee'scaseloadunderthèOptionalProtocol................................377P" .!55 . .C. .ApproachestoexaminingcommunicationsunderthèOptionalProtocol................................ .t378382P" .!56 . .D. .Individualopinions.............................. . .t383384P" .!57 . .E. .IssuesconsideredbytheCommittee............... . .t385418P" .!57@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 P"))8 8,  P"), ., .F. .EffectiveremedyprovidedbyaStatepartyduring, ., . .examinationofacommunication.................. .t419421P" .!63, ., .G. .RemediescalledforundertheCommittee'sviews.422P" .!64, ., .H. .NoncooperationbyStatespartiesinrespectof̀pendingcases...................................423P" .!64, .8VIII. .FOLLOWUPACTIVITIESUNDERTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOL.... .t424466P" .!65@ .Annexes, .dI. .STATESPARTIESTOTHEINTERNATIONALCOVENANTONCIVILAND, ., .POLITICALRIGHTSANDTOTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOLSANDSTATESTHAT, ., .HAVEMADETHEDECLARATIONUNDERARTICLE41OFTHECOVENANTASAT, ., .28JULY1996....................................................P" .!79P" .P", ., .A. .StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCiviland̀PoliticalRights............................................P" .!79, ., .B. .StatespartiestotheOptionalProtocol.....................P" .!82, ., .C. .StatusoftheSecondOptionalProtocol,aimingatthèabolitionofthedeathpenalty..............................P" .!84, ., .D. .Stateswhichhavemadethedeclarationunderarticle41of̀theCovenant................................................P" .!85, ., .E. .ImplementationoftheCovenantinthenewStatesthat, ., . .constitutedpartsofformerStatespartiestotheCovenant..P" .!86, .II. .MEMBERSANDOFFICERSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEE,19951996...P" .!87, .III. .SUBMISSIONOFREPORTSANDADDITIONALINFORMATIONBYSTATES̀PARTIESUNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANTDURINGTHEPERIOD̀UNDERREVIEW....................................................P" .!88, .IV. .STATUSOFREPORTSCONSIDEREDDURINGTHEPERIODUNDERREVIEWAND̀OFREPORTSSTILLPENDINGBEFORETHECOMMITTEE...................P" .!96, .dV. .GENERALCOMMENTSUNDERARTICLE40,PARAGRAPH4,OFTHECOVENANT.P" .!98, ., .GeneralcommentNo.25(57).....................................P" .!98, .VI. .OBSERVATIONSOFSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE40,PARAGRAPH5,̀OFTHECOVENANT.................................................P" .$!104, ., .France..........................................................P" .$!104, .VII. .STATESPARTIES'DELEGATIONSTHATPARTICIPATEDINTHÈCONSIDERATIONOFTHEIRRESPECTIVEREPORTSBYTHECOMMITTEEATITS̀FIFTYFIFTH,FIFTYSIXTHANDFIFTYSEVENTHSESSIONS.............P" .$!107@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88t   , t .tPage   , )8 8,  P"))8 8,  P"), .8VIII. .VIEWSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEEUNDERARTICLE5,PARAGRAPH4,, ., .OFTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOLTOTHEINTERNATIONALCOVENANTONCIVILAND, ., .POLITICALRIGHTS* d   , ., .A. .CommunicationNo.373/1989,LennonStephensv.Jamaica, ., . .(viewsadoptedon18October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .B. .CommunicationNo.390/1990,BernardLubutov.Zambia, ., . .(viewsadoptedon31October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., . .Appendix, ., .C. .CommunicationsNos.422424/1990,Aduayometal.v.Togo, ., . .(viewsadoptedon12July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., . .Appendix, ., .D. .CommunicationNo.434/1990,LalSeerattanv.Trinidadand, ., . .Tobago(viewsadoptedon26October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .E. .CommunicationNo.454/1991,EnriqueGarcaPonsv.Spain, ., . .(viewsadoptedon30October1995,fiftyfifthsession)̀, ., .F. .CommunicationNo.459/1991,OsbourneWrightandEricHarveyv., ., . .Jamaica(viewsadoptedon27October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .G. .CommunicationNo.461/1991,GeorgeGrahamandArthurMorrisonv., ., . .Jamaica(viewsadoptedon25March1996,fiftysixthsession), ., .H. .CommunicationNo.480/1991,JosLuisGarcaFuenzalidav., ., . .Ecuador(viewsadoptedon12July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .I. .CommunicationNo.505/1992,KtngurAcklav.Togo(views, ., . .adoptedon25March1996,fiftysixthsession), ., .J. .CommunicationNo.512/1992,DanielPintov.TrinidadandTobago, ., . .(viewsadoptedon16July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .K. .CommunicationNo.519/1992,LyndonMarriottv.Jamaica, ., . .(viewsadoptedon27October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .L. .CommunicationNo.521/1992,VladimirKulominv.Hungary, ., . .(viewsadoptedon22March1996,fiftysixthsession), ., . .Appendix, ., .M. .CommunicationNo.523/1992,ClydeNeptunev.TrinidadandTobago, ., . .(viewsadoptedon16July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .N. .CommunicationNo.527/1993,UtonLewisv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon18July1996,fiftyseventhsession)̀Appendix@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88t   , t .tPage   , )8 8,  P"))8 8,  P"), ., .O. .CommunicationNo.537/1993,PaulAnthonyKellyv.Jamaica, ., . .(viewsadoptedon17July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .P. .CommunicationNo.540/1993,CelisLaureanov.Peru(views, ., . .adoptedon25March1996,fiftysixthsession), ., .Q. .CommunicationNo.542/1993,KatombeL.Tshishimbiv.Zaire, ., . .(viewsadoptedon25March1996,fiftysixthsession), ., .R. .CommunicationNo.546/1993,RicklyBurrellv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon18July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .S. .CommunicationNo.563/1993,NydiaBautistadeArellanav., ., . .Colombia(viewsadoptedon27October1995,fiftyfifth, ., . .session), ., .T. .CommunicationNo.566/1993,IvanSomersv.Hungary(views, ., . .adoptedon23July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .U. .CommunicationNo.571/1994,EustaceHenryandEveraldDouglasv., ., . .Jamaica(viewsadoptedon25July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .V. .CommunicationNo.586/1994,JosefFrankAdamv.theCzech, ., . .Republic(viewsadoptedon23July1996,fiftyseventhsession)̀Appendix, ., .W. .CommunicationNo.588/1994,ErrolJohnsonv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon22March1996,fiftysixthsession)̀Appendix, ., .X. .CommunicationNo.589/1994,CraftonTomlinv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon16July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .Y. .CommunicationNo.596/1994,DennieChaplinv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon2November1995,fiftyfifthsession)̀Appendix, ., .Z. .CommunicationNo.597/1994,PeterGrantv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon22March1996,fiftysixthsession), ., .AA. .CommunicationNo.598/1994,CarlSterlingv.Jamaica, ., . .(viewsadoptedon22July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .BB. .CommunicationNo.599/1994,WayneSpencev.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon18July1996,fiftyseventhsession)̀Appendix, ., .CC. .CommunicationNo.600/1994,DwayneHyltonv.Jamaica(views, ., . .adoptedon16July1996,fiftyseventhsession)̀Appendix@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88t   , t .tPage   , )8 8,  P"))8 8,  |#), .IX. .DECISIONSOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEEDECLARINGCOMMUNICATIONS̀INADMISSIBLEUNDERTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOLTOTHEINTERNATIONAL, ., .COVENANTONCIVILANDPOLITICALRIGHTS*, ., .A. .CommunicationNo.472/1991,J.P.L.v.France(decision, ., . .adoptedon26October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .B. .CommunicationNo.557/1993,X.v.Australia(decisionadopted, ., . .on16July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .C. .CommunicationNo.573/1994,HarryAtkinsonetal.v.Canadà(decisionadoptedon31October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .D. .CommunicationNo.584/1994,AntoniusValentijnv.Francè(decisionadoptedon22July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .E. .CommunicationNo.608/1995,FranzNahlikv.Austrià(decisionadoptedon22July1996,fiftyseventhsession)̀Appendix, ., .F. .CommunicationNo.638/1995,EdwardLacikav.Canadà(decisionadoptedon3November1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .G. .CommunicationNo.645/1995,VaihereBordesetal.v.Francè(decisionadoptedon22July1996,fiftyseventhsession), ., .H. .CommunicationNo.656/1995,V.E.M.v.Spaiǹ(decisionadoptedon30October1995,fiftyfifthsession), ., .I. .CommunicationNo.657/1995,GerritvanderEntv.thèNetherlands(decisionadoptedon3November1995,fiftyfifth, ., . .session), ., .J. .CommunicationNo.660/1995,CornelisJ.Koningv.thèNetherlands(decisionadoptedon3November1995,fiftyfifth, ., . .session), ., .K. .CommunicationNo.664/1995,GesinaKruytAmeszetal.v.thèNetherlands(decisionadoptedon25March1996,fiftysixth, ., . .session), .dX. .LISTOFDOCUMENTSISSUEDDURINGTHEREPORTINGPERIOD..............|# .P"112 8,   ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierC  S @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sf882     @ . I.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS̀A.StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenant̀onCivilandPoliticalRights1.2 .2Asat26July1996,theclosingdateofthefiftyseventhsessionoftheHumanRightsCommittee,134StateshadratifiedoraccededorsucceededtotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsand88StateshadratifiedoraccededtotheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.BothinstrumentswereadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution2200A(XXI)of16December1966andopenedforsignatureandratificationinNewYorkon19December1966.Theyenteredintoforceon23March1976,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheirarticles49and9,respectively.Also,asat26July1996,45Stateshadmadethedeclarationenvisagedunderarticle41,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,whichcameintoforceon28March1979.2.2 .2TheSecondOptionalProtocol,aimingattheabolitionofthedeathpenalty,whichwasadoptedandopenedforsignature,ratificationoraccessionbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/128of15December1989,enteredintoforceon11July1991,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle8.Asat26July1996,therewere29StatespartiestotheSecondOptionalProtocol.3.2 .2TheStatespartiestotheCovenantandtotheOptionalProtocolsandthosethathavemadethedeclarationunderarticle41,paragraph1,oftheCovenantarelistedinannexItothepresentreport.4.2 .2ReservationsandotherdeclarationsmadebyanumberofStatespartiesinrespectoftheCovenantand/ortheOptionalProtocolsaresetoutindocumentCCPR/C/2/Rev.4andinthenotificationsdepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneral.Inanotedated16October1995,theSwissGovernmentnotifiedtheSecretaryGeneralofthewithdrawalofitsreservationconcerningarticle20,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.@ . B.SessionsoftheHumanRightsCommittee5.2 .2TheHumanRightsCommitteeheldthreesessionsaftertheadoptionofitspreviousannualreportinJuly1995.Thefiftyfifthsession(1445thto1473rdmeetings)washeldattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom16Octoberto3November1995,thefiftysixthsession(1474thto1501stmeetings)atUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom18Marchto4April1996,andthefiftyseventhsession(1502ndto1530thmeetings)attheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom8to26July1996.@ .N C.Election,membershipandattendance6.2 .2Inaletterdated28July1995,theChairmaninformedtheSecretaryGeneraloftheresignationofMrs.RosalynHigginswitheffectfrom29July1996.Mrs.Higgins'mandatewasduetoexpireon31December1996.Atits1444thmeeting(fiftyfourthsession),heldon28July1995,theCommitteeexpresseditswarmestgratitudetoMrs.HigginsforheroutstandingcontributiontotheCommittee'sworkunderarticle40oftheCovenantandalsoundertheOptionalProtocol.7.2 .2AttheFifteenthMeetingoftheStatesPartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,heldatUnitedNationsHeadquarterson16January1996,LordColville(UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland)waselectedtotheseatleftvacantfollowingtheresignationofMrs.Higgins.AlistofthemembersoftheCommitteeanditsofficersappearsinannexIItothepresentreport.8.2 .2AllthemembersoftheCommitteeparticipatedinthefiftyfifthsession.Mr.NisukeAndoandMr.DavidKretzmerattendedonlypartofthefiftysixthsession.@ .D.Solemndeclaration9.2 .2Atthe1474thmeetingoftheCommittee(fiftysixthsession),LordColville,whohadbeenelectedattheFifteenthMeetingoftheStatesPartiestotheCovenant,madeasolemndeclarationinaccordancewitharticle38oftheCovenantbeforeassuminghisfunctions.@ .hE.Workinggroups10.2 .2Inaccordancewithrules62and89ofitsrulesofprocedure,theCommitteeestablishedworkinggroupswhichweretomeetbeforeitsfiftyfifth,fifty-sixthandfiftyseventhsessions.11.2 .2Theworkinggroupestablishedunderrule89wasentrustedwiththetaskofmakingrecommendationstotheCommitteeregardingcommunicationsreceivedundertheOptionalProtocol.Atthefiftyfifthsession,theWorkingGroupwascomposedofMr.TamsBn,Mr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBhagwati,Mr.ThomasBuergenthal,Mrs.ElizabethEvattandMr.AndreasMavrommatis.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom9to13October1995andelectedMrs.EvattasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Atthefiftysixthsession,theWorkingGroupwascomposedofMr.DavidKretzmer,Mr.RajsoomerLallah,Mrs.CeciliaMedinaQuiroga,Mr.MavrommatisandMr.JulioPradoVallejo.ItmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom11to15March1996andelectedMr.MavrommatisasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Atthefiftyseventhsession,theWorkingGroupwascomposedofMr.Bn,Mr.Bhagwati,Mr.MarcoTulioBruniCelli,Mr.FaustoPocarandMr.PradoVallejo.ItmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom1to5July1996andelectedMr.PocarasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.12.2 .2Theworkinggroupestablishedunderrule62wasmandatedtoprepareconciselistsofissuesconcerningtheinitialandsecond,thirdandfourthperiodicreportstobeconsideredbytheCommittee.ItwasalsomandatedtostudytheCommittee'sworkingmethods,anditsystematicallyhelddiscussionswithrepresentativesofthespecializedagenciesandsubsidiarybodies,particularlytheInternationalLabourOffice,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,theWorldHealthOrganizationandtheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization,inordertoobtainadvanceinformationonthereportstobeconsideredbytheCommittee.Tothatsameend,theWorkingGroup,whichmetbeforethefiftyseventhsession,metrepresentativesofnon-governmentalorganizations(AmnestyInternational,InternationalAssociationagainstTorture,InternationalCommissionofJurists,InternationalFederationofHumanRightsLeagues,WorldOrganizationagainstTortureandInternationalServiceforHumanRights)toconsidervariousmethodsofcooperation.Atthefiftyfifthsession,theWorkingGroupwascomposedofMr.FranciscoJosAguilarUrbina,Mr.Bn,Mrs.EvattandMr.LaurelFrancis;itmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom9to13October1995andelectedMr.AguilarUrbinaasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Atthefiftysixthsession,itwascomposedofMr.NisukeAndo,Mr.BruniCelli,Mrs.ChristineChanetandMr.OmranElShafei;itmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom11to15March1996andelectedMr.AndoasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.Atthefiftyseventhsession,theWorkingGroupwascomposedofMr.AguilarUrbina,Mrs.Evatt,Mr.KretzmerandMr.Francis;itmetattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom1to5July1996andelectedMrs.EvattasitsChairperson/Rapporteur.@ .F.Othermatters@ .n1.Fiftyfifthsession13.2 .2TheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsinformedtheCommitteeofthefinancialdifficultieswithwhichtheUnitedNationswasfacedandtherepercussionsthattheywouldinevitablyhaveontheCommittee'swork,particularlyinregardtothetranslation,reproductionanddistributionofdocuments.HereferredtotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,heldatBeijingfrom4to15September1995,andreaffirmedtheprioritythatheaccordedtothefullandcompleterealization,withoutdiscrimination,ofthefundamentalrightsofwomenandtotheirintegrationintheprincipalactivitiesoftheUnitedNationssystem.Hethenpresentedtheresultsofthesixthmeetingofpersonschairinghumanrightstreatybodies,whichwasheldinSeptember1995,andalsothoseoftherecentsessionsoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination.@ .n2.Fiftysixthsession14.2 .2TheCommitteewasinformedbytherepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneraloftherecentactivitiesoftheGeneralAssemblyinregardtohumanrights,particularlyitsresolutions50/170and50/171of22December1995,concerningtheInternationalCovenantsonHumanRightsandtheeffectiveimplementationofinternationalinstrumentsonhumanrights.ThememberswerealsoinformedoftheactivitiesoftheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theCommitteeagainstTorture,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen.TherepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneralemphasizedthefinancialdifficultiesthattheOrganizationwasstillencounteringandtheirimpactontheCommittee'swork.@ . 3.Fiftyseventhsession15.2 .2TheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsgavesomegeneralinformationonplansforthereorganizationoftheCentreforHumanRights.HeemphasizedtheconsequencesofthefinancialcrisisoftheOrganizationfortheworkoftheCommittee.HealsoreportedontheactivitiesoftheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfiftysecondsessionandmentionedtheinvitationextendedtotheCommitteeinresolution1996/22,adoptedbytheCommissionon19April1996,toconsiderwhethersinglecomprehensivereportsshouldbesubmitted.16.2 .2TheCommitteeauthorizeditsrepresentativeattheseventhmeetingofpersonschairinghumanrightstreatybodies,scheduledtobeheldinSeptember1996,topointoutthatitsownguidelinesrelatingtotheconsiderationofreportshadbeenpreparedinconformitywiththerequirementsofarticle40,paragraph1,oftheCovenantandthat,inconsequence,itwasneitherlegallyjustifiablenoradvisabletorevisetheprocedureforsubmittingreportstotheCommittee.17.2 .2TheCommitteeextendeditssincerethankstoMr.JakobMller,ChiefoftheCommunicationsBranch,uponhisretirement,fortheactivitieshehadundertakenthroughouthiscareertoassisttheCommittee.@ .6G.Staffresources18.2 .2ThegreatercomplexityandmoreintensivepaceoftheCommittee'soperationsresultingfromtheincreasednumberofStatespartiestotheCovenantandthechangesintheCommittee'smethodsofworkhaveaddedsignificantlytotheworkloadoftheSecretariatinprovidingsubstantiveservicingtotheCommitteeinrelationtothemonitoringofStatepartyreports.ThenumberofcommunicationssubmittedtotheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocolhasalsogrown.TheCommitteeexpressedthehopethat,withintheframeworkoftheforthcomingrestructuring,thespecializedstaffassignedtoservicetheCommitteeinrelationbothtothemonitoringofStatepartyreportsandtotheconsiderationofcommunicationssubmittedundertheOptionalProtocolwouldbeincreased.@ . H.PublicityfortheworkoftheCommittee19.2 .2TheChairman,accompaniedbyseveraloftheCommittee'sofficersandtheSpecialRapporteuronthefollowupofcommunications,gavepressconferencesateachoftheCommittee'sthreesessions.TheCommitteeexpressedthehopethattheinformationserviceswouldbemorecloselyassociatedwithitsworksoastogiveitgreaterpublicity.TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactionthegreatinterestinitsworktakenbythenon-governmentalorganizationsandthankedthemfortheinformationprovided.̀I.Documentsandpublicationsrelatingtothework̀oftheCommittee20.2 .2Atthe1513thmeeting(fiftyseventhsession)oftheCommittee,theChiefofConferenceServicesinformedtheCommitteeofthedifficultiesencounteredinthetranslationandreproductionofdocuments,particularlyreportssubmittedbyStatesparties.Hedrewattentiontotherelevantguidelinesandresolutionsonthequestionandstressedthespecificdifficultiesencounteredinconnectionwithvoluminousreports.Healsomentionedthehighcostofsummaryrecords.21.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditswillingnesstoconsideranymeasureintendedtoreducecostsprovidedthatthequalityofitsworkandStatepartyobligationsunderarticle40oftheCovenantwerenotjeopardized.22.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthat20volumesoftheOfficialRecordsoftheHumanRightsCommittee(formerlyissuedasYearbookoftheHumanRightsCommittee)hadbeenpublishedinEnglish,coveringtheperiod1977/78-1992/93,andthatthedonationfromtheSasakawaFoundationhadmadeitpossibletoreducethebacklog.Itexpressedthehopethatthatprocesswouldcontinueuntilthebackloghadbeeneliminatedandthattherecordswouldinfuturebepublishedregularlyandwithoutdelay.ItalsostressedthatthedelayinpublishingtheFrenchversionshouldbeeliminatedassoonaspossible.23.2 .2Bearinginmindexistingresources,theCommitteestatedthatpriorityshouldbegiventothetranslationofitssummaryrecords.24.2 .2TheCommitteeagainurgedthattheworkofpublishingvolumeIIIoftheselectionofdecisionsadoptedundertheOptionalProtocolshouldbespeededupsoastoeliminatethebacklogassoonaspossible.Infuture,theselecteddecisionsshouldbepublishedregularlyandingoodtime.@ .J.Adoptionofthereport25.2 .2Atits1529thand1530thmeetings,heldon25and26July1996,theCommitteeconsideredthedraftofitstwentiethannualreport,coveringitsactivitiesatthefiftyfifth,fiftysixthandfiftyseventhsessions,heldin1995and1996.Thereport,asamendedinthecourseofthediscussion,wasadoptedunanimously.ǀII.METHODSOFWORKOFTHECOMMITTEEUNDERARTICLE40OF̀THECOVENANT:OVERVIEWOFPRESENTWORKINGMETHODS26.2 .2Thepresentchapterisintendedtoprovideaconciseandup-to-dateoverviewofthemodificationsrecentlyintroducedbytheCommitteeinitsworkingmethodsunderarticle40oftheCovenantandisparticularlydesignedtomakethecurrentproceduremoretransparentandreadilyaccessible,soastoassistStatespartiesandothersinterestedintheimplementationoftheCovenant.Discussionswereheldonthesequestionsatthe1450thand1458thmeetings(fiftyfifthsession),aswellasatthe1496th,1500thand1501stmeetings(fiftysixthsession).AnaccountofthemethodsofworkusuallyappliedbytheHumanRightsCommitteefortheconsiderationofreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesappearsintheCommittee's1995report.127.2 .2TheCommitteegenerallystressedthatmethodsofworkunderarticle40oftheCovenantshouldbeasflexibleaspossibletopromoteaconstructiveandeffectivedialoguewithdelegationswithaviewtoensuringequalityinthetreatmentofStates.@ .A.Considerationofinitialreportsandperiodicreports28.2 .2TheCommitteefeltthattheonlywaytoestablishafruitfuldialoguewithStatespartieswastoharmonizetheproceduresfollowedintheconsiderationofinitialreportsandperiodicreports.Tothatend,theCommitteebegan,asofitsfiftysixthsession,topreparelistsofissuesfortheconsiderationofinitialreports.Subsequently,theCommitteealsodecidedtochangethewaymeetingsareallocatedfortheconsiderationofreportsbystipulatingthatthreemeetingsshouldhenceforthbereservedfortheconsiderationofinitialreportsandtwomeetingsfortheconsiderationofperiodicreports.29.2 .2Generallyspeaking,thequestionsraisedorallyduringtheconsiderationofreportsshouldberegardedasthedirectcontinuationofthereplies(orlackofreplies)tothewrittenquestionsandnotasadditionalquestions.Themembersare,however,freetoaskquestionswhichdonotappearonthelistofissuesbutwhichtheyconsiderparticularlyimportant.30.2 .2TheCommitteealsodecidedthat,totheextentpossible,thecountryrapporteursshouldbeappointedtwosessionspriortothesessionatwhichthereportforwhichtheyareresponsibleistobeconsidered.AsitisdifficultforsomememberstoparticipateinmeetingsoftheWorkingGroup,alternatecountryrapporteursmaybeappointedfromamongthemembersoftheWorkingGroup.Startingwithitsfiftysixthsession,theCommitteeidentifiedthereportstobeconsideredatthenexttwosessions,itbeingunderstoodthatparticularcircumstances,relatingtoemergencyprocedures,mightnecessitatechangesintheschedule.@ .6B.Overduereports31.2 .2TheCommitteeagaingaveindepthconsiderationtotheproblemsraisedbylongdelaysinthesubmissionofcertainreports.ItstressedthatStatespartiesshouldnotbetreateddifferently,nomatterwhatthesituation.Itnonethelessnotedthat14Stateswerelateinsubmittingatleasttworeportsandthat,ofthose,fivewerelateinsubmittingatleastthreereports.Itrecalledthat,insuchcases,Stateswereinvitedtosubmitanexhaustivereportcoveringtheentireperiodsincetheconsiderationoftheprecedingreport,withanewdatebeingsetforpreparingthefollowingreport,aftertheconsiderationofthereport.32.2 .2TheCommitteealsodecidedthat,underveryexceptionalcircumstances,whenaState'sreportwasoverduebecauseofmaterialdifficulties,theCommitteecouldinviteittosendadelegationtodiscussthosedifficultiesoraskittosubmitaprovisionalreportdealingonlywithcertainprovisionsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteereservedtherighttomakepublicalistofStateswhosereportswereoverdueduringthepressconferencesheldattheendofeachsessionoftheCommittee.@ .4C.Follow-uptotheCommittee'sactivitiesunderarticle4033.2 .2Atitsfiftysixthsession,theCommitteedecidedthat,henceforth,duringeachsession,themembersoftheBureauwouldobservehowthesituationwithregardtoseriousviolationsofhumanrightshadchangedinordertodeterminewhetherthepossibilityofadoptingaspecialdecisioninplenarycouldbeconsidered.TheBureauwasalsogivenparticularresponsibilityfortheimplementationofthedecisiontakenbytheCommitteeatitsfiftysecondsessionthat,"wheretheconsiderationofareportrevealedagravehumanrightssituation,theCommitteecouldrequesttheStatepartyconcernedtoreceiveamissioncomposedofoneormoreofitsmembersinordertoreestablishdialoguewithit,explainthesituationbetterandformulateappropriatesuggestionsorrecommendations".2̀D.ObservationsofStatespartiesontheCommittee's̀concludingcomments34.2 .2SeveralcommunicationswerereceivedatearliersessionscontainingobservationsbyStatespartiesontheCommittee'sconcludingcomments.TheCommitteedecidedthat,henceforth,receiptofthoseobservationswouldbeacknowledgedunderadifferentheadinginthepartoftheannualreportrelatingtothesubmissionofreportsbyStatesparties,andthatthoseStateswouldbeinformedthattheirobservationswouldbegivendueconsiderationbytheCommittee.TheWorkingGrouponarticle40wouldbeaskedtoconsidertheobservationsbyStatesandtosuggestanypossiblemeasurestheCommitteemightwishtotakeinthatregard.&  @ . E.Cooperationwithothertreatymonitoringbodies35.2 .2Atitsfiftysixthandfiftyseventhsessions,theCommitteeconsideredvariousstepsintendedtointensifycooperationbetweentheCommitteeandtheothertreatymonitoringbodieswithintheUnitedNationssystem.It'  ԀdecidedthatmembersoftheCommitteewouldberequestedtofollowdevelopmentsineachofthosebodiesandtoreportthereontotheCommitteeateachsession.FocalpointswerethereforedesignatedfortheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen(Mrs.ElizabethEvattatthefiftysixthsession)andfortheCommitteeagainstTorture(Mr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBhagwatiatthefiftyseventhsession).Mrs.EvattreportedatthefiftyseventhsessionontheworkoftheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen.&  @ .F.ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle4036.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthat,increasingly,thereportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40oftheCovenantmerelyreproducedthetextsofthe'  laws.TheStateshadtheimpressionthattheyweretherebycomplyingwiththeCommittee'sguidelinescallingforadescriptionofthelegislative,administrativeorothermeasuresinforceinregardtoeachrightguaranteedbytheCovenant.TheCommitteepointedoutthat,insteadofsimplyparaphrasingthelaw,Statesshouldfocusonitspracticalapplication.@ . III.SUBMISSIONOFREPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDER@ . ARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT37.2 .2Underarticle2,paragraph1,oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,eachStatepartyundertakestorespectandtoensuretoallindividualswithinitsterritoryandsubjecttoitsjurisdictiontherightsrecognizedandenumeratedinpartIIIoftheCovenant.Inconnectionwiththatprovision,article40,paragraph1,oftheCovenantrequiresStatespartiestosubmitreportsonthemeasuresadoptedforandtheprogressachievedintheenjoymentofthevariousrightsandonanyfactorsanddifficultiesthatmightaffecttheimplementationoftheCovenant.StatespartiesundertaketosubmitreportswithinoneyearoftheentryintoforceoftheCovenantfortheStatepartyconcernedandthereafterwhenevertheCommitteesorequests.InordertoassistStatespartiesinsubmittingreports,theHumanRightsCommittee,atitssecondsession,in1977,approvedgeneralguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofinitialreports(seeCCPR/C/5/Rev.2).38.2 .2Atitsthirteenthsession,in1981,inaccordancewitharticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant,theCommitteeadoptedadecisiononperiodicity,requiringStatespartiestosubmitsubsequentreportstotheCommitteeeveryfiveyears.3Atthesamesession,theCommitteeadoptedguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofperiodicreportsfromStatespartiesunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheCovenant(seeCCPR/C/20/Rev.2).39.2 .2Atitsthirtyninthsession,in1990,theCommitteeadoptedanamendmenttoitsguidelinesforthesubmissionofinitialandperiodicreportsrelatingtoreportingbyStatespartiesonactiontakeninresponsetotheissuancebytheCommitteeofviewsundertheOptionalProtocol.4Atitsfortysecondsession,in1991,theCommitteereviseditsgeneralguidelinesforthesubmissionofinitialandperiodicreportstotakeintoaccounttheconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofthereportsofStatespartiestobesubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheCovenant.5Atitsfiftythirdsession,in1995,theCommitteefurtheramendeditsguidelineswitharequesttoStatestoincludeintheirreportsinformationonanyfactorsaffectingtheequalenjoymentbywomenoftherightsprotectedundertheCovenant.@ .A.ReportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle4040.2 .2Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteereceived18initialorperiodicreports.InitialreportsweresubmittedbyGabon,Georgia,Lithuania,NigeriaandSlovakia;Bolivia,theCongoandLebanonsubmittedtheirsecondperiodicreports;FranceandPortugalsubmittedtheirthirdperiodicreports;andColombia,Finland,Germany,Iraq,Poland,RomaniaandSenegalsubmittedtheirfourthperiodicreports.TheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandsubmittedaspecialreportinresponsetoadecisiontakenbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthepartofthefourthperiodicreportoftheUnitedKingdomrelatingtoHongKong(seeparas.4772).&  ԀB.ObservationsofStatespartiesontheCommittee's̀concludingcomments41.2 .2TheCommitteereceivedacommunicationfromtheGovernmentofSriLanka,dated9August1995,regardingtheconsiderationofitsthirdperiodicreportby'  theCommitteeinJuly1995(fiftyfourthsession).ThecommunicationincludedobservationsonthecommentsoftheCommitteecontainedindocumentCCPR/C/79/Add.56.TheGovernment'scommunicationisreproducedindocumentCCPR/C/116.̀C.SpecialdecisionsoftheCommitteeconcerning̀reportsofparticularStates42.2 .2InviewoftheparticulardifficultiesencounteredbyNigeriainimplementingtheCovenant,theChairmanoftheCommitteedecidedon29November1995onthebasisofrule66,paragraph2,ofitsrulesofprocedure,aftertheclosureofthefiftyfifthsession,totransmitthefollowingspecialdecisiontotheGovernmentofNigeriaonbehalfoftheCommittee:@ .Nigeria02 .2 .TheHumanRightsCommittee,throughitsChairmanactingunderrule66,paragraph2,oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedureonbehalfandafterconsultationwiththemembersoftheCommittee,02 .2 .DeeplyconcernedbyrecentexecutionsaftertrialsthatwerenotinconformitywithprovisionsoftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,02 .2 .NotingthattheinitialreportofNigeriawasdueforsubmissiontotheCommitteeon28October1994,02 .2 .Actingunderarticle40,paragraph1(b),oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights:02 .2 .1. . RequeststheGovernmentofNigeriatosubmititsinitialreportwithoutdelayfordiscussionbytheCommitteeatitsfiftysixthsessioninMarch/April1996and,inanyevent,tosubmitby31January1996areport,insummaryformifnecessary,relatinginparticulartotheapplicationatthepresenttimeofarticles6,7,9and14oftheCovenant;02 .2 .2. . RequeststheSecretaryGeneraltobringthisdecisiontotheattentionoftheGovernmentofNigeria.43.2 .2TheinitialreportofNigeria,submittedon7February1996followingtheabovedecision,wasconsideredatthefiftysixthandfiftyseventhsessions(seeparas.254305below).ǀIV.STATESTHATHAVENOTCOMPLIEDWITHTHEIROBLIGATIONS̀UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT44.2 .2StatespartiestotheCovenantmustsubmitthereportsreferredtoinarticle40oftheCovenantontimesothattheCommitteecandulyperformitsfunctionsunderthatarticle.ThosereportsarethebasisofthedialoguebetweentheCommitteeandStatesparties,andanydelayintheirsubmissionmeansaninterruptionofthatprocess.However,seriousdelayshavebeennotedsincetheestablishmentoftheCommittee.Remindersweresenton1March1996toStatespartieswhosereportshadnotbeensubmittedasscheduled.Inaddition,atthesessionofMarch/April1996,themembersoftheBureaumetinNewYorkwiththepermanentrepresentativesofallStatespartieswhoseinitialreport,periodicreportorreportunderaspecialdecisionoftheCommitteehadbeenoverdueformorethanthreeyears.ContactsweremadewiththepermanentrepresentativesofalltheStatesconcerned.Inaddition,duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteetookothermeasurestoinduceStatespartieseffectivelytocarryouttheirreportingobligationunderarticle40oftheCovenant(seeparas.31and32above).45.2 .2Afterreviewingthesituationwithrespecttothelatesubmissionbothofinitialandperiodicreports,theCommitteenotedwithregretthat86StatespartiestotheCovenant,ormorethantwothirdsofallStatesparties,wereinarrearswiththeirreports.TheCommitteeagainconsidereditselfdutyboundtoexpressitsseriousconcernthatsomanyStatespartiesareindefaultoftheirobligationsundertheCovenant.ThatstateofaffairsseriouslyimpedestheCommittee'sabilitytomonitortheimplementationoftheCovenant,anditthereforedecidedtolistinthecoreofitsannualreporttotheGeneralAssembly,asithaddoneinitspreviousannualreports,theStatespartiesthathavemorethanonereportoverdue,aswellasthosethathavenotsubmittedreportsrequestedbyaspecialdecisionoftheCommittee.TheCommitteewishestoreiteratethattheseStatesareinseriousdefaultoftheirobligationsunderarticle40oftheCovenant.@ .Statespartiesthathaveatleasttworeportsoverdueor@ .thathavenotsubmittedareportrequestedbyaspecial@ . decisionoftheCommittee*hi d,dd ,dd",dd ,dd ,Hdd"+  "x"Stateparty6>(' H!d6  Typeofreport6>(' <  "d6  Datedue6>(' H!Hd6  Yearsoverdue6>('  "d6  Numberofreminderssent6>('  "d6 "x"SyrianArabRepublic  SecondThirdFourth  18August198418August198918August1994  12years  24 "x"Gambia  SecondThirdFourth  21June198521June199021June1995  11years  22 "x"Suriname  SecondThirdFourth  Ѐ2August1985̀2August1990̀2August1995  11years  21 "x"Kenya  SecondThirdFourth  11April198611April199111April1996  10years  20 "x"Mali  SecondThirdFourth  11April198611April199111April1996  10years  20 "x"Jamaica  SecondThird  Ѐ1August1986̀1August1991  10years  16 "x"Guyana  SecondThird  10April198710April1992  Ѐ9years  18 "x"DemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea  SecondThird  13December198713December1992  Ѐ9years  16 "x"EquatorialGuinea  InitialSecond  24December198824December1993  Ѐ8years  14 "x"CentralAfricanRepublic  SecondThird  Ѐ9April1989̀7August1992  Ѐ7years  13 "x"TrinidadandTobago  ThirdFourth  20March199020March1995  Ѐ6years  12 "x"SaintVincentandtheGrenadines  SecondThird  31October1991̀8February1993  Ѐ5years  Ѐ9 "x"Panama  ThirdFourth  31March1992̀6June1993  Ѐ4years  Ѐ8 "x"Madagascar  ThirdFourth  31July1992̀3August1993  Ѐ4years  Ѐ7 ";x"Angola  Special  31January1994  Ѐ2years  Ѐ3 ";x"Rwanda  Special  31January1995  Ѐ1year  Ѐ2@ .V.CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIES@ .UNDERARTICLE40OFTHECOVENANT46.2 .2Atits1314thmeeting(fiftiethsession),theCommitteedecidedtodiscontinueitspracticeofincludinginitsannualreportsummariesoftheconsiderationofthereportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40oftheCovenant.Inaccordancewiththatdecision,theannualreportwillcontain,interalia,thefinalcommentsadoptedbytheCommitteeattheendoftheconsiderationofStatesparties'reports.Accordingly,thesectionsthatfollow(AtoK),arearrangedonacountrybycountrybasis,inthesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofthereports,andcontainthefinalcommentsadoptedbytheCommitteewithrespecttotheStatesparties'reportsconsideredatitsfiftyfifth,fiftysixthandfiftyseventhsessions.@ .A.UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland@ .(HongKong)47.2 .2Atits1451stto1453rdmeetings(fiftyfifthsession),on19and20October1995,theHumanRightsCommitteeconsideredthepartofthefourthperiodicreportoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandrelatingtoHongKong(CCPR/C/95/Add.5andHRI/CORE/1/Add.62)andatits1469thmeeting,on1November1995,adoptedthefollowingobservations.@ .1.Introduction48.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthepresenceofahighleveldelegation,whichincludedseveralofficialsoftheHongKongGovernment.ItexpressesitsappreciationtotherepresentativesoftheStatepartyforthehighqualityofthereport,theabundanceofadditionalinformationandthedetailedandfrankanswersprovidedinresponsetotheoralandwrittenquestionsposedandcommentsmadebytheCommitteeduringitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatthatinformationenabledittoengageinahighlyconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty.49.2 .2Thedetailedinformationsubmittedbyawiderangeofnon-governmentalorganizationshasgreatlyassistedtheCommitteeinitsunderstandingofthehumanrightssituationinHongKong.2 .2 . . 2.Factorsrelatingtoreportingobligationsunder2 .2 . . theCovenant50.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheUnitedKingdomandChinaagreedintheJointDeclarationandExchangeofMemorandaof19December1984thattheprovisionsoftheCovenantasappliedtoHongKongshallremaininforceafter1July1997.Inthatconnection,theCommittee,atits1453rdmeeting,on20October1995,madeclearitsviewonfuturereportingobligationsinrelationtoHongKonginastatementreadoutbytheChairman(seepara.72)that,asthereportingobligationsunderarticle40oftheCovenantwillcontinuetoapply,theCommitteewillbecompetenttoreceiveandconsiderreportsthatmustbesubmittedinrelationtoHongKong.&  @ .3.Positiveaspects51.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativestakenbytheGovernmentwithaviewtoensuringthefullimplementationoftheCovenantinHongKong,infutureas'  wellasatpresent.Inthatregard,theSino-BritishJointDeclarationonthequestionofHongKongappearstoprovideasoundlegalbasisforthecontinuedprotectionoftherightsasspecifiedintheCovenant.TheCommitteewelcomestheenactmentoftheBillofRightsOrdinanceinJune1991.52.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithappreciationofthevariousordinancesthathavebeenreviewedwithregardtotheirconformitywiththeBillofRightsandamendedaccordingly,andalsoappreciatesthecontinuingprocessofreviewingandupdatingrelevantlegislativeprovisionsinthatregard.53.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomeseffortsbeingmadebytheauthoritiestodisseminateinformationonhumanrightstomembersofthejudiciary,civilservants,teachersandthepublicingeneral,includingschool-agechildren.54.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestherecentenactmentoftheSexualDiscriminationOrdinanceandtheDisabilityDiscriminationOrdinance,theaimsofwhichincludetheeliminationofdiscriminationagainstwomenanddisabledpersons.Itwelcomestheoralinformationprovidedbytheauthoritiesthatanequalopportunitiescommissionwillbeestablishedinthefirstquarterof1996withpowertorecommenddraftlawsanddraftamendmentstothoseOrdinances.55.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheenactmentoftheTortureOrdinance,whichgivesdomesticeffecttopartofarticle7oftheCovenant.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern56.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatsection7oftheBillofRightsOrdinanceprovidesthat"theOrdinancebindsonlytheGovernmentandallpublicauthorities;andanypersonactingonbehalfoftheGovernmentorapublicauthority".TheCommitteeemphasizesinthisregardthatundertheCovenantaStatepartyhasanobligationtoprotectindividualsagainstviolationsnotonlybygovernmentofficialsbutalsobyprivateparties.ItthusnoteswithdeepconcerntheabsenceoflegislationprovidingeffectiveprotectionagainstviolationsofCovenantrightsbynon-governmentalactors.57.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernovertheinvestigativeprocedureinrespectofallegedhumanrightsviolationsbythepolice.ItnotesthattheinvestigationofsuchcomplaintsrestswithinthePoliceForceitselfratherthanbeingcarriedoutinamannerthatensuresitsindependenceandcredibility.Inlightofthehighproportionofcomplaintsagainstpoliceofficerswhicharefoundbytheinvestigatingpolicetobeunsubstantiated,theCommitteeexpressesconcernaboutthecredibilityoftheinvestigationprocessandtakestheviewthatinvestigationintocomplaintsofabuseofauthoritybymembersofthePoliceForcemustbe,andmustappeartobe,fairandindependentandmustthereforebeentrustedtoanindependentmechanism.TheCommitteewelcomesthechangesmadetostrengthenthestatusandauthorityoftheIndependentPoliceComplaintsCouncilbutnotesthatthosechangesstillleaveinvestigationsentirelyinthehandsofthepolice.58.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthat,whilethemajorityofthepopulationisChinesespeaking,officialchargeformsandchargesheetsaswellascourtdocumentsareissuedinEnglishonly,althougheffortsarebeingmadetomakeChineseversionsavailable.59.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernoverthesituationofwomeninHongKong,particularlythehighlevelofviolenceandtheabsenceofadequatepunitiveorremedialmeasures.ItregretsthattheSexualDiscriminationOrdinanceisnotyetinforceandthatitlimitsthedamagesawardedtowomenwhoaresubjecttosexualdiscriminationanddoesnotgivepowertodirectthereinstatementofwomenwhohavelosttheirjobsbecauseofsexualdiscrimination.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheSexualDiscriminationOrdinancehassignificantexemptionsandthatitislimitedinitsapplicationtodiscriminationbasedongenderandmarriageanddoesnotprohibitdiscriminationongroundsofage,familyresponsibilityorsexualpreference.60.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthereareasyetnodetailedregulationstocoveremergenciesandthatundertheCourtofFinalAppealOrdinance,thejurisdictionoftheCourtwillnotextendtoreviewingundefined"actsofstate"bytheexecutive.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatvagueterminologysuchas"actsofstate"maybeinterpretedsoastoimposeunduerestrictionsonthejurisdictionoftheCourt,includingtheapplicationofanyemergencylawsthatmaybeenactedinthefuture.61.2 .2TheCommitteealsoregretsthatthereisasyetnodetailedlegislationtocoverpublicemergenciesandthattheprovisioninarticle18oftheBasicLawonthatsubjectdoesnotappeartocorrespondtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheCovenant.62.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernthattheadministrationoflegalaidinHongKongisrefusedinalargenumberofBillofRightscasesthataredirectedagainsttheGovernmentorpublicofficers.63.2 .2WhilenotingwithsatisfactiontheeffortsbytheGovernment,incooperationwiththeUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,tocarefortheneedsoftheVietnameseasylumseekers,theCommitteeexpressesconcernthatmanyVietnameseasylumseekersaresubjecttolongtermdetentionandthatmanyareheldunderdeplorablelivingconditionsthatraiseseriousquestionsunderarticles9and10oftheCovenant.ItisparticularlyalarmedaboutthesituationofchildrenlivingincampswhoaredeprivedoftheenjoymentofrightsundertheCovenantinpractice,giventheirparents'statusasillegalimmigrants.TheCommitteealsoexpressesconcernattheconditionsunderwhichdeportationsandremovalsofnon-refugeesofVietnameseoriginwerecarriedout.64.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle17oftheCovenant,theCommitteetakesnoteoftheLawReformCommission'sreviewoftheTelecommunicationOrdinanceandthePostOfficeOrdinance.Itnoteswithconcernthatthoseordinancescanbeabusedtointrudeontheprivacyofindividualsandthattheiramendmentisurgentlyneeded.65.2 .2TheCommitteeisawareofthereservationmadebytheUnitedKingdomthatarticle25oftheCovenantdoesnotrequireestablishmentofanelectedexecutiveorlegislativecouncil.However,ittakestheviewthatonceanelectedlegislativecouncilisestablished,itselectionmustconformtoarticle25.TheCommitteeconsidersthattheelectoralsysteminHongKongdoesnotmeettherequirementsofarticle25,orofarticles2,3and26oftheCovenant.Itunderscoresinparticularthefactthatonly20of60seatsintheLegislativeCouncilaresubjecttodirectpopularelectionandthattheconceptoffunctionalconstituencies,whichgivesundueweighttotheviewsofthebusinesscommunity,discriminatesamongvotersonthebasisofpropertyandfunctions.Thatclearlyconstitutesaviolationofarticle2,paragraph1andarticles25(b)and26.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatlawsdeprivingconvictedpersonsoftheirvotingrightsforperiodsofupto10yearsmaybeadisproportionaterestrictionoftherightsprotectedbyarticle25.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations66.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatincreasedeffortsbemadetointroduce,assoonaspossible,Chineseversionsofofficialchargeformsandchargesheetsandofcourtdocuments.67.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadopttheproposaloftheIndependentPoliceComplaintsCounciltoincorporatenon-policemembersintheinvestigationofallcomplaintsagainstthepolice.68.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreconsideritsdecisionontheestablishmentandcompetenceofahumanrightscommission.69.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthedeficienciesintheSexualDiscriminationOrdinancebeovercomebyappropriateamendmentsandthatcomprehensiveanti-discriminationlegislationaimedateliminatingallremainingdiscriminationprohibitedundertheCovenantbeadopted.70.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttotakeimmediatestepstoensurethatlivingconditionsinVietnameserefugeedetentioncentresbeimproved.Specialattentionshouldbedevotedtothesituationofchildren,whoserightsundertheCovenantshouldbeprotected.Therefugeestatusofalldetaineesshouldbespeedilydetermined,withtherightofjudicialreviewandlegalaid.Deportationandremovalofnon-refugeesofVietnameseoriginshouldbecloselymonitoredtopreventabuse.71.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatimmediatestepsbetakentoensurethattheelectoralsystemconformswitharticles21,22and25oftheCovenant.@ .<6.Requestforareport72.2 .2TheCommitteerequeststheGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomtosubmitabriefreport,by31May1996,onnewdevelopmentswithregardtotheenjoymentofhumanrightsinHongKong,pursuanttotherecommendationscontainedinthepresentobservationsandinthestatementbelowbytheChairman,forconsiderationbytheCommitteeatitsfiftyeighthsession.@ .StatementmadebytheChairmanon20October1995onbehalfof@ .theHumanRightsCommitteerelatingtotheconsiderationof󀀀@ .thepartofthefourthperiodicreportoftheUnitedKingdom󀀈@ .relatingtoHongKong2 .2TheHumanRightsCommittee-dealingwithcasesofdismembermentofStatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights-hastakentheviewthathumanrightstreatiesdevolvewithterritoryandthatStatescontinuetobeboundbytheobligationsundertheCovenantenteredintobythepredecessorState.OncethepeoplelivinginaterritoryfindthemselvesundertheprotectionoftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,thatprotectioncannotbedeniedtothembyvirtueofthemeredismembermentoftheterritoryoritscomingwithinthejurisdictionofanotherStateorofmorethanoneState.62 .2However,theexistenceandcontentsoftheJointDeclarationoftheGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandandtheGovernmentofthePeople'sRepublicofChinaontheQuestionofHongKongmakeitunnecessaryfortheCommitteetorelysolelyontheforegoingjurisprudenceasfarasHongKongisconcerned.Inthisregard,theCommitteepointsoutthatthepartiestotheJointDeclarationhaveagreedthatallprovisionsoftheCovenantasappliedtoHongKongshallremaininforceafter1July1997.Thoseprovisionsincludereportingproceduresunderarticle40.Asthereportingrequirementsunderarticle40oftheCovenantwillcontinuetoapply,theHumanRightsCommitteeconsidersthatitiscompetenttoreceiveandreviewreportsthatmustbesubmittedinrelationtoHongKong.2 .2Accordingly,theCommitteeisreadytogiveeffecttotheintentionofthepartiestotheJointDeclarationasfarasHongKongisconcernedandtocooperatefullywiththepartiestotheJointDeclarationtoworkoutthenecessarymodalitiestoachievethoseobjectives.@ .B.Sweden73.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthefourthperiodicreportofSweden(CCPR/C/95/Add.4andHRI/CORE/1/Add.4)atits1456thand1457thmeetings(fiftyfifthsession),on23and24October1995,andatits1470thmeeting,on1November1995,adoptedthefollowingobservations.@ .1.Introduction74.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthedetailedreportpresentedbySweden,whichcontainsrelevantinformationaboutchangesanddevelopmentsthathaveoccurredsincetheconsiderationofthethirdperiodicreport.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheanswerstoquestionsraisedandconcernsexpressedduringtheconsiderationofthereport.Itexpressesitsappreciationforthefrankdialogueengagedinwithacompetentdelegationandforthecomprehensiveandthoroughanswersgivenorallytothewiderangeofquestionsaskedbymembers.2 .2 .2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation2 .2 . . oftheCovenant75.2 .2TheCommitteefindsthattherearenosignificantfactorsordifficultieswhichshouldpreventtheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenantinSweden.@ .3.Positiveaspects76.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthehighlevelofachievementofSwedenwithregardtotheprotectionoftherightsguaranteedintheCovenant.77.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionofprovisionsprohibitingethnicdiscriminationinthelabourmarket,aswellastheadditionalpowersgiventotheOmbudsmanagainstEthnicDiscriminationbyconferringuponhimalitigatingroleintheLabourCourtproceedings.Italsowelcomesthesettingupoftwoparliamentarycommissionsonmigrationandimmigrationpoliciestoidentifygapsinlegislationandtoconsiderimprovements,andtheincorporationintothePenalCodeoftheconceptofaggravatingcircumstanceswhenacrimehashadracial,ethnic,religiousorsimilarmotivations.78.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthevariousstepstakenbytheGovernment,throughlegislation,studies,educationprogrammesandintegrationofgenderperspectivesinallpolicyareas,withaviewtoensuringequalitybetweenmenandwomen.79.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheadoptionandentryintoforceon1January1992ofthenewCompulsoryMentalCareActandForensicMentalCareAct,restrictingtheuseofcompulsorycare.80.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationforthecreationoftheOfficeoftheChildren'sOmbudsman,fortheprovisionsintroducedinthePenalCodetoprotectchildrenagainstsexualabuse,andforthemonitoringsystemofinter-countryadoption.81.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheamendmenttotheCodeonJudicialProcedureextendingjudicialreviewtotherestrictionsorderedbythepublicprosecutortopersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheextensionoftherighttofreelegalaidforthevictimsofcrimesofviolenceandcrimesinvolvinginfringementofphysicalintegrity.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern82.2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthattheCovenantassuchcannotbedirectlyinvokedbeforeSwedishcourtsandadministrativeauthorities.83.2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthedecisionoftheStatepartynottowithdrawanyofthereservationsitmadeatthetimeofratificationoftheCovenant.84.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthereisnotyetanymechanismtoimplementviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.85.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthereremainareaswherewomenaresubjecttodefactodiscrimination,inparticularwithregardtoequalremuneration.Itnoteswithconcernthatincertainareas,inparticularinpublicoffices,thesituationofwomenwithregardtoequalremunerationforworkofequalvaluehassignificantlydeterioratedrecently.86.2 .2DespiteeffortsbytheGovernmenttoeliminateracialandethnicdiscrimination,theCommitteeexpressesconcernabouttheriseofracismandxenophobiawithinSwedishsocietyandaboutthehighrateofracistcrimesandtheincreaseofracistbehaviouramongyoungerpeople.87.2 .2Thelengthofdetentionofillegalimmigrants,asylumseekersandpersonsorderedtobeexpelledisacauseofconcern.88.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheBoardofImmigrationandtheAliensAppealsBoardmayincertaincasesyieldtheirjurisdictiontotheGovernment,resultingindecisionsforexpulsionordenialofimmigrationorasylumstatuswithouttheaffectedindividualshavingbeengivenanappropriatehearing.IntheCommittee'sview,thispracticemay,incertaincircumstances,raisequestionsunderarticle13oftheCovenant.89.2 .2IntheCommittee'sview,theamendmenttotheCodeonJudicialProcedurestipulatingthatincertaincasesboththeconvictedpersonandthepublicprosecutorneedleavetoappealtotheCourtagainstadecisioninacriminalcasemayincertaincircumstancesraisethequestionofcompatibilitywitharticle14,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.90.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatlegislativeprovisionsadoptedrecentlybytheRiksdagandprovidingfortherightofeveryonetofishandhuntonpubliclandsmayhaveadverseconsequencesforthetraditionalrightsoftheSamipeople.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations91.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatallnecessarystepsbetakenbytheGovernmenttogivelegaleffecttotherightsenshrinedintheCovenantinthedomesticlegalorder.92.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakenfortheestablishmentofamechanismtoimplementtheviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.93.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthereservationsmadetotheCovenantbereviewedwithaviewtowithdrawingthem.94.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttocontinueitseffortstoensurethattheprincipleofequalpayforequalworkiseffectivelyimplemented.95.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyurgestheGovernmenttotakeappropriatemeasurestofighttheemergenceofracistandxenophobicattitudesamongsomeelementsofSwedishsociety.TheCommitteeparticularlystressestheimportanceofeducationalcampaignsinschoolsandatalllevelsofsocietyandofmediacampaignsaimedatbuildingasocietywherediverseculturescancoexistinaspiritofharmonyandenrichoneanother.96.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoreviewitslegislationgoverningasylumseekersandtheexpulsionofaliensinordertolimitthepossibilityandextentofdetention.Therighttohaveacasereviewedbyacompetentauthorityshouldbeavailableforalldecisionsofdetention,expulsionandrefusalofimmigrationorasylum.97.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoreceiveampleinformationinthenextperiodicreportofSwedenontheimplementationofthelegislationonleavetoappealincriminalcasesinthelightofarticle14,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.98.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattherecognizedcustomaryrightsoftheSamipeoplebefullyprotectedinthelightofarticle27oftheCovenant.@ .C.Estonia99.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofEstonia(CCPR/C/81/Add.5andHRI/CORE/1/Add.50)atits1455thand1459thmeetings(fiftyfifthsession),on23and25October1995,andatits1471stmeeting,on2November1995,adoptedthefollowingobservations.̇@ .1.Introduction100.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreportofEstoniaandexpressesitsappreciationforthefrankandconstructivedialogueengagedinwiththedelegation.TheCommittee,however,regretsthat,althoughthereportprovidedcomprehensiveinformationonprevailinglegislationinthefieldofhumanrights,nomentionwasmadeastohowtheCovenantisimplementedinpractice.TheinformationandtheanswersgivenorallybythedelegationtothequestionsraisedbymembersoftheCommitteecoveredthosedeficienciessomewhatandenabledtheCommitteetoobtainaclearerpictureofthesituationofhumanrightsinthecountry.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant101.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatitisnecessarytoovercomevestigesofthetotalitarianpastandthatmuchremainstobedonetostrengthendemocraticinstitutionsandrespectfortheruleoflaw.ItregretsthattheGovernment'seffortstorestructurethelegalsystemandtoimplementtheCovenantmoreeffectivelyhavebeenhamperedbylacunaeinsomeexistinglegislationandthatanumberofprinciplessetforthinthe1992Constitutionhavenotyetbeengivencorrespondinglaws.102.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatatthetimeoftherestorationofindependence,asignificantlylargenumberofpermanentresidentsinEstoniabelongedtominorities.ThepolicyoftheGovernmentwithregardtonaturalizationandcitizenshiphasraisedanumberofdifficultieswhichaffecttheimplementationoftheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects103.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionatthefundamentalandpositivechangesthathavetakenplaceinEstonia,providingforabetterpolitical,constitutionalandlegalframeworkfortheimplementationoftherightsenshrinedintheCovenant.104.2 .2Estonia'saccessiontotheCovenantandotherhumanrightsinstruments,soonafteritsrestorationofindependence,confirmsitsgenuinecommitmenttoguaranteebasichumanrightstoallindividualsunderitsjurisdiction.TherecognitionbyEstoniaofthecompetenceoftheCommitteetoreceiveandconsidercommunicationsfromindividualsundertheOptionalProtocolisofparticularimportancefortheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant.105.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionthatinthenewCriminalCodewhichisbeingdrafted,nodeathpenaltyisprovidedfor,anditwelcomesEstonia'sintentiontoaccedetotheSecondOptionalProtocolinthenearfuture.106.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionbyreferendumofanewConstitution,whichprovidesinitsarticles3and123thatuniversallyrecognizedprinciplesandnormsofinternationallaw,aswellashumanrightstreaties,includingtheCovenant,shallbeincorporatedintothedomesticlegalorderand,uponratification,begivenprecedenceoverinconsistentdomesticlegalprovisions.107.2 .2TheadoptionofanewLawonCourtsandthereformofthe"Prokuratura"constituteastepforwardtowardssecuringtheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern108.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackoflegislativeprovisionstoimplementarticles3and123oftheConstitution,whichaffectstheCovenant'seffectiveprecedenceoveranyinconsistentlegislativeact.ItalsoremainsunclearwhetheraprovisionofdomesticlawcanbedeclarednullandvoidifitcontradictstheCovenant.109.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatnolegislationhasyetbeenadoptedregardingtherighttocompensationforcitizenswhoserightshavebeenviolatedbytheStateorbyunlawfulbehaviourofofficials.110.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatasignificantlylargesegmentofthepopulation,particularlymembersoftheRussianspeakingminority,areunabletoenjoyEstoniancitizenshipbecauseoftheplethoraofcriteriaestablishedbylawandthestringencyofthelanguagecriterion,andthatnoremedyisavailableforanadministrativedecisionrejectingtherequestfornaturalizationundertheLawonCitizenship.111.2 .2Notingthatthenumerousrightsandprerogatives,suchastherighttoparticipateintheprocessoflandprivatizationandtherighttooccupycertainpostsorpractisesomeoccupations,aregrantedsolelytoEstoniancitizens,theCommitteeisconcernedthatpermanentresidentswhoarenon-citizensarethusdeprivedofanumberofrightsundertheCovenant.112.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheconditionsforappointmenttooremploymentinanypositioninaStateorlocalgovernmentagency,inparticulartheautomaticexclusionofpersonsunabletosatisfytherequirementsofthewrittenoathofconscienceregardingtheirpreviousactivities(undertheformerregime),maygiverisetoanunreasonablerestrictionontherightofaccesstopublicservicewithoutdiscrimination.113.2 .2Withregardtoarticle3oftheCovenant,theCommitteeregretsthatitreceivedonlylimitedinformationastothedefactosituationofwomeninEstonia.114.2 .2Withregardtoarticle4oftheCovenant,theCommitteenotesthat,althoughthereareprovisionsintheConstitutionrelatingtotheimpositionofastateofemergency,nolegislationhasyetbeenadoptedinconformitywiththerequirementsoftheCovenant.115.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthedeathpenaltycanstillbeimposedinEstoniaforcrimesthatcannotbequalifiedas"themostseriouscrimes"underarticle6oftheCovenant.Moreover,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthat,despitethedraftingofanewCriminalCodethatwillabolishcapitalpunishment,recentamendmentstothecurrentCriminalCodehaveaddedtwomorecrimestothelistofthosepunishedbycapitalpunishment.116.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthedefinitionoftortureinarticle114oftheCriminalCodeislimitedtophysicalforceanddoesnotencompasspsychologicaltortureandduress.117.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutcasesofexcessiveuseofforcebylawenforcementofficialsaswellasmistreatmentofdetainees.ItisofparticularconcerntotheCommitteethatpunitivemeasures,suchassolitarydetention,maybeimposedonjuveniledetainees.TheCommitteenotesthatthelawenforcementsystemwillonlybeabletofunctionproperlywhenasufficientnumberofwell-trainedpoliceandprisonofficersareappointed.118.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedthat,asconfirmedbytheStatepartyinparagraph79ofitsreport:"Prisonfacilitiesareovercrowdedandmanyinmatesaresubjecttounhealthylivingconditions".ItregretsthatitdidnotreceivesufficientinformationwhichwouldhaveenabledittoexaminetheextenttowhichtheStatepartyisinviolationofarticles7and10oftheCovenant,anditnoteswithconcernthatitwasnotprovidedwithinformationregardingseparationofaccusedpersonsfromconvictedpersons,asrequiredunderarticle10,paragraph2(a),oftheCovenant.119.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,asaresultofthelackofdomesticlegislationandproceduresgoverningthetreatmentofasylumseekersandthedeterminationoftheirstatus,theGovernmenthastoooftenresortedtomeasuresofdeprivationofliberty.120.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernatlimitationstotheexerciseoffreedomofassociationforlongtermpermanentresidentsinEstonia,particularlyinthepoliticalsphere.121.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedatthedefinitionofminoritiesinEstonianlegislation,whichonlyencompassesnationalminorities,thusrestrictingtheapplicationoftheLawonCulturalAutonomyforEthnicMinoritiesbyexcludingpermanentresidentsfromfullparticipationinminoritygroups.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations122.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatnecessarymeasuresbetakentoensurethatalldomesticprovisionsinconsistentwiththeCovenantarerepealedandthatlawsadoptedareinfullcompliancewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant.RegardingtheactualapplicationoftheCovenant,theCommitteerequeststheStatepartytoindicateinitssecondperiodicreportanyinstancesinwhichtheCovenantwasdirectlyinvokedbeforethecourts,aswellasabouttherelatedresults.123.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewandincludeinformationinitsnextperiodicreportontheproceduresestablishedtoensurecompliancewiththeviewsandrecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant,alsobearinginmindtheobligationsunderarticle2oftheCovenant.124.2 .2Withregardtoarticle2,theCommitteerecommendsthatallprovisionsindomesticlawdiscriminatingagainstnon-citizensbesystematicallyreviewedandbroughtintolinewitharticles2and26oftheCovenant.125.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewtheLawontheImplementationoftheConstitutionwithregardtotheobligationtotakeanoathofconscience,withaviewtobringingtheLawfullyintolinewithnon-discriminationprovisionsandarticle25oftheCovenantandprovidingfortherighttoaneffectiveremedyagainstadecisionnottoappointortodismissapersonincaseofrefusaltotakesuchanoath.126.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlawsbeadoptedtoenablevictimsofviolationoftherightsguaranteedundertheCovenanttobeeffectivelycompensatedunderdomesticlaw.127.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinformationonthesituationofwomenbeincludedinthesecondperiodicreportand,moregenerally,thatnecessarystepsbetakentoincludeappropriateprogrammesinformalandinformaleducationinordertoachieveequalitybetweenthesexes.128.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoenactlegislationinconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticle4oftheCovenant.129.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttoreducesubstantiallythenumberofcrimesforwhichthedeathpenaltymaybeimposed,inaccordancewitharticle6oftheCovenant,pendingtheadoptionofthenewCriminalCodethatwillabolishthedeathpenalty.130.2 .2Withregardtoarticle7oftheCovenant,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatarticle114oftheCriminalCodebereviewedsoastoensureitscompliancewiththebroaderscopeoftorture,undertheCovenant,andcallstheattentionoftheauthoritiestoitsgeneralcommentNo.20(44).131.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytotakeimmediatestepstoensurethatallpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyaretreatedwithhumanityandwithrespectfortheinherentdignityofthehumanperson,inconformitywitharticles7and10oftheCovenant.132.2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedforeffectivecontroloverthepoliceandprisonofficials.IntensivetrainingandeducationprogrammesinthefieldofhumanrightsforlawenforcementofficialsandprisonofficialsarerecommendedtoensuretheirobservanceoftheCovenantandotherinternationalinstruments.133.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofEstoniaadoptdomesticlegislationgoverningthetreatmentofasylumseekers,incompliancewiththeCovenant.ItfurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmentseekassistancefrominternationalorganizations,includingtheOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,andconsideraccedingtothe1951Conventionandthe1967ProtocolrelatingtotheStatusofRefugees.134.2 .2Withrespecttotherightsofminorities,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatnationallegislationbeamendedtobringallminoritieswithinthescopeoftheLawonCulturalAutonomyforEthnicMinorities,inconformitywitharticle27oftheCovenant,anddrawstheattentionoftheauthoritiestoitsgeneralcommentNo.23(50).135.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheCovenant,theOptionalProtocolandtheCommittee'scommentsbewidelydisseminatedinEstonia.Italsorecommendsthathumanrightseducationbeprovidedinschoolatalllevelsandthatcomprehensivehumanrightstrainingbeprovidedtoallsegmentsofthepopulation,includinglawenforcementofficersandallpersonsinvolvedintheadministrationofjustice.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalcooperationservicesoftheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRights.@ .bD.Mauritius136.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdperiodicreportoftheRepublicofMauritius(CCPR/C/64/Add.12andHRI/CORE/1/Add.60)atits1476thto1478thmeetings(fiftyfifthsession),on19and20March1996,andatits1497thmeeting,on2April1996,adoptedthefollowingcomments.@ .1.Introduction137.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthethirdperiodicreportpresentedbyMauritiusandexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyfortheadditionalinformationsubmittedorallyandinwritingbyahighleveldelegationduringtheconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatthereportwaslongoverdue.Thevaluablesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegation,bothoralandwritten,providedasoundbasisforafrankandfruitfuldialoguebetweentheCommitteeandtheStateparty.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant138.2 .2TheCommitteefindsnosignificantfactorsordifficultiesthatwouldpreventtheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenantinMauritius.@ .3.Positiveaspects139.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheharmoniouscoexistenceofthemultiethnicpopulationofMauritiusanditsatmosphereoftolerancestrengthentheabilityofMauritiustoliveuptoitsobligationsundertheCovenant.140.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationfortheadoptionoftheAbolitionoftheDeathPenaltyAct1995,whichcameintoforceinDecember1995andprovidesfortheimpositionofasentenceoflifeimprisonmentinplaceofthedeathpenalty.141.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheamendmenttosection16oftheConstitutionbytheenactmentoftheConstitutionofMauritius(Amendment)Act1995,whichaddsgendertothegroundsonwhichdiscriminationbylawsorbypublicauthoritiesisprohibited.TheamendmenttotheMauritiusCitizenshipAct1968,removingdiscriminationongroundsofgender,theproposedbillondomesticviolenceandthefullrecognitionoftheequalrightsofchildrenborninandoutofwedlockarealsowelcomed.142.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthelargescalelegislativereformthatisbeingcontemplatedwithaview,interalia,toshorteningthelengthofcourtproceedingsandtoreconsideringthesystemoflegalaid.143.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthepromulgationin1994oftheChildProtectionAct.144.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentofahumanrightsunitbytheAttorneyGeneralwithaview,interalia,toundertakingthepreparationofthereportsofMauritiustothevariousUnitedNationshumanrightstreatybodies.145.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativesofMauritiustoestablishanIndianOceanhumanrightsinstitute.146.2 .2Theannouncementconcerningtheproposedestablishmentofanindependentpolicecomplaintsboardiswelcomed.147.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheintentionoftheGovernmenttosetupanindependentbroadcastingauthority.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern148.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthenon-incorporationintodomesticlawofalltherightsguaranteedintheCovenantandtheexistenceofnon-permissiblelimitationsaffectthefullimplementationoftheCovenantinMauritiusandthat,accordingly,thelegalsystemofMauritiusdoesnotensureeffectiveremediesinallcasesofviolationsofrightsguaranteedintheCovenant.149.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatexceptingpersonallawsandforeignersfromtheprohibitionofdiscrimination-assetforthinsection16oftheConstitution-resultsinaviolationofarticle26oftheCovenant.150.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheproblemofdomesticviolencehasnotyetbeentheobjectofappropriatemeasures.151.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernovertheprovisionsinthesofarnon-implementedDangerousDrugsAct1995underwhichanarrestedpersonmaybeheldincommunicadoatthediscretionofapoliceofficer.152.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthepowersofdetentionprovidedforinsections5(1)(k)and5(4)oftheConstitutionareincompatiblewitharticle9,paragraphs3and4,oftheCovenant.153.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthelegislationofMauritiushasnotyetbeenbroughtintolinewitharticle11oftheCovenant.154.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheextentofdefactolimitationonfreedomofexpression,asexemplifiedbythebanningoftworecentliteraryworkswithoutlegalmeasureshavingbeentakentothateffect,andatpenaloffencesrelatingtolibelandthedisseminationoffalsenews.ExtralegalrestrictionsonfreedomofexpressionarenotcompatiblewiththeCovenant.155.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithconcernoftherequirementthatpriornotificationbemadesevendaysbeforeanypublicmeetingisheldinordertoobtainpermissionfromtheCommissionerofPolice.156.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutdifficultiesfacedbythoseworkinginexportprocessingzonesintheenjoymentoftheirrightsunderarticle22oftheCovenant.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations157.2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedforlegalmachineryenablingindividualstoenforcealltherightsenshrinedintheCovenantbeforedomesticcourts.158.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatallgroundsonwhichdiscriminationisprohibited,asidentifiedinarticles2and26oftheCovenant,beincorporatedintherelevantnon-discriminationprovisionsoftheConstitutionandthattheprovisionsbeextendedtocoveraliens.Itfurtherrecommendsthatsection16(2)and16(4)(c)oftheConstitutionbeamendedtomakethemcompatiblewitharticle2,paragraph1,andarticles3and26oftheCovenantandthatstepsbetakentointroducecomprehensiveanti-discriminationlawstocoverallspheres,publicorprivate,protectedbytheCovenant.Itisalsorecommendedthattheproposedequalopportunitycommissionconsiderwhetheraffirmativeactionmeasures,includingeducationalmeasures,arenecessarytoovercomeremainingobstaclestoequality,suchasoutdatedattitudesconcerningtheroleandstatusofwomen.159.2 .2Followingtheabolitionofthedeathpenalty,itisrecommendedthatMauritiusconsiderratificationoftheSecondOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.160.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethattheenvisagedindependentpolicecomplaintsboardwillbeestablishedassoonaspossibleandthatprovisionsareincludedinthelawtoensurethattheboardwillenjoythepowersandreceivetheresourcestoenableittoinvestigateallegationsofabusebymembersofthepolice.161.2 .2TheCommitteestressestheneedtoestablishamechanismtoprovidelegalaidforappealstothePrivyCouncil.162.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsreconsiderationofthelegislationonthepublicationoffalsenews.IftheStatepartyconsidersitnecessarytoallowforsomerestrictionsonpublicationsandshowingoffilms,legislationshouldbeintroducedestablishingcriteriaconsistentwitharticle19,paragraph3,oftheCovenantandprovidingforjudicialreviewofalldecisionstorestricttheexerciseoffreedomofexpression.TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethattheenvisagedindependentbroadcastingauthoritywillbeestablishedassoonaspossible.Itsuggeststheestablishmentofamechanismthatwouldallowforapresscodeofethics.163.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatconsiderationbegiventoensuringthatrestrictionsdonotexceedwhatisnecessaryinademocraticsociety,inconformitywitharticle21oftheCovenant.164.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethat,aspartoftheplannedreviewofindustriallegislation,theGovernmentwillconsiderwhetherworkersinexportprocessingzones,themajorityofwhomarewomen,needadditionallegalprotectiontoensuretheirfullenjoymentoftherightsguaranteedbyarticle22oftheCovenant.165.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatestepsbetakentoensurethattheinhabitantsoftheislandsofAgalegaandSt.Brandonareabletoexercisetheirrighttovote,asrequiredbyarticle25oftheCovenant.166.2 .2Lastly,theCommitteesuggeststhatstepsbetakentodisseminateinalllanguagesspokeninMauritiusinformationabouttheCovenantandaboutthereportandtheproceedingsbeforetheCommittee.Italsosuggeststhatstepsbetakentopublisheducationalmaterial,particularlyforchildren,inthemostusedvernacularlanguages.&  @ .*E.Spain167.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthefourthperiodicreportofSpain'  (CCPR/C/95/Add.1andHRI/CORE/1/Add.2/Rev.2)atits1479thto1481stmeetings(fiftysixthsession),on20and21March1996,andatits1498thmeeting,on3April1996,adoptedthefollowingcomments.@ .1.Introduction168.2 .2TheCommitteethankstheStatepartyforsubmitting,withintheallottedtime,areportwhichisinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforengaging,throughitshighlyqualifieddelegation,inaconstructivedialogue.ItnoteswithsatisfactionthattheinformationprovidedinthereportandorallybythedelegationhasgiventheCommitteeanappreciationofthemannerinwhichSpainisacquittingitselfofitsobligationundertheCovenant.@ .2.Factorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementation@ .oftheCovenant󀀀169.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatterroristgroupscontinuetoperpetratebloodyattackswhichresultinlossoflifeandaffecttheapplicationoftheCovenantinSpain.Italsonotesthere-emergenceofracistandxenophobictheoriesandbehaviour.@ .3.Positiveaspects170.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatSpainhascomealongwayinthepromotionofandrespectforhumanrights.InthisconnectionitwelcomestheaccessionofSpain,on22March1991,totheSecondOptionalProtocol,aimingattheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.171.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthateffortshavebeenmadetodisseminateinformationonrespectforhumanrightsinschoolsaswellasinformationontheCommittee'sreporttothegeneralpublic.172.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthenewlawof15January1996concerningthestatusofminorsshouldcontributetotheapplicationinSpainoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtherelevantprovisionsoftheCovenant,particularlyarticle24.173.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheprogressmadebytheStatepartyinpromotingequalopportunityforwomeninallsectorsofpublicandprofessionallife.174.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatthePenalCodedrawnupin1995includesprovisionsestablishingpenaltiesforactsofracialdiscriminationandxenophobia.175.2 .2Finally,theCommitteenotesthatmanydecisionsinthenationalcourtsrefertotheCovenantasthelegalbasis,inconformitywitharticles10and96oftheConstitution.&  @ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern176.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthenumerousreportsithasreceivedof'  ill-treatmentandeventortureinflictedbymembersofthesecurityforcesonpersonssuspectedofactsofterrorism.Itnoteswithconcernthatinvestigationsarenotalwayssystematicallycarriedoutbythepublicauthoritiesandthatwhenmembersofthesecurityforcesarefoundguiltyofsuchactsandsentencedtodeprivationofliberty,theyareoftenpardonedorreleasedearlyorsimplydonotservethesentence.Moreover,thosewhoperpetratesuchdeedsareseldomsuspendedfromtheirfunctionsforanylengthoftime.177.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatproofobtainedunderduressisnotsystematicallyrejectedbycourts.178.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernatthemaintenanceonacontinuousbasisofspeciallegislationunderwhichpersonssuspectedofbelongingtoorcollaboratingwitharmedgroupsmaybedetainedincommunicadoforuptofivedays,maynothavealawyeroftheirownchoosingandarejudgedbytheAudienciaNacionalwithoutthepossibilityofappeal.TheCommitteeemphasizesthatthoseprovisionsarenotinconformitywitharticles9and14oftheCovenant.Alsoinregardtothosetwoarticles,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthedurationofpretrialdetentioncancontinueforseveralyearsandthatthemaximumdurationofsuchdetentionisdeterminedaccordingtotheapplicablepenalty.179.2 .2Withregardtotheincreaseinthenumberofasylumseekers,theCommitteenotesthatanyonewhoseapplicationforasylumorforrefugeestatusisdeniedcanbeheldforsevendayspriortobeingexpelled.180.2 .2TheCommitteedeploresthepoorprisonconditionsthatexistinmostprisons,generallyresultingfromovercrowdinganddeprivingthosedetainedoftherightsguaranteedinarticle10oftheCovenant.181.2 .2Finally,theCommitteeisgreatlyconcernedtohearthatindividualscannotclaimthestatusofconscientiousobjectoroncetheyhaveenteredthearmedforces;thatdoesnotseemtobeconsistentwiththerequirementsofarticle18oftheCovenant,aspointedoutintheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.22(48).@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations182.2 .2TheCommitteeinvitestheStatepartytotakethenecessarysteps,includingeducationalmeasuresandinformationcampaigns,toavertracistandxenophobictendencies.183.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyestablishtransparentandequitableproceduresforconductingindependentinvestigationsintocomplaintsofilltreatmentandtortureinvolvingthesecurityforces,andurgesittobringtocourtandprosecuteofficialswhoarefoundtohavecommittedsuchdeedsandtopunishthemappropriately.TheCommitteesuggeststhatcomprehensivehumanrightstrainingshouldbeprovidedtolawenforcementofficialsandprisonpersonnel.184.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelegislativeprovisionswhichstatethatpersonsaccusedofactsofterrorismorthosesuspectedofcollaboratingwithsuchpersonsmaynotchoosetheirlawyershouldberescinded.IturgestheStatepartytoabandontheuseofincommunicadodetentionandinvitesittoreducethedurationofpretrialdetentionandtostopusingdurationoftheapplicablepenaltyasacriterionfordeterminingthemaximumdurationofpretrialdetention.185.2 .2TheStatepartyisstronglyurgedtoinstitutearightofappealagainstdecisionsoftheAudienciaNacionalinordertomeettherequirementsofarticle14,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.186.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoamenditslegislationonconscientiousobjectionsothatanyindividualwhowishestoclaimthestatusofconscientiousobjectormaydosoatanytime,eitherbeforeorafterenteringthearmedforces.@ .F.Zambia187.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofZambia(CCPR/C/63/Add.3andHRI/CORE/1/Add.22/Rev.1)atits1487thto1489thmeetings(fiftysixthsession),on26and27March1996,andatits1498thmeeting,on3April1996,adoptedthefollowingcomments.@ .1.Introduction188.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportbyZambiaandexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyfortheresumptionofaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatalthoughthereportprovidesinformationongenerallegislativenormsinZambia,itlargelyfailstodealwiththeactualstateofimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandthedifficultiesencounteredinthecourseofimplementation.TheCommitteeappreciatesthepresenceofadelegationwhichprovidedhelpfulinformationtoitinresponsetoitsquestionsandthusallowedittoobtainasomewhatclearerviewoftheoverallsituationintheStateparty.Unfortunately,thedelegationdidnotincludeexpertsonalltheissuesdealtwithinthereportoronissuesusuallyraisedbytheCommitteeduringtheconsiderationofthereportsofStatesparties.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant189.2 .2TheremnantsofcertaintraditionsandcustomsconstituteanobstacletotheeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant,particularlywithregardtoequalitybetweenmenandwomen.@ .3.Positiveaspects190.2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthattheStatepartyhasbegunamendingitsdomesticlegislationtobringitintolinewiththeCovenant.191.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheintroductionofamulti-partysystemofgovernment,aswellaseffortsundertakenbytheStatepartytostrengthendemocraticinstitutionsandthemulti-partysystem.Inthatregard,ittakesnoteoftheestablishmentofacommissiontoreviewtheConstitutionandoftheadoptionofmeasuresdesignedtostrengthentheruleoflaw.ItfurtherwelcomesthesettingupoftheMunyamaHumanRightsCommission.192.2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatestheeffortsmadebytheGovernmenttoimplementviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocol.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern193.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatstepsstillremaintobetakentoharmonizetheConstitutionwiththeCovenantandtodevelopdemocraticinstitutionsandhumanrightsmachineryforbetterimplementationoftheCovenant.194.2 .2TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthattheequalityclauseinsection11oftheConstitutionandthenon-discriminationclauseinsection23donotapplytonon-citizensandthatthereareotherexemptionsinsection23whicharenotcompatiblewitharticles3and26oftheCovenant.195.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernoverthesituationofwomenwho,despitesomeadvances,continuetobedejureanddefactotheobjectofdiscrimination,particularlyasregardseducation,accesstoworkandparticipationintheconductofpublicaffairs.Theapplicationofcustomarylawsinmattersofpersonalstatus,marriage,divorceandinheritancerightsreinforcesoutdatedattitudesconcerningtheroleandstatusofwomen.TheCommitteealsoregretsthelackofmeasurestoadequatelyaddressproblemsraisedwithregardtoviolenceagainstwomenandthehighmaternalmortalityrateresultingfromabortion.196.2 .2Section43oftheConstitution,whichrestrictstherightofindividualstopursuecivilremediesinthecourtsagainstthePresidentforanythingdoneinhisprivatecapacity,isincompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle14oftheCovenant.197.2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthattheproclamationofastateofemergencyinMarch1993wasnotcommunicatedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsinaccordancewitharticle4,paragraph3,oftheCovenant.TheCommitteealsoregretsthelackofclarityofthelegalprovisionsgoverningtheintroductionandadministrationofastateofemergency,particularlysections31and32oftheConstitution,whichwouldpermitderogationscontraveningtheStateparty'sobligationsunderarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthederogationofrightspermissibleundersection25oftheConstitutiongoesfarbeyondthatpermissibleunderarticle4,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.198.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattherightscontainedinarticles7,9and10oftheCovenantarenotfullyrespected.Itisconcernedinparticularthattortureandilltreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertycontinuetobereportedandthatabusesallegedlycommittedbypoliceofficersandmembersofthesecurityforcesarenotdulyinvestigatedbyanindependentbody.199.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheNationalCommitteeonPenalReformbutisgreatlyconcernedatthepoorconditionsinplacesofdetentionandthelackofimplementationoftheguaranteescontainedinarticle10oftheCovenantaswellasintheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.200.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthreejournalistswerefoundtobein"grosscontemptoftheNationalAssembly"withoutanyoftheproceduralguaranteesoffairtrialprovidedforbyarticles9and14oftheCovenantandthattwoofthosejournalistswereheldinindefinitedetentionbeforerelease,contrarytotheprovisionsofarticle9oftheCovenantandevencontrarytosection13oftheConstitutionandsections27and28(3)oftheNationalAssembly(PowersandPrivileges)Act.201.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutreportsofarrestsandchargesagainstjournalistsforthepublicationofnewspaperarticles.Useofthecriminalprocesstoensureaccountabilityofthepressfortheveracityofitsreportsisnotcompatiblewitharticle19oftheCovenant.Robustandevenharshcriticismofgovernmentfiguresisanessentialpartoffreespeechinademocraticcountry.202.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheproposalsmadebytheConstitutionalReviewCommitteeinregardtoappointmentofjudgesoftheSupremeCourtbythePresidentaftertheirretirementandtheremovalofSupremeCourtjudgesbythePresident,subjectonlytoratificationbytheNationalAssemblywithoutanysafeguardorinquirybyanindependentjudicialtribunal,areincompatiblewiththeindependenceofthejudiciaryandruncountertoarticle14oftheCovenant.203.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatnomeasuresaretakentoensurethatpregnancyorparenthooddoesnotaffectthecontinuouseducationofchildren.204.2 .2TherequirementtosingthenationalanthemandsalutetheflagasaconditionofattendingaStateschool,despiteconscientiousobjection,appearstobeanunreasonablerequirementandtobeincompatiblewitharticles18and24oftheCovenant.205.2 .2TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedthatprovisionsinthePenalCodewhichfixeightyearsastheageofcriminalresponsibilityandwhichpermitchildrentobechargedjointlywithadultstobetriedintheordinarycriminalcourtsappeartobeincompatiblewitharticle14,paragraph4,andarticle24oftheCovenant.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations206.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyencouragestheGovernmenttoundertakeathoroughreviewofthelegalframeworkfortheprotectionofhumanrightsintheStatepartytoensurefullconformitywiththeCovenant.Itrecommendsthatappropriateinstitutionsbesetuptopromotetheobservanceofhumanrights.207.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslawsandmakeappropriateamendments,includingtheabrogationofsubsections23(4)(c)and(d)oftheConstitution,toensurefulllegalanddefactoequalityforwomeninallaspectsofsocialandeconomicrelationshipsandparticularlyinthelawsgoverningthestatusofwomen,women'srightsandobligationsinmarriage.Itemphasizestheneedfortheauthoritiestoincreaseeffortstopreventandeliminatepersistingdiscriminatoryattitudesandprejudicesagainstwomen.Comprehensiveanti-discriminatorylawscoveringboththeprivateandthepublicspheresshouldbeintroduced,aswellas,whereappropriate,affirmativeactionmeasures.208.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiesadoptlegislationtobringthedomesticlegalregime,includingsection25oftheConstitution,intoharmonywiththeStateparty'sobligationsunderarticle4oftheCovenant.209.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inviewofthecurrentdebatereferredtoinparagraph18ofthereportoftheStatepartyandthefactthattherehavebeennoexecutionssince1988,theStatepartyconsidertakingmeasuresfortheabolitionofthedeathpenaltyandtheratificationoforaccessiontotheSecondOptionalProtocoltotheCovenant.210.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheauthoritiestotakethenecessarystepstoensurethattorture,illtreatmentandillegaldetentiondonotoccurandthatanysuchcasesaredulyinvestigatedbyanindependentauthorityinordertobringbeforethecourtsthoseaccusedofhavingcommittedsuchactsandtopunishthemiffoundguilty.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthereportoftheMunyamaHumanRightsCommissionbepublishedassoonaspossibleandthattheStatepartymoveforthereformofpenallawandpractice.211.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatstepsbetakeninlawandinpracticetoimplementfullytheprovisionsofarticle10oftheCovenantaswellastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners,andtomakerelevantlawsandregulationsgoverningthetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyknownandaccessibletotheprisonersthemselves,aswellasthepolice,armedforces,prisonpersonnelandotherpersonsresponsibleforholdinginterrogation.Urgentstepsshouldbetakentoreducethenumberofprisonersthroughthereviewofsentences,thespeedingupoftrialsandothermeasures.212.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstheabolitionofimprisonmentforcivildebt,incompliancewitharticle11oftheCovenant.213.2 .2Corporalpunishmentshouldbeabolished,inaccordancewitharticle7oftheCovenant.214.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmerecriticismbyjournalistsofgovernmentofficialsshouldnotbemadeacriminaloffence.215.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthereleaseundercourtorderoftwojournalistswhoweredetainedafterbeingfoundtobeincontemptoftheNationalAssembly.IttruststhatthethirdjournalistcensuredbyParliamentwillnotbedetained.IturgesthatinfutureallcasesinwhichpeoplearesuspectedofcontemptofParliamentbedealtwithbythecourtsinamannerconsistentwithallrequirementsoftheCovenant.216.2 .2TheCommitteecallsupontheStatepartytoprepareitsthirdperiodicreportincompliancewiththeCommittee'sguidelinesforthepreparationofStatepartyreports.Thereportshould,inparticular,includedetailedinformationontheextenttowhicheachrightisenjoyedinpractice,andrefertospecificfactorsanddifficultiesthatmightimpedeitsapplication.Inundertakingthisobligation,theStatepartymaywishtoavailitselfoftheadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceprogrammeoftheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRights.&  @ .bG.Guatemala217.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofGuatemala(CCPR/C/81/Add.7'  andHRI/CORE/1/Add.47)atits1486th,1488thand1489thmeetings(fiftysixthsession),on26and28March1996,andatits1499thmeeting,on3April1996,adoptedthefollowingcomments.@ .1.Introduction218.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreportsubmittedbytheStatepartyandwelcomesthedelegation'swillingnesstoengageinafrankandfruitfuldialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatalthoughthereportprovidesinformationongenerallegislativenormsinGuatemala,itlargelyfailstodealwiththeactualstateofimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandthedifficultiesencounteredinthecourseofimplementationwhichthedelegationfranklyadmitted,afactwhichtheCommitteeappreciates.TheCommitteeappreciatedthepresenceofacompetentdelegationwhichprovidedhelpfulinformationtoitinresponsetoitsquestionsandthusallowedittoobtainaclearerviewoftheoverallhumanrightssituationintheStateparty.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant219.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatGuatemalacontinuestosufferfromalongcivilwarwhichhasdevastatedthecountryformorethanfourdecades.Inthecontextofsuchconflict,grossandmassivehumanrightsviolationshaveoccurredand,althoughsomestepshavebeentakeninrecentyearstoachievepeace,theconflictingpartieshavenotyetnegotiatedanendtothewar.ThesituationofarmedconflictwhichhasprevailedsinceGuatemalaratifiedtheCovenanthasgivenrisetoseriousviolationsofhumanrights.Thearmedconflicthasalsosubjectedciviliangovernmentalauthoritytothepowerofthemilitary,whichisincompatiblewiththelegitimatefunctionsoffreelyelectedauthoritiesandthepurposeofelections.220.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatvarioussegmentsofthepopulation,particularlypersonswhoareorweremembersofthearmedforcesorgovernmentofficialsorwhoholdeconomicpower,continuetotakeadvantageofaclimateofimpunity,resultinginthemostserioushumanrightsviolationsandrepresentinganobstacletotheruleoflawintheStateparty.221.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatsocialandeconomicdisparityispervasiveinthecountry.Highlevelsofpovertyandilliteracy,lackofopportunitiesanddiscriminationagainsttheindigenouspopulation,womenandthepoorcontributetowidespreadviolationsofhumanrights.@ .3.Positiveaspects222.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionatpositivechangesfortheprotectionofhumanrightssincethesigningoftheCentralAmericanpeaceagreementon7August1987.Itnotesthatsomeprogresshasbeenmadetowardsenteringadialoguethatwouldhopefullyputanendtothesituationofarmedconflictandleadtotheestablishmentoftheruleoflaw.Inthatconnection,theCommitteenotesthesigningon29March1994oftheComprehensiveAgreementonHumanRights,andconsequentlytheestablishmentoftheUnitedNationsMissioninGuatemala(MINUGUA)andofitshumanrightscomponent,aswellastheconclusionon23June1994oftheAgreementonResettlementofthePopulationGroupsUprootedbytheArmedConflict.223.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthecurrentGovernment'sintentionstoachieveafirmandlastingpeaceinGuatemalaanditswillingnesstoputanendtoseriousviolationsofhumanrightsandcreateabetterpolitical,constitutionalandlegalframeworkforthefullimplementationoftherightsenshrinedintheCovenant.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheterminationofoffensivemilitaryactionsdecreedbytheNationalRevolutionaryUnitedFrontandthecessationofallcounterinsurgencyoperationsbytheGovernmentdecreedbyPresidentArz,aswellastheendingofobligatorymilitaryservice,whichwillaidinthedemilitarizationofthecountry.224.2 .2Inthatconnection,theCommitteewelcomesthepositivestepstakenbytherecentlyelectedGovernment,suchasthedismissalofcertaintopofficialsofthearmedforcesandthereopeningofadialoguewiththearmedoppositionon22February1996.ItalsowelcomestheeliminationofthepostoftheMilitaryCommissioner(ComisionadoMilitar)andthedemobilizationofmorethan14,000personsfromthesecurityforces.225.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesGuatemala'sratificationoftheCovenantin1992,aswellastheadoptionbytheCongressoflegislationapprovingratificationoftheOptionalProtocol.ItwelcomestheindicationmadebytherepresentativesoftheStatepartythatGuatemalawilldeposititsinstrumentofratificationtotheOptionalProtocolwithinthenextfewdays.226.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheOfficeoftheHumanRightsProcuratorandthePresidentialCommissionforCoordinatingExecutivePolicyintheFieldofHumanRights(COPREDEH).Italsowelcomesthelegalreformundertakeninsomeareas,notablyconstitutionalamendmentstobringGuatemalanlawintoconformitywithinternationalhumanrightsstandards,theadoptionofanewCodeofCriminalProcedureandtheenactmentofanewLawontheProsecutor'sOffice(LeyOrgnicadelMinisterioPblico),aimingattheinvestigationandpunishmentofhumanrightsviolations.227.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesrecentlegislationmakingtorture,forceddisappearancesandextrajudicialexecutionspunishableoffencesinGuatemala.Italsowelcomesrecentdevelopmentstocurbthepowerofmilitarytribunalsandtobringcasesofhumanrightsviolationsbymembersofthearmyandthesecurityforcesunderthejurisdictionofcivilcourts.228.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestherecentelectionsandthefactthatafterafailedcoupd'tattheauthorityvestedinfreelyelectedofficialswasstrengthened.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern229.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheabsenceofaStatepolicyforcombatingimpunityhaspreventedtheidentification,trialandpunishmentiffoundguiltyofthoseresponsibleandthepaymentofcompensationtothevictims.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthedelaysandfailuresoftheprocessoflawandthenon-compliancebythepolicewithcourtdecisionsandordershaveheightenedthepublicperceptionthatjusticecannotbeobtained.230.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernthathumanrightsviolationscontinuetooccurinGuatemala,particularlyseriousandsystematicviolationsoftherighttolifeandlibertyandsecurityofthepersoncarriedoutbyparamilitarygroups,manyofthemlinkedtotheState'ssecurityforces.231.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheextensionofthedeathpenaltyinawaywhichmightnotbeinconformitywiththerequirementsofarticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.232.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithalarmtheinformationreceivedofcasesofsummaryexecutions,disappearances,torture,rapeandotherinhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,arbitraryarrestsanddetentionofpersonsbymembersofthearmyandsecurityforces,orparamilitaryandotherarmedgroupsorindividuals,notablythecivilselfdefencepatrols,andformermilitarycommissioners.233.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthecasesofviolenceagainsttherepatriatedpopulation,whichhasresultedinextrajudicialexecutions,disappearances,andtortureorilltreatment.Inthisconnection,itisconcernedattheconductofmembersofthecivilselfdefencepatrolswhohaveusedtheirpositiontoharassrepatriatedpersons.234.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatmembersofvarioussocialsectors,particularlymembersofthejudiciary,lawyers,journalists,humanrightsactivists,membersoftradeunionsandmembersofpoliticalpartiesfacedseriousobstaclesinthelegitimateperformanceoftheirduties,beingsubjecttointimidation,deaththreatsandevenmurder.TheCommitteedeploresthateffectivemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentopreventrecurrenceofsuchacts.235.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatjudgesaresubjectedtosupervisionofanExecutiveBranchbodywhichmayaffecttheirindependence.236.2 .2TheCommitteedeploresthesituationofstreetchildreninGuatemalawhoaresubjectedtoseriousviolationsoftheirhumanrightsundertheCovenant,particularlytheirrighttolifeandtonotbesubjectedtotortureandill-treatment.TheCommitteeisconcernedattheintensityofabuseagainststreetchildrenbypersonsofauthority,includingthepublicandprivatepolice.237.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatcustomsandtraditionsprevailinginGuatemalawhichdiscriminateagainstwomen.ItisparticularlyconcernedatthestatementbythedelegationthatStateinstitutionsarefrequentlynotinapositiontoaddresstheproblemsaffectingthefemalepopulation.TheCommitteeisespeciallyconcernedatviolencewithinthefamilywhichnotonlyaffectswomenbutalsothechildren.238.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernatthespecificimpactoftheprevailingviolencewithinthecountryontheenjoymentbymembersofindigenousgroupsoftheirrightsunderarticle27oftheCovenant.Inthatconnection,theCommitteeisconcernedthatdespitethesigningofanaccordbetweentheGovernmentandthearmedoppositionon31March1995ontheidentityandrightsoftheindigenouspopulation,thelawonindigenouscommunitiesrequiredbyarticle17oftheConstitutionhasnotyetbeenenacted.239.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthecurtailmentoftherightofassociation,especiallywithintheworkplace.Inthatconnection,itisconcernedatthehighlevelsofviolenceagainsttradeunionmembers,attheintimidationbyagentsofoffshoreoperationsandatthelargenumberofcasesofstrikesthataredeemedillegal.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations240.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyencouragestheGovernmenttoundertakeathoroughreviewofthelegalframeworkfortheprotectionofhumanrightsintheStatepartytoensurefullconformitywiththeCovenant.241.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttocontinueworkingontheprocessofnationalreconciliationwhichmaybringlastingpeacetoGuatemalansociety.TheGuatemalanGovernmentshouldtakeallrelevantmeasurestoavoidcasesofimpunityand,especially,toallowthevictimsofhumanrightsviolationstolearnthetruthaboutthoseacts,toknowwhotheperpetratorsofsuchactsareandtoobtainappropriatecompensation.242.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyendeavourtobringtojusticeperpetratorsofhumanrightsabuses,notwithstandingthepositionstheymayhaveheld,inaccordancewiththeCovenant.IturgestheStatepartytoinvestigateallegationsofhumanrightsviolations,pastandpresent,toactonthefindingsofitsinvestigations,tobringtojusticethosesuspected,topunishtheperpetratorsandtocompensatethevictimsofsuchacts.Personsfoundguiltyofhavingcommittedhumanrightsviolationsshouldbeexpelledfromthearmedorsecurityforcesandpunishedaccordingly.243.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheOfficeoftheHumanRightsProcuratorandthePresidentialCommissionforCoordinatingExecutivePolicyintheFieldofHumanRights(COPREDEH)bestrengthenedinbothresourcesandjurisdictioninordertoensurethattheymayeffectivelycarryouttheirresponsibilities.244.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatallnecessarymeasuresbetakentoensurethathumanrightsarerespectedbymembersofthearmy,thesecurityforcesandthepolice.Iturgescontinuingvigorousactiontoensurethatpersonsresponsibleforhumanrightsabusesdonotre-enterthepolice,armyorsecurityforces.Immediatestepsshouldbetakentodisbandparamilitaryandothergroups,particularlythecivilselfdefencepatrols.245.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthataneducationalprogrammebedevisedsothatallsegmentsofthepopulation,inparticularmembersofthearmy,thesecurityforcesandthepolice,aswellaspresentandformermembersofthecivilself-defencepatrols,developacultureoftoleranceofandrespectforhumanrightsandhumandignity.246.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttotakeallnecessarysteps,includingprotectiveandpre-emptivemeasures,toensurethatmembersofvarioussocialsectors,particularlymembersofthejudiciary,lawyers,journalists,humanrightsactivists,membersoftradeunionsandmembersofpoliticalparties,areenabledtoperformtheirdutieswithoutintimidationofanysort.247.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheindependenceofthejudiciarybeensuredandalawregulatingitbeenacted.248.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatestringentmeasuresbetakentoensurethefullestpossibleimplementationofarticle24oftheCovenant,includingadequateprotectionofstreetchildren.Sternmeasuresmustbetakentopunishthosefoundguiltyofcommittinganykindofviolenceagainstminors,especiallyagainstthosewhoendurehardlivingconditions.249.2 .2TheCommitteealsourgesthatviolence,especiallywithinthehome,andactsofdiscriminationagainstwomen,suchassexualharassmentintheworkplace,beestablishedaspunishablecrimes.250.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoensurethatmembersofindigenousgroupsareprotectedagainsttheprevailingviolencewithinthecountryandenjoyfullytheirrightsunderarticle27oftheCovenant,particularlywithregardtopreservationoftheirculturalidentity,languageandreligion.Legislationonindigenouscommunitiesshouldbeenactedwithoutdelay.251.2 .2TheCommitteeurgesthatrespectforhumanrightsbeinstitutionalizedatalllevelsofgovernmentandrecognizedasanessentialelementoftheprocessofnationalreconciliationandreconstruction.Tothatend,theCommitteerecommendsthathumanrightseducationbeprovidedinschoolsatalllevelsandthattheseconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteearewidelydisseminated.252.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGuatemalanGovernmenttorestricttheapplicationofthedeathpenaltytothosecrimeswhichmightbeconsideredmostserious,inaccordancewitharticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenant.253.2 .2TheCommitteeurgesthattheUnitedNationsMissioninGuatemalacontinueitsactivitiesinthatcountryuntilitcertifiesthatithasfullydischargeditsmandaterelatingtohumanrights.@ .H.Nigeria@ .N (discussionatthefiftysixthsession)@ .1.Introduction254.2 .2DeeplyconcernedbyrecentexecutionsaftertrialsthatwerenotinconformitywithprovisionsoftheCovenant,theHumanRightsCommitteeon29November1995,actingthroughitsChairman,requestedtheGovernmentofNigeriatosubmititsinitialreportwithoutfurtherdelayforconsiderationbytheCommitteeatitsfiftysixthsessioninMarch/April1996and,inanyevent,tosubmitby31January1996areport,insummaryformifnecessary,relatingtotheapplicationofarticles6,7,9and14oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsinthecurrentsituation.255.2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatesthedecisionoftheGovernmentofNigeriatosubmititsinitialreport(CCPR/C/92/Add.1)intimeforconsiderationattheCommittee'sfiftysixthsession,asscheduled.256.2 .2GiventheimportanceofthereportinthecurrentsituationandtheconstraintsoftheNigeriandelegationinbeingavailableforonlyoneday,theCommitteedecidedtodividetheexaminationofthereportintotwoparts,namely,thefirstpartonarticles6,7,9and14andthesecondpartontheremainingarticlesoftheCovenant.257.2 .2Thefirstpartwasconsideredatthe1494thand1495thmeetingsoftheCommittee,on1April1996.FurtherconsiderationofthereportwasadjournedtotheCommittee'sfiftyseventhsession(seeparas.267305below).̇258.2 .2InthelightoftheexaminationofthefirstpartofthereportandtheobservationsmadebymembersoftheCommittee,theCommitteeadoptedon3April1996,atits1499thmeeting,thefollowingpreliminaryobservationsandurgentrecommendations.@ .42.Principalconcernsinrespectofarticles6,7,9and14259.2 .2TheCommitteenotedfundamentalinconsistenciesbetweentheobligationsundertakenbyNigeriaundertheCovenanttorespectandensurerightsguaranteedundertheCovenantandtheimplementationofthoserightsinNigeria.260.2 .2Inparticular,theincommunicadodetentionforanindefiniteperiodandthesuppressionofhabeascorpusconstituteviolationsofarticle9oftheCovenant.261.2 .2Theestablishmentbypresidentialdecreeofseveraltypesofspecialtribunals,includingtheircompositionandrulesofprocedure,whichexcludethefreechoiceofalawyer,andtheabsenceofanyprovisionsforappealsconstituteviolationsofrightsprovidedunderarticle14oftheCovenant,aswellasofarticle6,paragraphs1and2,whenasentenceofdeathispronounced.262.2 .2ThefailuretorespectthoseguaranteesledtothearbitrarydeprivationoflifeofMr.KenSaroWiwaandtheotheraccused.263.2 .2Theredidnotappeartohavebeenanyseriousinvestigationsintoallegationsoftorture,illtreatmentorconditionsofdetention,whichraiseseriousissuesunderarticle7oftheCovenant.&  @ .3.Urgentrecommendations264.2 .2TheCommittee,inparticular,recommendsthatallthedecreesestablishingspecialtribunalsorrevokingnormalconstitutionalguaranteesoffundamental'  rightsorthejurisdictionofthenormalcourts(suchastheStateSecurity(DetentionofPersons)DecreeNo.2of1984,theFederalMilitaryGovernmentSupremacyandEnforcementofPowerDecreeNo.12of1994,theCivilDisturbances(SpecialTribunal)DecreeNo.2of1987andtheTreasonandOtherOffences(SpecialMilitaryTribunal)DecreeNo.1of1986),whichviolatesomeofthebasicrightsundertheCovenant,beabrogatedandthatanytrialsbeforesuchspecialtribunalsbeimmediatelysuspended.265.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthaturgentstepsbetakentoensurethatpersonsfacingtrialareaffordedalltheguaranteesofafairtrialasexplicitlyprovidedinarticle14,paragraphs1,2and3,andtohavetheirconvictionandsentencereviewedbyahighertribunal,inaccordancewitharticle14,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.266.2 .2TheCommitteerequeststheGovernmentofNigeriatoinformtheCommitteeattheresumedconsiderationofthereportinJuly1996ofthestepsithastakentoimplementtheaboverecommendations.  @ .I.Nigeria@ . (continuedatthefiftyseventhsession)267.2 .2FollowingtheexaminationoftheinitialreportofNigeriainsofarasitrelatedtotheapplicationofarticles6,7,9and14oftheCovenantinNigeria,theCommittee,atits1499thmeeting,on3April1996,adoptedcertainurgentrecommendations(paras.264266above).Theseincludedtheabrogationofalldecreesestablishingspecialtribunalsorrevokingnormalconstitutionalguaranteesoffundamentalrightsorthejurisdictionofthenormalcourtsandtheadoptionofurgentstepstoensurethatpersonsfacingtrialwereaffordedallguaranteesofafairtrial.268.2 .2ThedialoguewithNigeriacontinuedduringthefiftyseventhsession.Atits1526thand1527thmeetings,on24July1996,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingconcludingcomments.@ .1.Introduction269.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheopportunitytoresumethedialoguewiththeGovernmentofNigeriathroughahighrankingdelegationthatincludedmembersofthenewlyestablishedNationalHumanRightsCommission.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant270.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthecontinuationofthemilitaryregimeandinparticularthesuspensionofconstitutionalguaranteesofrightsbydecreesofthatregimeareanobstacletotheeffectiveimplementationofrightsprotectedundertheCovenant.271.2 .2TheCommitteenotesalsothatthefailureoftheGovernmenttoundertakeananalysisoflawsandprocedures,includingcustomarylaws,toassesstheircompatibilitywiththeCovenanthaspreventedtheeffectiveimplementationofrightsprotectedbytheCovenant.272.2 .2Theinter-ethnicandinter-religiousviolencewhichpersistsinNigeriaappearstoaffectadverselytheenjoymentofrightsandfreedomsprotectedbytheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects273.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthemeasuresthathavebeentakenbytheGovernmentsincethefiftysixthsessiontoovercomesomeobstaclestotheenjoymentofrightswhichwereidentifiedbytheCommittee.ItappreciatesthatthenewlyenactedCivilDisturbances(SpecialTribunal)(Amendment)DecreeremovesmilitarypersonnelfromtheCivilDisturbancesTribunalandprovidesfortherightofappealfromitssentencesandconvictions.ItwelcomestherepealofDecreeNo.14of1994(whichprecludedcourtsfromissuingwritsofhabeascorpus)bytheStateSecurity(DetentionofPersons)(Amendment)(No.2)(Repeal)Decree,adoptedon7June1996.ItalsonotesthatapanelhasbeenestablishedtoreviewcasesofdetentionunderDecreeNo.2of1984.274.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatmunicipalelectionshavebeenheld,thatpoliticalpartieshavebeenregistered,thatpreparationsareproceedingfornationalelectionsandthattheyearforthoseelectionshasbeenannounced.275.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionofDecreeNo.22of1995,establishingtheNationalHumanRightsCommission,whichhasbeengivencertainresponsibilitiesregardingthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.276.2 .2ItfurtherwelcomestheestablishmentoftheMinistryofWomen'sAffairsandSocialWelfareandthemeasurestakentopromotetheparticipationofwomenatalllevelsofthepolitical,economicandsociallifeofthecountry.277.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesthewillingnessoftheNigerianGovernmenttoundertakeananalysisofthelegalsysteminthelightofitsobligationsundertheCovenantandtoseektechnicalassistancefromtheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRightsinthatprocess.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern278.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcernthatmeasureshavenotbeenadoptedtoaddressalltheissuesofconcernidentifiedbytheCommitteeatitsfiftysixthsessionandtoimplementtheurgentrecommendationsinitspreliminarycomments(paras.264266above).Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheGovernmentofNigeriahasnotabrogatedthedecreesestablishingspecialtribunalsorthoserevokingnormalconstitutionalguaranteesoffundamentalrightsorthejurisdictionofthenormalcourts.TheCommitteedeploresthestatementofthedelegationthatthedecreesarenottobeabrogatedbecausetheypre-datedtheentryintoforceoftheCovenantinNigeriaandareanessentialpartofmilitaryruleinNigeria.TheCovenantprecludesmeasuresderogatingfromtheStateparty'sobligationsotherthaninthelimitedcircumstancesprovidedforbyarticle4,whichhavenotbeenappliedinthecaseofNigeria.279.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernthatthecontinuationofmilitarygovernmentandrulebypresidentialdecrees,whichsuspendoroverrideconstitutionalrightsandarenotopentoreviewbythecourts,areincompatiblewiththeeffectiveimplementationoftheCovenant.280.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoreiteratethatthereremainfundamentalinconsistenciesbetweentheobligationsundertakenbyNigeriatorespectandensurerightsguaranteedundertheCovenantandtheimplementationofthoserightsinNigeria.ItisfurtherconcernedthatthereisnolegalprotectionofrightsinNigeria,asaconsequenceofthenon-applicabilityofthe1989ConstitutionandtheadoptionofDecreeNo.107of1993thatre-establishedthe1979Constitution,whileexcludingtheapplicationofthesectiondealingwithbasicrights.AnotherconcernoftheCommitteeisthenumberofdecreessuspendingorrestoringpreviouslaws,withexceptionsinsomecases.Theresultappearstobeuncertaintyastowhichrightsmaybeinvokedandwhicharesuspended.281.2 .2TheCommitteemustrepeatitsearlierexpressionofseriousconcerninrelationtotheestablishmentbydecreeofspecialtribunalswhichoperatewithoutobservingtherequirementsoffairtrial,asrequiredbyarticle14oftheCovenant.282.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,underNigerianlaw,thedeathpenaltymaybeimposedforcrimeswhichdonotconstitute"themostseriousoffences",asrequiredbyarticle6oftheCovenantandthatthenumberofdeathsentencespassedandactuallycarriedoutisveryhigh.Thefactthatsentencesofdeatharepassedwithoutthesafeguardoffairtrialviolatestheprovisionsofarticle14,paragraph1,andarticle6oftheCovenant.Publicexecutionsarealsoincompatiblewithhumandignity.283.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthat,followingtheintroductionofmeasurestoovercomecertainspecificviolationsofrightsinregardtothecompositionofspecialtribunalsandtherightofappeal,nocompensationhasbeenofferedtovictimsofthehumanrightsabuseswhichhadalreadyoccurredunderthepreviousmeasures.284.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedbythehighnumberofextrajudicialandsummaryexecutions,disappearances,casesoftorture,illtreatment,andarbitraryarrestanddetentionbymembersofthearmyandsecurityforcesandbythefailureoftheGovernmenttoinvestigatefullythosecases,toprosecuteallegedoffences,topunishthosefoundguiltyandtoprovidecompensationtothevictimsortheirfamilies.TheresultingstateofimpunityencouragesfurtherviolationsofCovenantrights.285.2 .2TheCommitteeisdisturbedatthepoorconditionsinplacesofdetention,includingsevereovercrowdingandlackofsanitation,adequatefood,clearwaterandhealthcare,allofwhichcontributetoalargenumberofdeathsincustody.TheCommitteeemphasizesthatitisincompatiblewiththeCovenanttoholdprisonersunderconditionswhichdonotmeetthebasicguaranteesprovidedinarticle10oftheCovenantaswellasintheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners,despitetheadoptionbyNigeriaofprisonregulationsandthePrisonsAct(1990).286.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelargenumberofpersonsdetainedwithoutcharge,andatthelengthyperiodsofpretrialdetention,whichareincompatiblewitharticle9oftheCovenant.Itisparticularlyconcernedthatincommunicadodetentioniscommonlyordered,oftenforindefiniteperiodsandwithoutaccesstojudicialreview,inviolationofarticle9.287.2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedatviolationsoftherighttofreedomofexpression,asexemplifiedbytheadoptionofanumberofdecreessuspendingnewspapersandbythearbitraryarrest,detentionandharassmentofeditorsorjournalists.288.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheextentofrestrictionstofreedomofassociationandassemblyinlawandinpractice.TheCommitteeisconcernedbynumerousreportsthatmembersofunionswereharassedandintimidated,sometimesevenarrestedanddetained,andthatthedissolutionofcertainunionswasorderedbytheGovernment.289.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthearrestanddetentionofofficersofhumanrightsorganizations,involvingviolationsofarticles9and22oftheCovenantandinterferingwiththefreeexerciseofthesignificantroleplayedbysuchorganizationsintheprotectionofhumanrights.290.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofallegationsbyaNigeriannon-governmentalorganization(CivilLibertyOrganization)thattwoofitsofficialswerepreventedbytheStateSecurityServicefromattendingthefiftysixthsessionoftheCommitteeandhadtheirpassportsimpounded.ItregretsthatdespitealetterbytheChairmangivingdetailsofthoseallegations,aninvestigationwasnotcompletedbeforethefiftyseventhsessionandnoinformationcouldbeprovidedaboutthecircumstancesalleged.Preventingpersonsfromleavingtheircountryviolatesarticle12,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,anditisincompatiblewiththeState'sobligationtocooperatewiththeCommitteetopreventpersonsfromleavingtheircountryinordertoattendmeetingsoftheCommittee.291.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthesituationofwomeninNigeria,particularlyasregardstheirlowlevelofparticipationinpubliclifeandthecontinuedapplicationofmarriageregimeswhichpermitpolygamyanddonotfullyrespecttheequalrightsofwomen.Itexpressesparticularconcernaboutthewidespreadpracticesofforcedmarriageandofgenitalmutilationofgirls.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations292.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatimmediatestepsbetakentorestoredemocracyandfullconstitutionalrightsinNigeria.293.2 .2AsalreadyrecommendedbytheCommittee,alldecreesrevokingorlimitingguaranteesoffundamentalrightsandfreedomsshouldbeabrogated.Allcourtsandtribunalsmustcomplywithallstandardsoffairtrialandguaranteesofjusticeprescribedbyarticle14oftheCovenant.294.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatareviewofthelegalframeworkfortheprotectionofhumanrightsinNigeriabeundertakeninordertoensurethattheprinciplesoftheCovenantareincorporatedintothelegalsystemandthateffectiveremediesareprovidedincaseofviolationsofrights.295.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatDecreeNo.107of1993andanyothermeasureswhichabrogateorsuspendtheapplicationofthebasicrightsenshrinedinthe1979ConstitutionbeabrogatedsothatthelegalprotectionofthoserightsisrestoredinNigeria.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensurethatthereisnosuchabrogationorderogationinfutureotherthaninstrictcompliancewitharticle4oftheCovenantthatis,intimeofpublicemergencywhichthreatensthelifeofthenationandwhichisofficiallyproclaimedandcommunicatedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.296.2 .2TheCommitteerequeststheStatepartytotakeeffectivemeasurestoensurethefullandequalenjoymentbywomenoftherightsandfreedomsprotectedbytheCovenant.Thosemeasuresshouldensuretheequalparticipationofwomenatalllevelsofthepolitical,socialandeconomiclifeofthecountry.TheCommitteerecommendsthatstepsbetaken,inparticularthrougheducation,toovercomecertaintraditionsandcustoms,suchasfemalegenitalmutilationandforcedmarriage,whichareincompatiblewiththeequalrightsofwomen.297.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsidertheabolitionofthedeathpenalty.UntilitsabolitiontheStatepartymustensurethattheapplicationofthedeathpenaltyisstrictlylimitedtothemostseriouscrimes,asrequiredbyarticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenant,andthatthenumberofcrimesforwhichthedeathpenaltyisimposedisreducedtotheminimum.Urgentstepsshouldbetakentoensurethatpersonsfacingtrialareaffordedalltheguaranteesofafairtrial,asexplicitlyprovidedforinarticle14,paragraphs1,2and3oftheCovenant,andtohavetheirconvictionandsentencereviewedbyahighertribunal,inaccordancewitharticle14,paragraph5.̇298.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheNigerianauthoritiestakeeffectivemeasurestopreventarbitrary,extrajudicialandsummaryexecutions,aswellastorture,illtreatment,andarbitraryarrestanddetentionbymembersofthesecurityforces,andtoinvestigateanysuchcasesinordertobringbeforethecourtsthosesuspectedofhavingcommittedorparticipatedinsuchcrimes,topunishthemiffoundguiltyandtoprovidecompensationtovictimsortotheirfamilies.299.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthaturgentstepsbetakentoreleaseallpersonswhohavebeendetainedarbitrarilyorwithoutchargeandtoreducetheperiodofpretrialdetention.Thepracticeofincommunicadodetentionshouldcease.Compensationshouldbeprovidedinthecasesindicatedbyarticle9,paragraph5,oftheCovenant.300.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestoensurethattheconditionsofdetentionofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyfullymeetarticle10oftheCovenantandtheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheTreatmentofPrisoners.Theovercrowdingofprisonsshouldbereducedbyovercomingdelaysinthetrialprocess,byconsideringalternativeformsofpunishmentorbyexpandingthenumberofprisonplaces.301.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelegislationandpracticerelatingtotheexerciseoffreedomofexpressionberevisedandamendedinordertocomplywiththeprovisionsofarticle19oftheCovenant.302.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoensurethattherighttoformandjointradeunionsisrespected,asrequiredbyarticle22oftheCovenant,andthattheplancallingfortradeunionelectionsinOctober1996isimplemented.303.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatattentionbegivenbythefederalandstateauthoritiestothesituationofpersonsbelongingtominoritiessothattheirrightsasenshrinedinarticle27oftheCovenantarefullyprotected.Inthisregard,dueconsiderationshouldbegiventotheCommittee'sgeneralcommentNo.23(50).304.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethattheconsiderationofreportssubmittedunderarticle40oftheCovenanttakesplaceinpublicmeetingsandinthepresenceofrepresentativesoftheStatepartyconcerned.Representativesofnon-governmentalorganizations,whetherinternationallyorlocallybased,areentitledtoattendthemeetingsatwhichreportsarebeingconsideredandtoprovideinformationtomembersoftheCommitteeonaninformalbasis.TheGovernmentofNigeriashouldensurethatindividuals,includingmembersofnon-governmentalorganizationsarenotpreventedfromleavingNigeriatoattendtheCommittee'ssessions,shouldconductimmediateinvestigationsintotheallegationsmentionedinparagraph290aboveandshouldinformtheCommitteeoftheresultofthoseinvestigations.305.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofNigeriaensurethattheNationalHumanRightsCommission,orotheragency,takesstepstoinformandeducatethecommunityabouttherightsandfreedomsprotectedbytheCovenantandtheConstitutionandabouttheremediesavailableincaseofviolationofrights.ItshouldseektheassistanceofthetechnicalandadvisoryservicesoftheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRightsinthatprocess.  @ .J.Brazil306.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofBrazil(CCPR/C/81/Add.6)atits1506thto1508thmeetings(fiftyseventhsession),on10and11July1996,andatits1526thmeeting,on24July1996,adoptedthefollowingcomments.@ .1.Introduction307.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforsubmittinganinitialreportthatwaspreparedinaccordancewiththereportingguidelines.Thefranknessandcomprehensivenessoftheinformationcontainedinthereportmeritspecialmention.Appreciationisalsoexpressedfortheintroductorystatementdeliveredbythedelegation,detailingstepstakenbytheStatepartytogiveeffecttotheprovisionsoftheCovenantafterthereportwassubmitted.TheCommitteewelcomedthecandidmannerinwhichthehighleveldelegationrespondedtoquestionsposedbyCommitteemembers.Theexchangeofviewswiththedelegationwasconstructiveandfruitful,althoughtheCommitteeregretsthatsomeofthequestionsraisedduringtheexaminationoftheStateparty'sreportremainedunanswered.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant308.2 .2TheenormousdisparitiesindistributionofwealthbetweendifferentsectionsofthepopulationwouldappeartobeamajorfactorbehindphenomenadescribedinthereportthatareincompatiblewithenjoymentofthemostbasicrightsprotectedundertheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects309.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheFederalGovernment'scommitmenttoadoptmeasurestoenhanceprotectionoftherightsprovidedforundertheCovenant.ItwelcomeslegislativeandothermeasuresundertakeninrecentyearsbytheStatepartywithaviewtostrengtheningthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.Inthisregard,theCommitteetakesnoteoftherecentratificationbytheStatepartyofinternationalandregionalhumanrightsinstruments.ItalsowelcomesthelaunchingofthenationalhumanrightsprogrammethroughDecreeNo.1904of13May1996,whichisintendedtoacceleratetheprocessofrespectandobservanceofhumanrights.TheproposedinitiativestorestructureandstrengthentheroleoftheCouncilfortheDefenceofHumanRightsandtheestablishmentoftheOfficeofthePublicDefenderasameansoffacilitatingpublicaccesstothejudicialsystemarenotedwithinterestbytheCommittee.TheCommitteealsosupportsthemeasuresbeingtakenbytheFederalGovernmentthatwillallowtheAttorneyGeneraltobringcasesofhumanrightsviolationstotheFederalsystemofjustice.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern310.2 .2WithregardtotheStateparty'sobligationsunderarticles2and50oftheCovenant,theCommitteeisconcernedthatmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofCovenantrightsinallpartsoftheFederationremainineffectiveandinadequate,particularlyinviewofthevastnessoftheterritoryandtheremotenessofcertainareas.ItquestionswhethertheFederalGovernmenthasestablishedthenecessarymeanstoensurethatstateandlocalgovernmentsinBrazilwillprotectCovenantrightseffectively.311.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedbycasesofsummaryandarbitraryexecutionscommittedbysecurityforcesandbydeathsquads,frequentlyinvolvingmembersofsecurityforces,againstindividualsbelongingtoparticularlyvulnerablegroupsthatincludestreetchildren,landlesspeasants,indigenouspeopleandtradeunionleaders.312.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsdeepconcernovertheprevalenceoftorture,arbitraryandunlawfuldetention,deaththreatsandactsofviolenceagainstprisonerscommittedbysecurityforcesand,inparticular,bythemilitarypolice.313.2 .2TheCommitteedeploresthefactthatcasesofsummaryandarbitraryexecutions,torture,deaththreats,arbitraryandunlawfuldetentionandviolenceagainstdetaineesandotherprisonersareseldomproperlyinvestigatedandveryfrequentlygounpunished.Membersofsecurityforcesimplicatedingrosshumanrightsviolationsenjoyahighlevelofimpunity,whichisincompatiblewiththeCovenant.314.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedovertheintolerableconditionsinprisonsandjails,including,firstandforemost,overcrowding.TheCommitteedeploresthefactthatsomeconvictedpersonsarenotreleasedimmediatelyattheendoftheirimposedsentencesandthatfearofreprisalsbyprisonauthoritiesorindividualwardersinhibitscomplaintsbyprisonersanddetainees.315.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedoverthepracticeoftryingmilitarypoliceaccusedofhumanrightsviolationsbeforemilitarycourts,anditregretsthatjurisdictiontodealwiththosecaseshasnotyetbeentransferredtotheciviliancourts.316.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthreatsagainstmembersofthejudiciary;thosethreatscompromisetheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciarywhicharefundamentaltotherightsprotectedunderarticle14oftheCovenant.317.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatwhenmembersofStatesecurityforcesareaccusedofhumanrightsviolations,witnessesarenotaffordedprotectionagainstreprisals,intimidation,threatsandharassment.318.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernoverthesituationofwomenwho,despitesomeimprovements,continuetobethesubjectofdejureanddefactodiscrimination,includingdiscriminationinaccesstothelabourmarket.ItsharestheconcernoftheStatepartythatviolenceagainstwomenremainsamajorproblemtobemoreeffectivelyaddressed.319.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthewidespreadproblemofforcedlabouranddebtbondage,especiallyintheruralareas.ThegraveproblemsofchildlabourandchildprostitutionremainmattersofdeepconcerntotheCommittee.320.2 .2TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedovertheexistenceofracialandotherdiscriminationagainstblackandindigenouspersons.ItnotesthattheGovernmenthasbeenpursuingaprocessofdemarcationofindigenouslandsinBrazilasameansofprotectingtherightsoftheindigenouscommunities,butregretsthattheprocessisfarfromcompletion.̇@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations321.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoensurethattheprovisionsoftheCovenantarefullyimplementedinallpartsofitsterritoryinaccordancewithitsobligationsunderarticles2and50.322.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheFederalGovernment'scommitmenttoensuringthatnationallegislationisinfullconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenantandtruststhatitwillcontinuetogivehighprioritytotheadoptionandimplementationofamendmentstoexistinglawsandthenewlegalcodesproposedinordertoensurecompliancewiththeStateparty'sinternationalhumanrightsobligations.323.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheproposedbill(No.4.716A/94)definingtortureasaspecificcrimeandthebill(PL2801/92)thatwilltransferfromthemilitarytotheciviliansystemofjusticethecompetencetotrymembersofthemilitarypoliceaccusedofhumanrightsviolationsagainstcivilians.IturgestheStatepartytoensurespeedyenactmentofthosebills.324.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmentofBraziltotakeimmediateandeffectivestepstopreventandcombathumanrightsviolationsbymembersofthesecurityforces,especiallycasesofsummaryandarbitraryexecutions,torture,excessiveuseofforceandarbitrarydetention.Thosestepsshouldincludetheeducationandsensitizationoflawenforcementofficials,particularlythemilitarypolice,abouthumanrights.Campaignsandprogrammesshouldbedevelopedaccordinglyandthesystematicincorporationofhumanrightseducationinalltrainingactivitiesensured.325.2 .2Itisimperativethatstringentmeasuresbeadoptedtodealwiththeissueofimpunitybyensuringthatallegationsofhumanrightsviolationsarepromptlyandthoroughlyinvestigated,thattheperpetratorsareprosecuted,thatappropriatepunishmentisimposedonthoseconvictedandthatvictimsareadequatelycompensated.TheStatepartyshouldensurethatmembersofthesecurityforcesconvictedofseriousoffencesarepermanentlyremovedfromtheforcesandthatthosemembersoftheforcesagainstwhomallegationsofsuchoffencesarebeinginvestigatedaresuspendedfromtheirpostspendingcompletionoftheinvestigation.326.2 .2Immediatestepsshouldbetakentoensurethatconvictedpersonsarereleasedwithoutdelayoncompletionoftheirsentences.327.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatallcomplaintsofmisconductbymembersofsecurityforcesbeinvestigatedbyanindependentbodyandnotbythesecurityforcesthemselves.Formalmechanismsforreceiptandinvestigationofsuchcomplaintsshouldbeestablishedinallareasofthecountryandtheirexistencepublicized.Suchmechanismsmustmakeprovisionforeffectiveprotectionofcomplainantsandwitnessesagainstintimidationandreprisals.328.2 .2InlightofthestatementintheStateparty'sreportthatthegenerallevelofinfantmortalityisstillhigh,theStatepartymuststrengthenmeasurestoreducethatlevel.329.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartycontinueitsconsiderationoffurtherwaystoimprovetheeffectivenessofthejudicialprocess.TheGovernmentshouldconsidertheestablishmentofsmallclaimscourtsandpettyoffencescourtsthatwouldhelptoreducethebacklogofcasespendingbeforethecourts.̇330.2 .2TheCommitteestressesthedutyoftheStateparty,underarticle10oftheCovenant,toensurethatallpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyaretreatedwithhumanityandrespectfortheinherentdignityofthehumanperson.GiventheinformationprovidedintheStateparty'sreportabouttheintolerableconditionsofprisonsandjails,especiallyovercrowding,theStatepartyisunderanobligationtoadoptmeasuresthatwillensurecompliancewitharticle10.Measurestoreduceovercrowdingmightincludeadoptionofalternativesentencingmeasuresthatwouldallowsomeconvictedpersonstoservetheirsentencesinthecommunity.Totheextentthatovercrowdingcannotbesolvedbyreducingthenumberofpersonsimprisonedordetained,theStatepartyisobligatedtocommitgreaterresourcestoenlargethecapacityofthepenitentiarysystem.Stepsmustalsobetakentoensurethateffectiveprogrammesareinplaceforthesocialrehabilitationandreformationofprisoninmates.331.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatregulartrainingcoursesonhumanrightsbeheldforlawyers,prosecutorsandjudges.332.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsadoptionoflegislationthatwillprohibitdiscriminationonallthegroundscoveredbyarticle2,paragraph1,oftheCovenant.TheprovisionsofdomesticlegislationregulatingthelegalageofmaturityincivillifeandtherightofeverycitizentohaveaccesstopublicserviceshouldbereviewedsoastoensuretheirconformitywiththerelevantprovisionsoftheCovenant,namelyarticle2,paragraph1,andarticles16and25.333.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatthedistinctionbetweenBrazilianbornandnaturalizedBraziliancitizens,adoptedinarticle12(3)oftheConstitutionasacriterionofaccesstocertainpositionsinpubliclife,isincompatiblewitharticles2and25oftheCovenantandneedstobeaddressedaccordinglybytheStateparty.334.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatmultiplicityoftradeunionsshouldbepossibleunderthelaw,asrequiredbyarticle22oftheCovenant.335.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyputinplaceeffectiveenforcementmechanismsthatwillensuretheimplementationofLawNo.9.029,prohibitingtherequirementofpregnancyandsterilizationcertificatesandotherdiscriminatorypracticesinemployment.IturgesthatbillNo.382B/91,concerningequalityofaccesstothelabourmarket,beadoptedwithoutfurtherdelay.TheCommitteetruststhattheproposalscontainedintheBraziliannationalhumanrightsplanrelatingtothecombatingofviolenceagainstwomenwillbefullyimplementedwithoutdelay.336.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoenforcelawsprohibitingforcedlabour,childlabourandchildprostitutionandtoimplementprogrammestopreventandcombatsuchhumanrightsabuses.Inaddition,theCommitteeexhortstheStatepartytoestablishmoreeffectivesupervisorymechanismstoensurecompliancewiththeprovisionsofnationallegislationandrelevantinternationalstandards.Itisimperativethatpersonswhoareresponsiblefor,orwhodirectlyprofitfrom,forcedlabour,childlabourandchildprostitutionbeseverelypunishedunderlaw.337.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeimmediatestepstoguaranteetherightsofindividualsbelongingtoracialminoritiesandindigenouscommunities,especiallywithregardtotheiraccesstoqualityhealthservicesandeducation.Suchstepsshouldensuregreaterschoolenrolmentandf&reducetheincidenceofschooldropout.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethat,inlightofarticle27oftheCovenant,allnecessarymeasuresshouldbetakentoensurethattheprocessofdemarcationofindigenouslandsisspeedilyandjustlysettled.338.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyaccedetobothOptionalProtocolstotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights.@ .\K.Peru339.2 .2TheCommitteebeganitsconsiderationofthethirdperiodicreportofPeru(CCPR/C/83/Add.1andHRI/CORE/1/Add.43/Rev.1)atits1519thto1521stmeetings(fiftyseventhsession),on18and19July1996,atwhichitdealtwithurgentissuesrelatingtotheimplementationofarticles2,4,6,7,9,10,14and27oftheCovenant.FurtherconsiderationofthereportwasadjournedtothefiftyeighthsessionoftheCommittee.Inthelightoftheexaminationofthefirstpartofthereportandthecommentsmadebyitsmembers,theCommittee,atits1528thmeeting,on25July1996,adoptedthefollowingpreliminarycommentsandrecommendations.@ .1.Introduction340.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthethirdperiodicreportsubmittedbytheStatepartyandwelcomesthedelegation'swillingnesstoengageinadialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatalthoughthereportandtheadditionalwrittenandoralinformationprovidedbythedelegationofPeruinanswertothequestionsraisedbytheCommitteeprovidedinformationongenerallegislativenormsinPeru,itlargelyfailedtodealwiththeactualstateofimplementationoftheCovenantinpracticeandthedifficultiesencounteredinthecourseofimplementation.TheCommitteeappreciatedthepresenceofahighleveldelegationwhichprovidedhelpfulinformationtotheCommitteeinresponsetosomeofitsquestionsandthusallowedittoobtainasomewhatclearerviewoftheoverallhumanrightssituationintheStateparty.̀2.FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementatioǹoftheCovenant341.2 .2TheCommitteeisawarethatPeruhasbeenplaguedbyterroristactivities,internaldisorderandviolence.TheCommitteeaffirmstherightanddutyoftheStatepartytotakefirmmeasurestoprotectitspopulationagainstterror.However,manyofthemeasuresadoptedbytheGovernmenthavefrustratedimplementationoftherightsprotectedundertheCovenant.@ .3.Positiveaspects342.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthereseemstobeatrendtowardsreducingthelevelofviolencewithinthecountry,asignificantdiminutionofthenumberofreporteddisappearancesandthereturnofinternallydisplacedpersonstotheirresidence.TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethatthattrendwillleadtothefullrestorationoftheruleoflawandareturntonormalcyinthepoliticalandsociallifeofthenation.Inthisconnection,itwelcomesrecentlawsmodifyingtheanti-terroristlawstopermit,interalia,representationbyhumanrightslawyersofmultipledefendantssuspectedofterrorismanddrugtraffickingandcrossexaminationbylawyersofpoliceandsecuritypersonnel.+TheCommitteealsowelcomesthedecreemodifyingDecreeLaw25,475,bywhichanaccusedpersonwhoseacquittalhasbeenannulledbytheSupremeCourt,andsohastoberetried,isnolongerrequiredautomaticallytobedetained;thecourtscanplaceonhimanobligationtoappearforhisnewtrial.343.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheestablishmentoftheOfficeofthePublicOmbudsmanandtheNationalRegistryofDetainees.Inthisregard,itnotesthedelegation'sstatementthattheOfficeofthePublicOmbudsman,thoughnotyetfullyfunctional,isalreadyreceivingandinvestigatingcomplaintsofhumanrightsviolations.Itnoteswithsatisfactionthat,followingtheadoptionofthe1993Constitution,themembersoftheConstitutionalCourthavebeenappointedandtheCourtisnowinpositiontoexerciseitsfunctions.344.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheadoptionofDecreeLaw26,447,whichasofApril1995raisedtheageofcriminalresponsibilityfrom15to18yearsofage,aswellasofDecreeLaw25,398,whichrepealedtherepentancelaw,andDecreeLaw26,248,whichrestoredhabeascorpus.345.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle27oftheCovenant,theCommitteewelcomesactiontakentoprotecttherightsofindigenouscommunities,includingeffortstoprovideeducationinnationalandnativelanguages,promoteeconomicdevelopmentandestablishothermechanismsfortheirprotection.@ .z 4.Principalsubjectsofconcern346.2 .2TheCommitteedeploresthefactthatitssuggestionsandrecommendationscontainedintheconcludingcommentsadoptedattheendoftheconsiderationofPeru'ssecondperiodicreportandsupplementaryreports(CCPR/C/79/Add.8)havenotbeenimplemented.347.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedthattheamnestygrantedbyDecreeLaw26,479on14June1995absolvesfromcriminalresponsibilityand,asaconsequence,fromallformsofaccountability,allmilitary,policeandcivilianagentsoftheStatewhoareaccused,investigated,charged,processedorconvictedforcommonandmilitarycrimesforactsoccasionedbythe"waragainstterrorism"fromMay1980untilJune1995.Italsomakesitpracticallyimpossibleforvictimsofhumanrightsviolationstoinstitutesuccessfullegalactionforcompensation.Suchanamnestypreventsappropriateinvestigationandpunishmentofperpetratorsofpasthumanrightsviolations,undermineseffortstoestablishrespectforhumanrights,contributestoanatmosphereofimpunityamongperpetratorsofhumanrightsviolationsandconstitutesaveryseriousimpedimenttoeffortsundertakentoconsolidatedemocracyandpromoterespectforhumanrightsandisthusinviolationofarticle2oftheCovenant.Inthisconnection,theCommitteereiteratesitsview,asexpressedinitsgeneralcommentNo.20(44),thatthattypeofamnestyisincompatiblewiththedutyofStatestoinvestigatehumanrightsviolations,toguaranteefreedomfromsuchactswithintheirjurisdictionandtoensurethattheydonotoccurinthefuture.348.2 .2Inaddition,theCommitteeexpressesseriousconcerninrelationtotheadoptionofDecreeLaw26,492andDecreeLaw26,6181,whichpurporttodivestindividualsoftherighttohavethelegalityoftheAmnestyLawreviewedincourts.Withregardtoarticle1ofthatlaw,declaringthatitdoesnotunderminetheinternationalhumanrightsobligationsoftheState,theCommitteestressesthatdomesticlegislationcannotmodifyaStateparty'sinternationalobligationsundertheCovenant.̇349.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatprovisionsofarticle4oftheCovenanthaveoftenbeendisregardedduringthereportingperiodinthatrightswhichareallowedtobederogatedfromonlyintimeofanofficiallyproclaimedstateofemergencyhavebeen,andstillare,restrictedwithouttheconditionsofderogationbeingmet.350.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepestconcernaboutDecreeLaw25,475andDecreeLaw25,659,whichseriouslyimpairtheprotectionoftherightscontainedintheCovenantforpersonsaccusedofterrorismandcontradictsinmanyrespectstheprovisionsofarticle14oftheCovenant.DecreeLaw25,475containsaverybroaddefinitionofterrorismunderwhichinnocentpersonshavebeenandremaindetained.Itestablishesasystemoftrialby"facelessjudges",inwhichthedefendantsdonotknowwhothejudgesarewhoaretryingthemandaredeniedpublictrials,andwhichplacesseriousimpediments,inlawandinfact,tothepossibilityfordefendantstopreparetheirdefenceandcommunicatewiththeirlawyers.UnderDecreeLaw25,659,casesoftreasonaretriedbymilitarycourts,regardlessofwhetherthedefendantisacivilianoramemberofthemilitaryorsecurityforces.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernthatpersonsaccusedoftreasonarebeingtriedbythesamemilitaryforcethatdetainedandchargedthem,thatthemembersofthemilitarycourtsareactivedutyofficers,thatmostofthemhavenotreceivedanylegaltrainingandthatthereisnoprovisionforsentencestobereviewedbyahighertribunal.Thoseshortcomingsraiseseriousdoubtsabouttheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudgesofmilitarycourts.TheCommitteeemphasizesthattrialsofnon-militarypersonsshouldbeconductedinciviliancourtsbeforeanindependentandimpartialjudiciary.351.2 .2Whiletakingnoteofbillsaimingatgrantingpardontosomecategoriesofpersonsconvictedofterrorismandtreason,theCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofsystematicreviewoftheconvictionspronouncedasaresultoftrialsbeforethemilitarycourtswhichhavenotmettherequirementofafairtrialasspecifiedinarticle14oftheCovenant.352.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatjudgesretireattheendofsevenyearsandrequirerecertificationforreappointment,apracticewhichtendstoaffecttheindependenceofthejudiciarybydenyingsecurityoftenure.353.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcerntheextensionofthedeathpenaltyinthe1993Constitutiontoawiderrangeofactivitiesthaninthe1979Constitution.TheCommitteerecallsitsgeneralcommentNo.6(16),onarticle6oftheCovenant,inwhichitindicatedthatStatesareobligedtoabolishthedeathpenaltyforotherthanthemostseriouscrimes.Extensionofthescopeofapplicationofthedeathpenaltyraisesquestionsastocompatibilitywitharticle6.354.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepestconcernwithrespecttothecasesofdisappearances,summaryexecutions,torture,illtreatmentandarbitraryarrestanddetentionbymembersofthearmyandsecurityforcesandtheGovernment'sfailuretoinvestigatefullythosecases,toprosecuteallegedoffences,topunishthosefoundguiltyandtoprovidecompensationtothevictimsandtheirfamilies.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedatthefailuretoresolvethehighnumberofcasesofpastdisappearances.355.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedbypersistentreportsoftortureorcruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentofpersonsdetainedundersuspicionofinvolvementinterroristactivitiesorothercriminalactivities.ItregretsthefailureoftheStatepartytoprovidetheCommitteewithdetailedinformationonthemeasuresadoptedtopreventtortureandcruel,degradingorinhumantreatmentandtopunishthoseresponsible.Itdrawsattentiontothelegislationwhichpermitsincommunicadodetentionincertaincases.Inthisconnection,theCommitteereiteratesitsview,asexpressedinitsgeneralcommentNo.20(44),onarticle7oftheCovenant,thatincommunicadodetentionisconducivetotortureandthat,consequently,thepracticeshouldbeavoided.356.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatprovisionsinarticle2,paragraph24(f),oftheConstitution,whichpermitpreventivedetentionforupto15daysincasesofterrorism,espionageandillicitdrugtrafficking,aswellasDecreeLaw25,475,whichauthorizesextensionofpreventivedetentionincertaincasesforupto15days,raiseseriousissueswithregardtoarticle9oftheCovenant.357.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofDecreeLaw25,499of1992,accordingtowhichrepentanceofone'sassociationwithaterroristorganizationandinformationconcerningsuchorganizationsorwhichleadtotheidentificationofotherpersonsinvolvedcanleadtoareductioninsentence.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthelawmayhavebeenusedbyindividualstodenounceinnocentpersonsinordertoavoidprisonsentencesortoreducetheirlength,aconcernthatissupportedbythefactthatthereareatleastsevendraftproposalsoneofthemfromtheDefensorPblicoandanotherfromtheMinistryofJusticeandaDecreeLaw26,329attemptingtosolvetheproblemofinnocentpeoplebeingprosecutedorhavingbeenconvictedundertheanti-terroristlaws.@ . 5.Suggestionsandrecommendations358.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatnecessarystepsbetakentorestoretheauthorityofthejudiciaryandgiveeffecttotherighttoeffectiveremedyunderarticle2oftheCovenantandthusovercometheprevailingatmosphereofimpunity.InviewofthefactthattheCommitteeconsidersthattheamnestylawsviolatetheCovenant,itrecommendsthattheGovernmentofPerureviewandrepealthoselawstotheextentofsuchviolations.Inparticular,iturgestheGovernmenttoremedytheunacceptableconsequencesofthoselawsby,interalia,establishinganeffectivesystemofcompensationforthevictimsofhumanrightsviolationsandtakingthenecessarystepstoensurethattheperpetratorsofthoseviolationsdonotcontinuetoholdgovernmentpositions.359.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytotakeimmediatemeasurestoreleaseinnocentprisonersandprovidethemwithcompensationandtosystematicallyrevise,onanon-discretionarybasis,convictionshandeddownbythemilitarytribunalsintreasonandterrorismcases,particularlyconvictionsbasedonlackofidentificationdocumentsoronevidenceobtainedintheapplicationoftherepentancelaw.Thesameappliestodetaineesawaitingtrial.360.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytotakeeffectivemeasurestoinvestigateallegationsofsummaryexecutions,disappearances,tortureandilltreatment,andarbitraryarrestanddetention,tobringtheperpetratorstojustice,topunishthemandtocompensatevictims.Ifallegationsofsuchcrimeshavebeenmadeagainstmembersofthesecurityforces,whethermilitaryorcivilian,theinvestigationsshouldbecarriedoutbyanimpartialbodythatdoesnotbelongtotheorganizationofthesecurityforcesthemselves.Personsconvictedofsuchcrimesshouldbedismissedand,pendingtheoutcomeoftheinvestigation,besuspendedfromoffice.361.2 .2Urgentmeasuresshouldbetakentostrictlylimitincommunicadodetention.ProvisionsshouldbemadeinthePenalCodetocriminalizeactsthatarecommittedforthepurposeofinflictingpain,withoutprejudiceastowhetherthoseactsresultinpermanentinjury.362.2 .2Thedurationofpreventivedetentionshouldbereasonableandanyarrestedpersonshouldbebroughtpromptlybeforeajudge.363.2 .2TheCommitteeparticularlyurgesthatthesystemof"facelessjudges"beabolishedandthatpublictrialsforalldefendants,includingthosechargedwithterroristrelatedactivities,bereinstatedimmediately.TheGovernmentofPerushouldensurethatalltrialsareconductedwithfullrespectforthesafeguardsoffairtrialprovidedbyarticle14oftheCovenant,includinginparticulartherighttocommunicatewithcounselandtherighttohavetimeandfacilitiestopreparethedefenceandtherighttohavetheconvictionreviewed.364.2 .2Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthattherequirementforjudgestoberecertifiedbereviewedandreplacedbyasystemofsecuretenureandindependentjudicialsupervision.Duringthereformprocessbeingundertakeninthejudicialorder,theCommitteerecommendsthateveryeffortbemadetoensuretheindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sj882   @ . VI.GENERALCOMMENTSOFTHECOMMITTEE365.2 .2Atits1510thmeeting(fiftyseventhsession),on12July1996,theCommitteeadoptedgeneralcommentNo.25(57),onarticle25oftheCovenant,whichithadpreviouslyconsideredatits1384th,1385th,1399th,1414th,1422nd,1423rd,1447th,1448th,1460th,1492nd,1493rd,1500th,1501st,1509thand1510thmeetingsonthebasisofadraftinitiallysubmittedtotheCommitteebytheworkinggrouponarticle40,whichhadmetbeforethefiftyfirstsession.PursuanttotherequestoftheEconomicandSocialCouncil,theCommitteedecidedtotransmitthetextofthegeneralcommenttotheCouncilatitssubstantivesessionin1997.ThetextofgeneralcommentNo.25(57)iscontainedinannexVofthepresentreport.366.2 .2Atitsfiftysixthsession,theCommitteedecidedtobeginworkontheupdatingofgeneralcommentNo.4(13),onarticle3oftheCovenant,andtopreparenewgeneralcommentsonarticles2and12oftheCovenantand,subsequently,onarticles21and22.367.2 .2TheCommitteereceivedcomments,underarticle40,paragraph5,oftheCovenant,concerningitsgeneralcommentNo.24(52),onissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoforaccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolstheretoorrelatingtostatementsmadeunderarticle41oftheCovenant.Thosecomments,whichweretransmittedbyFrance,arecontainedinannexVIofthepresentreport. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sk882   @ .:VII.CONSIDERATIONOFCOMMUNICATIONSUNDERTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOL368.2 .2IndividualswhoclaimthatanyoftheirrightsundertheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightshavebeenviolated,andwhohaveexhaustedallavailabledomesticremedies,maysubmitwrittencommunicationstotheHumanRightsCommitteeforconsiderationundertheOptionalProtocol.Ofthe137StatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheCovenant,asat28July1996(seeannexI),88haveacceptedtheCommittee'scompetencetodealwithindividualcomplaintsbybecomingpartiestotheOptionalProtocol,includingfourStatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheOptionalProtocolsincetheCommittee'slastreport:Croatia,Malawi,UgandaandUzbekistan.NocommunicationcanbeexaminedbytheCommitteeifitconcernsaStatepartytotheCovenantthatisnotalsoapartytotheOptionalProtocol.369.2 .2ConsiderationofcommunicationsundertheOptionalProtocolisconfidentialandtakesplaceinclosedmeetings,inconformitywitharticle5,paragraph3,oftheOptionalProtocol.AlldocumentspertainingtotheworkoftheCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocolsubmissionsfromthepartiesandotherworkingdocumentsoftheCommitteeareconfidential.Rules96to99oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedureregulatetheconfidentialityofdocuments.ThetextsoffinaldecisionsoftheCommittee,consistingofviewsadoptedunderarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol,are,however,madepublic.Asregardsdecisionsdeclaringacommunicationinadmissible,whicharealsofinal,theCommitteehasdecidedthatitwillnormallymakethosedecisionspublic.Inthatconnection,theCommitteesetupanadhocworkinggrouptostudyitsmethodsofworkand,interalia,thequestionoftheconfidentialityofsubmissionsfromtheparties.@ .A.Progressofwork370.2 .2TheCommitteestarteditsworkundertheOptionalProtocolatitssecondsession,in1977.Sincethen,716communicationsconcerning51StatespartieshavebeenregisteredforconsiderationbytheCommittee,including70placedbeforeitduringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport.371.2 .2Thestatusofthose716communicationsisasfollows:2 .2(a) .Concludedbyviewsadoptedunderarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol:239;2 .2(b) .Declaredinadmissible:224;2 .2(c) .Discontinuedorwithdrawn:115;2 .2(d) .Declaredadmissible,butnotyetconcluded:42;2 .2(e) .Pendingatthepre-admissibilitystage:96.372.2 .2Inaddition,thesecretariatoftheCommitteehasapproximately400communicationsonfile,theauthorsofwhichhavebeenadvisedthatfurtherinformationwouldbeneededbeforetheircommunicationscouldberegisteredforconsiderationbytheCommittee.TheauthorsofanumberofadditionalcommunicationshavebeeninformedthattheircaseswillnotbesubmittedtotheCommittee,astheyfallclearlyoutsidethescopeoftheCovenantorappeartobefrivolous.̇373.2 .2TwovolumescontainingselecteddecisionsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeundertheOptionalProtocol,fromthesecondtothesixteenthsessionsandfromtheseventeenthtothethirtysecondsessions,respectively,havebeenpublished(CCPR/C/OP/1and2).374.2 .2Duringthefiftyfifthtofiftyseventhsessions,theCommitteeconcludedconsiderationof29casesbyadoptingviewsthereon.Thesecasesare:Nos.373/1989(Stephensv.Jamaica),390/1990(Lubutov.Zambia),422-424/1990(Aduayometal.v.Togo),434/1990(Seerattanv.TrinidadandTobago),454/1991(GarcaPonsv.Spain),459/1991(WrightandHarveyv.Jamaica),461/1991(GrahamandMorrisonv.Jamaica),480/1991(GarcaFuenzalidav.Ecuador),505/1992(Acklav.Togo),512/1992(Pintov.TrinidadandTobago),519/1992(Marriottv.Jamaica),521/1992(Kulominv.Hungary),523/1992(Neptunev.TrinidadandTobago),527/1993(Lewisv.Jamaica),537/1993(Kellyv.Jamaica),540/1993(CelisLaureanov.Peru),542/1993(Tshishimbiv.Zaire),546/1993(Burrellv.Jamaica),563/1993(Bautistav.Colombia),566/1993(Somersv.Hungary),571/1994(HenryandDouglasv.Jamaica),586/1994(Adamv.CzechRepublic),588/1994(Johnsonv.Jamaica),589/1994(Tomlinv.Jamaica),596/1994(Chaplinv.Jamaica),597/1994(Grantv.Jamaica),598/1994(Sterlingv.Jamaica),599/1994(Spencev.Jamaica)and600/1994(Hyltonv.Jamaica).ThetextsoftheCommittee'sviewsinthese29casesarecontainedinannexVIII.375.2 .2TheCommitteealsoconcludedconsiderationof11casesbydeclaringtheminadmissible.Thesecasesare:Nos.472/1991(J.P.L.v.France),557/1993(Xv.Australia),573/1994(Atkinsonetal.v.Canada),584/1994(Valentijnv.France),608/1995(Nahlikv.Austria),638/1995(Lacikav.Canada),645/1995(Bordesetal.v.France),656/1995(V.E.M.v.Spain),657/1995(vanderEntv.theNetherlands),660/1995(Koningv.theNetherlands)and664/1995(Kruyt-Ameszetal.v.theNetherlands).ThetextsoftheCommittee'sdecisionsarecontainedinannexIX.376.2 .2Duringtheperiodunderreview,23communicationsweredeclaredadmissibleforexaminationonthemerits.Decisionsdeclaringcommunicationsadmissiblearenotmadepublic.Considerationofsevencaseswasdiscontinued.Proceduraldecisionswereadoptedinanumberofpendingcases,underarticle4oftheOptionalProtocolorunderrules86and91oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure.TheCommitteerequestedSecretariatactioninotherpendingcases.@ . B.GrowthoftheCommittee'scaseloadunderthe@ . OptionalProtocol󀀀377.2 .2AstheCommitteehasalreadystatedinpreviousannualreports,theincreasingnumberofStatespartiestotheOptionalProtocolandbetterpublicawarenessoftheCommittee'sworkundertheOptionalProtocolhaveledtoanincreaseinthenumberofcommunicationssubmittedtoit.Inaddition,theSecretariattookactiononseveralhundredcaseswhich,foronereasonoranother,werenotregisteredundertheOptionalProtocolandplacedbeforetheCommittee.Furthermore,follow-upactivitiesarerequiredinthemajorityofthe181casesinwhichtheCommitteefoundviolationsoftheCovenant.ThisworkloadmeansthattheCommitteecannolongerexaminecommunicationsexpeditiously.Inthisconnection,theCommitteealsonotesthatanincreasingnumberofcommunicationsarebeingsubmittedinlanguageswhicharenotamongtheworkinglanguagesoftheSecretariat,andexpressesconcernabouttheconsequentdelaysintheexaminationofsuchcommunications.TheCommittee,whilefullyawareofthefinancialcrisisoftheOrganization,neverthelessemphasizesthatitshouldbeguaranteedthenecessaryresourcesfortheeffectiveconsiderationofcommunicationsandthattheseespeciallyshouldbedealtwithbystaffspecializinginthevariouslegalsystems.̀C.ApproachestoexaminingcommunicationsunderthèOptionalProtocol@ .T 1.SpecialRapporteuronnewcommunications378.2 .2Atitsthirtyfifth(March/April1989)session,theCommitteedecidedtodesignateaspecialrapporteurtoprocessnewcommunicationsastheywerereceivedthatis,betweensessionsoftheCommittee.Mrs.RosalynHigginsservedasSpecialRapporteurforaperiodoftwoyears.ShewassucceededbyMr.RajsoomerLallah(fortyfirsttofortysixthsessions)andbyMrs.ChristineChanet(fortyseventhtofiftysecondsessions).AttheCommittee'sfiftythirdsession,Mr.FaustoPocarwasdesignatedtosucceedMrs.ChanetasSpecialRapporteur.Intheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theSpecialRapporteurhastransmitted62newcommunicationstotheStatespartiesconcernedunderrule91oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure,requestinginformationorobservationsrelevanttothequestionofadmissibility.Regardingothercommunications,theSpecialRapporteurrecommendedtotheCommitteethatthecommunicationsbedeclaredinadmissiblewithoutforwardingthemtotheStateparty.Inothercases,theSpecialRapporteurissuedrequestsforinterimmeasuresofprotectionpursuanttorule86oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure.@ . 2.CompetenceoftheWorkingGrouponCommunications379.2 .2Atitsthirtysixth(July1989)session,theCommitteedecidedtoauthorizetheWorkingGrouponCommunicationstoadoptdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsadmissiblewhenallfivememberssoagreed.Failingsuchagreement,theWorkingGroupwouldreferthemattertotheCommittee.ItcouldalsodosowheneveritbelievedthattheCommitteeitselfshoulddecidethequestionofadmissibility.WhiletheWorkingGroupcouldnotadoptdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsinadmissible,itmightmakerecommendationsinthatrespecttotheCommittee.Pursuanttothoserules,theWorkingGrouponCommunicationsthatmetpriortothefiftyfifth,fiftysixthandfiftyseventhsessionsoftheCommitteedeclared22communicationsadmissible.380.2 .2Atitsfiftyfifth(October/November1995)session,theCommitteedecidedthateachcommunicationwouldbeentrustedtoamemberoftheCommittee,whowouldactasrapporteurforitintheWorkingGroupandintheplenaryCommittee.Inperforminghistask,theRapporteurconsultsthewholeofthefile,ifnecessaryattheprevioussession.Atitsfiftyseventh(July1996)session,theCommitteedecidedthattheRapporteurresponsibleforthecommunicationwouldconsidertheactiontobetakenonlastminuteinformationcommunicatedbytheauthororbytheStateparty.381.2 .2Inthatregard,atitsfiftyfifthsessiontheCommitteedeclaredthatthecompetenceoftheRapporteurtoissue,andifnecessarytowithdraw,requestsforinterimmeasuresunderrule86oftherulesofprocedurewouldcontinueuntiltheWorkingGrouptookupthequestionofadmissibility;subsequently,whentheCommitteewasnotinsession,thatcompetencewouldbeexercisedbytheChairmanuntiltheWorkingGroupconsideredthesubstanceofthecase,inconsultation,wherenecessary,withtheRapporteur.̇&  @ .N 3.Joinderofadmissibilityandmerits382.2 .2Atitsfiftyfourth(July1995)session,theCommitteedecidedthatitwouldinfuturejointheconsiderationofadmissibilityandmeritsofcommunicationswhenboth'  partiesconsentedandtheCommitteeconsidereditappropriate.Consequently,intheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteedeclaredthreecommunicationsadmissibleandadopteditsviewsthereon(Nos.588/1994(Johnsonv.Jamaica),596/1994(Chaplinv.Jamaica)and597/1994(Grantv.Jamaica)).@ .nD.Individualopinions383.2 .2InitsworkundertheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteestrivestoarriveatitsdecisionsbyconsensus.However,pursuanttorule94,paragraph3,oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure,memberscanaddtheirindividualconcurringordissentingopinionstotheCommittee'sviews.Pursuanttorule92,paragraph3,memberscanappendtheirindividualopinionstotheCommittee'sdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsinadmissible.384.2 .2Duringthesessionscoveredbythepresentreport,individualopinionswereappendedtotheCommittee'sviewsincasesNos.390/1990(Lubutov.Zambia),422-424/1990(Aduayometal.v.Togo),521/1992(Kulominv.Hungary),527/1993(Lewisv.Jamaica),586/1994(Adamv.CzechRepublic),588/1994(Johnsonv.Jamaica),596/1994(Chaplinv.Jamaica),599/1994(Spencev.Jamaica)and600/1994(Hyltonv.Jamaica).AnindividualopinionwasalsoappendedtotheCommittee'sinadmissibilitydecisionregardingcaseNo.608/1995(Nahlikv.Austria).@ . E.IssuesconsideredbytheCommittee385.2 .2AreviewoftheCommittee'sworkundertheOptionalProtocolfromitssecondsession,in1977,toitsfiftyfourthsession,in1995,canbefoundintheCommittee'sannualreportsfor1984to1995,which,interalia,containsummariesoftheproceduralandsubstantiveissuesconsideredbytheCommitteeandofthedecisionstaken.ThefulltextsoftheviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeandofitsdecisionsdeclaringcommunicationsinadmissibleundertheOptionalProtocolhavebeenreproducedregularlyinannexestotheCommittee'sannualreports.386.2 .2Thefollowingsummaryreflectsfurtherdevelopmentsonissuesconsideredduringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport.@ .1.Proceduralissues(a)2 .2Noclaimunderarticle2oftheOptionalProtocol387.2 .2Article2oftheOptionalProtocolprovidesthat"individualswhoclaimthatanyoftheirrightsenumeratedintheCovenanthavebeenviolatedandwhohaveexhaustedallavailabledomesticremediesmaysubmitawrittencommunicationtotheCommitteeforconsideration".388.2 .2Althoughanauthordoesnotneedtoprovetheallegedviolationattheadmissibilitystage,hemustsubmitsufficientevidencesubstantiatinghisallegationforpurposesofadmissibility.A"claim"is,therefore,notjustanallegationbutanallegationsupportedbyacertainamountofsubstantiatingevidence.Thus,incaseswheretheCommitteefindsthattheauthorhasfailedtosubstantiatehisclaimforpurposesofadmissibility,theCommitteehasheldthecommunicationinadmissible,underrule90(b)ofitsrulesofprocedure,declaringthattheauthor"hasnoclaimunderarticle2oftheOptionalProtocol".389.2 .2Casesdeclaredinadmissible,interalia,forlackofsubstantiationoftheclaimorfailuretoadvanceaclaim,arecommunicationsNos.472/1991(J.P.L.v.France),638/1995(Lacikav.Canada),656/1995(V.E.M.v.Spain),657/1995(vanderEntv.theNetherlands)and660/1995(Koningv.theNetherlands).(b)02 .2CompetenceoftheCommitteeandincompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant(OptionalProtocol,art.3)390.2 .2InitsworkundertheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteehasonseveraloccasionshadtopointoutthatitisnotaninstanceoffinalrecourseintendedtorevieworreversedecisionsofdomesticcourtsandthatitcannotbeusedasaforumforpursuingacomplaintonthebasisofdomesticlaw.391.2 .2IncommunicationNo.664/1995(Kruyt-Ameszetal.v.theNetherlands),theCommitteereferredtoitsestablishedjurisprudencethatinterpretationofdomesticlegislationisessentiallyamatterforthecourtsandauthoritiesoftheStatepartyconcerned(seeannexIX.K,para.4.2).(c)02 .2Therequirementofexhaustionofdomesticremedies(OptionalProtocol,art.5,para.2(b))392.2 .2Pursuanttoarticle5,paragraph2(b),oftheOptionalProtocol,theCommitteeshallnotconsideranycommunicationunlessithasascertainedthattheauthorhasexhaustedallavailabledomesticremedies.However,theCommitteehasalreadyestablishedthattheruleofexhaustionappliesonlytotheextentthatthoseremediesareeffectiveandavailable.TheStatepartyisrequiredtogive"detailsoftheremedieswhichitsubmittedhadbeenavailabletotheauthorinthecircumstancesofhiscase,togetherwithevidencethattherewouldbeareasonableprospectthatsuchremedieswouldbeeffective"(caseNo.4/1977(TorresRamrezv.Uruguay)).7TherulealsoprovidesthattheCommitteeisnotprecludedfromexaminingacommunicationifitisestablishedthattheapplicationoftheremediesinquestionisunreasonablyprolonged.Incertaincases,aStatepartymaywaivebeforetheCommitteetherequirementofexhaustionofdomesticremedies.CommunicationsNos.557/1993(Xv.Australia),573/1994(Atkinsonetal.v.Canada)and584/1994(Valentijnv.France)weredeclaredinadmissibleforfailuretopursueavailableandeffectivedomesticremedies.&  (d)02 .2Inadmissibilityrationetemporis393.2 .2Asatitsprevioussessions,theCommitteehashadtoconsidercommunicationsrelatingtoeventswhichoccurredbeforetheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolfortheStateconcerned.Incasesofthistype,the'  admissibilitycriterionappliedbytheCommitteeiswhethertheeventsinquestionhave,sincetheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocol,hadpersistenteffectswhichinthemselvesconstituteviolationsoftheCovenant.Atitsfiftysixth(March/April1986)session,theCommitteeconsideredthisquestionincaseNo.505/1992(Acklav.Togo)andnotedthat"theauthor'sclaimsunderarticles7,9and10,paragraph1,oftheCovenantrelatedtoeventsthatoccurredpriorto30June1988,thedateofentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolfortheStateparty.Inthisrespect,therefore,theCommitteedecidedthatthecommunicationwasinadmissiblerationetemporis"(annexVIII.I,para.6.2).394.2 .2Atitsfiftyseventh(July1996)session,theCommitteeconsideredanumberofcommunicationsinvolvingfactualsituationswithrootsineventsthatoccurredpriortotheentryintoforceoftheCovenantandoftheOptionalProtocol.IncommunicationNo.586/1994(Adamv.CzechRepublic),theCommitteeexaminedwhetherthefailurebytheStatepartytoprovidecompensationforconfiscationsthatoccurredin1949couldraiseissuesundertheOptionalProtocol.Itfound"thatalthoughtheconfiscationstookplacebeforetheentryintoforceoftheCovenantandoftheOptionalProtocolfortheCzechRepublic,thenewlegislationthatexcludesclaimantswhoarenotCzechcitizenshascontinuingconsequencessubsequenttotheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolfortheCzechRepublic,whichcouldentaildiscriminationinviolationofarticle26oftheCovenant"(annexVIII.V,para.6.3).Atthesamesession,theCommittee,whenexaminingthemeritsofcommunicationsNos.422424/1990(Aduayometal.v.Togo)reiteratedthatitsjurisprudencehasbeennottoentertainclaimsundertheOptionalProtocolbasedoneventswhichoccurredaftertheentryintoforceoftheCovenantbutbeforetheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolfortheStateparty.Intheinstantcase,however,theCommitteedoesnotfindanyelementswhichwouldallowittomakeafindingundertheOptionalProtocolonthelawfulnessofthearrestsoftheauthors,sincethearreststookplaceinSeptemberandDecember1985,respectively,andtheywerereleasedinAprilandJuly1986,respectively,priortotheentryintoforceoftheOptionalProtocolforTogoon30June1988.Accordingly,theCommitteeisprecludedrationetemporisfromexaminingtheclaimunderarticle9,paragraph5(annexVIII.C,para.7.3).OneCommitteememberappendedadissentingopiniontotheviews.(e)2 .2Interimmeasuresunderrule86395.2 .2Underrule86oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure,theCommitteemay,afterreceiptofacommunicationandbeforeadoptingitsviews,requestaStatepartytotakeinterimmeasuresinordertoavoidirreparabledamagetothevictimoftheallegedviolations.TheCommitteehasappliedthisruleonseveraloccasions,mostlyincasessubmittedbyoronbehalfofpersonswhohavebeensentencedtodeathandareawaitingexecutionandwhoclaimthattheyweredeniedafairtrial.Inviewoftheurgencyofthecommunications,theCommitteehasrequestedtheStatespartiesconcernednottocarryoutthedeathsentenceswhilethecasesareunderconsideration.Staysofexecutionhavespecificallybeengrantedinthisconnection.Rule86hasalsobeenappliedinothercircumstances,forinstanceincasesofimminentdeportationorextradition.@ .2.Substantiveissues(a)2 .2Righttolife(Covenant,art.6)396.2 .2Article6,paragraph1,protectstherighttolife.Initsgeneralcomment6(16),theCommitteeexpresseditsviewthatStatespartiesshouldtakespecificandeffectivemeasurestopreventthedisappearanceofindividualsandestablisheffectivefacilitiesandprocedurestoinvestigatethoroughly,byanappropriateandimpartialbody,casesofmissingpersonsandenforceddisappearancesincircumstancesthatmayinvolveaviolationoftherighttolife.IncasesNos.540/1993(CelisLaureanov.Peru)and563/1993(Bautistav.Colombia),theCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle6,paragraph1,becausetheStatepartywasheldresponsibleforthedisappearanceoftheindividualsonwhosebehalfthecommunicationshadbeensubmitted.397.2 .2Article6,paragraph2,statesthatthedeathsentencemayonlybeimposedforthe"mostseriouscrimes".IncaseNo.390/1990(Lubutov.Zambia),thecomplainanthadbeenconvictedandsentencedtodeathforaggravatedrobberywiththeuseoffirearms.TheCommittee,consideringthatintheparticularcasenoonehadbeenkilledorwoundedandthatunderthelawthecourtcouldnottakethoseelementsintoaccountwhensentencing,wasoftheviewthatthemandatoryimpositionofthedeathpenaltyunderthosecircumstanceswasinviolationofarticle6,paragraph2,oftheCovenant(annexVIII.B,para.7.2).398.2 .2Article6,paragraph2,providesalsothatasentenceofdeathmaybeimposedonlyifnotcontrarytotheprovisionsoftheCovenant.Thus,anexusisestablishedbetweentheimpositionofasentenceofdeathandobservancebyStateauthoritiesofguaranteesundertheCovenant.Accordingly,incaseswheretheCommitteefoundthattheStatepartyhadviolatedarticle14oftheCovenant,inthattheauthorhadbeendeniedafairtrialandappeal,theCommitteeheldthattheimpositionofthedeathsentencealsoentailedaviolationofarticle6.InitsviewsincaseNo.459/1991(WrightandHarveyv.Jamaica),theCommitteeobserved:02 .2 ."TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthattheimpositionofasentenceofdeathuponconclusionofatrialinwhichtheprovisionsoftheCovenanthavenotbeenrespectedconstitutes,ifnofurtherappealagainstthesentenceispossible,aviolationofarticle6oftheCovenant.AstheCommitteenotedinitsgeneralcomment6(16),theprovisionthatasentenceofdeathmaybeimposedonlyinaccordancewiththelawandnotcontrarytotheprovisionsoftheCovenantimpliesthat'theproceduralguaranteesthereinprescribedmustbeobserved,includingtherighttoafairhearingbyanindependenttribunal,thepresumptionofinnocence,theminimumguaranteesforthedefence,andtherighttoreview[ofconvictionandsentence]byahighertribunal'"(annexVIII.F,para.10.6).399.2 .2Havingconcludedthatthefinalsentenceofdeathhadbeenimposedafteratrialthatfailedtocomplyfullywiththerequirementsofarticle14,theCommitteefoundthattherightprotectedbyarticle6hadbeenviolated.TheCommitteereachedasimilarconclusionincommunicationNo.461/1991(GrahamandMorrisonv.Jamaica).(b)02 .2Therightnottobesubjectedtotortureortocruel,inhumanordegradingtreatment(Covenant,art.7)400.2 .2Article7oftheCovenantprovidesthatnooneshallbesubjectedtotortureortocruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.401.2 .2CaseNo.540/1993(CelisLaureanov.Peru)concernedagirlwhohaddisappearedandhadnocontactwithherfamilyorwiththeoutsideworld.Inthesecircumstances,theCommitteeconcludedthattheabductionanddisappearanceofthevictimandpreventionofcontactwithherfamilyandtheoutsideworldconstitutedcruelandinhumantreatment,inviolationofarticle7oftheCovenant(annexVIII.P,para.8.5).402.2 .2AsimilarconclusionwasreachedincaseNo.542/1993(Tshishimbiv.Zaire).IncaseNo.563/1993(Bautistav.Colombia),theCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle7becauseoftheuseoftorturebeforethevictimwasassassinated.403.2 .2IncaseNo.373/1989(Stephensv.Jamaica),thecomplainanthadsufferedinjuriesasaresultoftheuseofforcebywardersondeathrow.TheCommitteeconsideredthattheStatepartyhadfailedtojustifythatthoseinjuriesweretheresultoftheuseof"reasonableforce"byawarderandhadfailedtoinvestigatethecomplaint.TheCommitteeconcludedthatthecomplainanthadbeentreatedinawaycontrarytoarticle7oftheCovenant.404.2 .2Initsjurisprudenceregardingclaimsthataprolongedstayondeathrowconstitutescruel,inhumananddegradingtreatment,theCommitteehasconsistentlyheldthatthefactsandcircumstancesofeachcasemustbeexaminedtoseewhetheranissueunderarticle7arisesandthat,intheabsenceoffurthercompellingcircumstances,prolongedjudicialproceedingsdonotperseconstitutethatkindoftreatment.(SeetheCommittee'sviewsincasesNos.373/1989(Stephensv.Jamaica),461/1991(GrahamandMorrisonv.Jamaica)and596/1994(Chaplinv.Jamaica)inannexVIII.)405.2 .2IncaseNo.588/1994(Johnsonv.Jamaica),theCommittee'sjurisprudencewasconfirmedandfurtherelaborated.Init,theCommitteeexaminedingreaterdetail02 .2"theimplicationsofholdingthelengthofdetentionondeathrowperse,tobeinviolationofarticles7and10.Thefirst,andmostserious,implicationisthatifaStatepartyexecutesacondemnedprisonerafterhehasspentacertainperiodoftimeondeathrow,itwillnotbeinviolationofitsobligationsundertheCovenant,whereasifitrefrainsfromdoingso,itwillviolatetheCovenant.AninterpretationoftheCovenantleadingtothisresultcannotbeconsistentwiththeCovenant'sobjectandpurpose.Theaboveimplicationcannotbeavoidedbyrefrainingfromdeterminingadefiniteperiodofdetentionondeathrow,afterwhichtherewillbeapresumptionthatdetentionondeathrowconstitutescruelandinhumanpunishment.Settingacut-offdatecertainlyexacerbatestheproblemandgivestheStatepartyacleardeadlineforexecutingapersonifitistoavoidviolatingitsobligationsundertheCovenant.However,thisimplicationisnotafunctionoffixingthemaximumpermissibleperiodofdetentionondeathrow,butofmakingthetimefactorperse,thedeterminingone.Ifthemaximumacceptableperiodisleftopen,StatespartieswhichseektoavoidoversteppingthedeadlinewillbetemptedtolooktothedecisionsoftheCommitteeinpreviouscasessoastodeterminewhatlengthofdetentionondeathrowtheCommitteehasfoundpermissibleinthepast.02 .2 ."Thesecondimplicationofmakingthetimefactorpersethedeterminingone,i.e.thefactorthatturnsdetentionondeathrowintoaviolationoftheCovenant,isthatitconveysamessagetoStatespartiesretainingthedeathpenaltythattheyshouldcarryoutacapitalsentenceasexpeditiouslyaspossibleafteritwasimposed.ThisisnotamessagetheCommitteewouldwishtoconveytoStatesparties"(annexVIII.W,paras.8.3and8.4).406.2 .2Anumberofmembersdissociatedthemselvesfromthemajorityopinion,particularlythroughthesubmissionofcertaindissentingopinions.  (c)2 .2Libertyandsecurityofperson(Covenant,art.9)407.2 .2Article9,paragraph1,oftheCovenantguaranteestoeveryonetherighttolibertyandsecurityofpersonandprovidesthatnooneshallbesubjectedtoarbitraryarrestordetention.IncaseNo.542/1993(Tshishimbiv.Zaire),thevictimhaddisappeared.TheCommitteerecalledthatarticle9,paragraph1,maybeinvokedalsooutsidethecontextofarrestanddetentionandthataninterpretationwhichwouldallowStatespartiestotolerate,condoneorignorethreatsmadebypersonsinauthoritytothelibertyandsecurityofnon-detainedindividualswithintheStateparty'sjurisdictionwouldrenderineffectivetheguaranteesoftheCovenant.Intheinstantcase,theCommitteeconcludedthatarticle9,paragraph1,hadbeenviolated.408.2 .2Violationsofarticle9,paragraph1,werealsofoundincasesNos.540/1993(CelisLaureanov.Peru)and563/1993(Bautistav.Colombia).409.2 .2IncaseNo.597/1994(Grantv.Jamaica),thecomplainanthadnotbeeninformeduponarrestofthechargesagainsthimandwasonlyinformedsevendaysafterhehadbeendetained.TheCommitteefoundthatthatconstitutedaviolationofarticle9,paragraph2,whichprovidesthatanyonewhoisarrestedshallbeinformed,atthetimeofhisarrest,ofthereasonsforhisarrestandshallbepromptlyinformedofanychargesagainsthim(annexVIII.Z,para.8.1).410.2 .2IncaseNo.373/1989(Stephensv.Jamaica),theCommitteefoundthatthecomplainantwasbroughtbeforeajudgeorotherjudicialofficermorethaneightdaysafterhavingbeentakenintocustody,anditconsideredthatthatwasincompatiblewiththerequirementofarticle9,paragraph3,whichprovidesthatanyonearrestedordetainedonacriminalchargeshallbebroughtpromptlybeforeajudge(seeannexVIII.A,para.9.6).AsimilarconclusionwasreachedincaseNo.597/1994(Grantv.Jamaica).(d)2 .2Treatmentduringimprisonment(Covenant,art.10)411.2 .2Article10,paragraph1,prescribesthatallpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyshallbetreatedwithhumanityandwithrespectfortheinherentdignityofthehumanperson.TheCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle10,paragraph1,incasesNos.373/1989(Stephensv.Jamaica)and596/1994(Chaplinv.Jamaica).(e)2 .2Righttolibertyofmovement(Covenant,art.12)412.2 .2Article12,paragraph1,oftheCovenantprotectstherighttolibertyofmovementandfreedomtochooseone'sresidenceofeveryonelawfullywithintheterritoryofaState.IncaseNo.505/1992(Acklav.Togo),theCommitteefoundaviolationofthatprovisionbecausethecomplainanthadbeenprohibitedfromenteringthedistrictinwhichhisnativevillagewaslocatedandtheStatepartyhadfailedtoprovideanyexplanationsjustifyingthatrestrictiononhisfreedomofmovement.(f)2 .2Guaranteesofafairtrial(Covenant,art.14)413.2 .2Paragraph3(b)ofarticle14providesthat,inthedeterminationofanycriminalchargeagainsthim,everyoneisentitledtohaveadequatetimeandfacilitiesforthepreparationofhisdefenceandtocommunicatewithcounselofhisownchoosing.Paragraph3(d)providesthateveryoneisentitledtodefendhimselfinpersonorthroughlegalassistance,whichshouldbeprovidedfreeofchargewheretheinterestsofjusticesorequire.IncaseNo.459/1991(Wrightf&andHarveyv.Jamaica),counselfortheaccusedhadconcededattheappealhearingthathisclient'scasehadnomerit.TheCommitteeconsideredthatwhilearticle14,paragraph3(d),didnotentitletheaccusedtochoosecounselprovidedtohimfreeofcharge,theCourtshouldensurethattheconductofthecasebythelawyerisnotincompatiblewiththeinterestsofjustice.Inacapitalcase,whencounselfortheaccusedconcedesthatthereisnomeritintheappeal,theCourtshouldascertainwhethercounselhasconsultedwiththeaccusedandinformedhimaccordingly.Ifnot,theCourtmustensurethattheaccusedissoinformedandgivenanopportunitytoengageothercounsel.Inthecircumstances,theCommitteefoundaviolationofarticle14,paragraph3(b)and(d)(seeannexVIII.F,para.10.5).414.2 .2AsimilarviolationwasfoundincaseNo.461/1991(GrahamandMorrisonv.Jamaica).415.2 .2Article14,paragraph3(c),giveseveryaccusedpersontherighttobetriedwithoutunduedelay.ViolationsofthatprovisionwerefoundincasesNos.390/1990(Lubutov.Zambia),434/1990(Seerattanv.TrinidadandTobago),459/1991(WrightandHarveyv.Jamaica)and563/1993(Bautistav.Colombia).(g)02 .2Therightofaminortoprotectiononthepartofhisfamily,societyandtheState(Covenant,art.24)416.2 .2Article24oftheCovenantprovidesthateverychildshallhave,withoutanydiscrimination,therighttosuchmeasuresofprotectionasarerequiredbyhisstatusasaminor,onthepartofhisfamily,societyandtheState.IncaseNo.540/1993(CelisLaureanov.Peru),thevictim,aminor,haddisappearedafterhavingbeenprovisionallyreleasedfromcustody.TheCommitteeconsideredthattheStateparty'sfailuretoadoptanyparticularmeasurestoinvestigateherdisappearanceandlocateherwhereaboutstoensurehersecurityandwelfareconstitutedaviolationofarticle24(annexVIII.P,para.8.7).(h)02 .2Therighttoequalitybeforethelawandtoequalprotectionofthelaw,andtheprohibitionofdiscrimination(Covenant,art.26)417.2 .2Article26oftheCovenantprovidesthatallpersonsareequalbeforethelawandareentitledwithoutanydiscriminationtotheequalprotectionofthelaw.Inthisrespect,thelawshallprohibitanydiscriminationandguaranteetoallpersonsequalandeffectiveprotectionagainstdiscrimination.418.2 .2IncaseNo.454/1991(GarcaPonsv.Spain),thecomplainant,acivilservantwhoonoccasionworkedasasubstitutejudge,claimedthathewasentitledtounemploymentbenefitsuponterminationofhisassignment,sinceotherunemployedsubstitutejudgesalsoreceivedsuchbenefits.TheCommitteefoundthatthecomplainant,asacivilservantbeinggrantedspecialleavetofulfilhisassignmentsasasubstitutejudge,wasnotinthesamesituationasotherswhowerenotcivilservantsandcouldnotimmediatelyreturntoanotherpostuponterminationoftheirtemporaryassignments.TheCommitteefoundthatthefactsdidnotdiscloseaviolationofarticle26oftheCovenant(seeannexVIII.E,para.9.5).@ . F.EffectiveremedyprovidedbyaStatepartyduring@ . examinationofacommunication󀀀419.2 .2TheprocedureestablishedundertheOptionalProtocolaimsathelpingvictimsratherthancondemningStatespartiesforviolationsoftheCovenant.TheCommitteethereforewelcomestheearlycooperationbyStatespartiesinfindingsolutionstohumanrightsproblems.420.2 .2CommunicationNo.655/1995wassubmittedbyanindividualbornin1949inIrelandasaBritishcitizen.In1954,attheageoffive,heemigratedtoAustraliawithhisparents.HehadhisschoolinginAustraliaandin1967joinedtheAustralianArmy,inwhichheservedforfiveyears,includingserviceinVietNam,wherehewaswounded.HehadnotformallyappliedforAustraliancitizenship.In1981heleftthecountryinordertotravel.WhenhewishedtotakeuphisresidenceinAustraliaagainin1990hewasrefusedre-entrysincehewasnotacitizenandhadbeenoutsidethecountryformorethanfiveyears.On16May1995,theauthoraddressedacommunicationtotheHumanRightsCommittee,claimingaviolationbyAustraliaoftherighttoenterone'sowncountry.ThecommunicationwastransmittedtotheStatepartyon15September1995.Inasubmissiondated3May1996,theStatepartyinformedtheCommitteethatithadgiventhecommunicationcloseconsiderationandthat"on8March1996theAustralianHighCommissioninLondongrantedhimaFormerResident(class151)visawhichwillallowfortheauthor'sreturntoAustraliaasapermanentresident".421.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionoverthecooperationoftheStatepartyandtheinformationontheremedyprovidedbytheStateparty.@ . G.RemediescalledforundertheCommittee'sviews422.2 .2AftertheCommitteehasmadeafindingonthemeritsits"views"underarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocolofaviolationofaprovisionoftheCovenant,itproceedstoasktheStatepartytotakeappropriatestepstoremedytheviolation.Forinstance,incaseNo.540/1993(CelisLaureanov.Peru),concerningenforceddisappearance,theCommitteefoundasfollows:02 .2 ."Underarticle2,paragraph3,oftheCovenant,theStatepartyisunderanobligationtoprovidethevictimandtheauthorwithaneffectiveremedy.TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoopenaproperinvestigationintothedisappearanceofAnaRosarioCelisLaureanoandherfate,toprovideforappropriatecompensationtothevictimandherfamily,andtobringtojusticethoseresponsibleforherdisappearance,notwithstandinganydomesticamnestylegislationtothecontrary"(annexVIII.P,para.10).TheCommitteefurtherobservedthat:02 .2 ."Bearinginmindthat,bybecomingapartytotheOptionalProtocol,theStatepartyhasrecognizedthecompetenceoftheCommitteetodeterminewhethertherehasbeenaviolationoftheCovenantornotandthat,pursuanttoarticle2oftheCovenant,theStatepartyhasundertakentoensuretoallindividualswithinitsterritoryandsubjecttoitsjurisdictiontherightsrecognizedintheCovenantandtoprovideaneffectiveandenforceableremedyincaseaviolationhasbeenestablished,theCommitteewishestoreceivefromtheStateparty,within90days,informationaboutthemeasurestakentogiveeffecttotheCommittee'sviews"(annexVIII.P,para.11).@ .:H.NoncooperationbyStatespartiesinrespectofpendingcases423.2 .2Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,threeStatesPeru,TogoandZaireofferednocooperationintheCommittee'sconsiderationofcommunicationspendingundertheOptionalProtocolrelatingtothem.+@ .. VIII.FOLLOWUPACTIVITIESUNDERTHEOPTIONALPROTOCOL424.2 .2Fromitsseventhsession,in1979,totheendofitsfiftysixthsession,inApril1996,theHumanRightsCommitteeadopted223viewsoncommunicationsreceivedandconsideredundertheOptionalProtocolandfoundviolationsin168ofthem.Formanyyears,however,theCommitteewasinformedbyStatespartiesinonlyalimitednumberofcasesofanymeasurestakenbythemtogiveeffecttotheviewsadopted.BecauseoflackofknowledgeaboutStatepartycompliancewithitsdecisions,theCommitteehasdevisedamechanismthatshouldenableittoevaluateStatepartycompliancewithitsviews.425.2 .2Duringitsthirtyninth(July1990)session,followingathoroughdebateontheCommittee'scompetencetoengageinfollowupactivities,theCommitteeestablishedaprocedurewherebyitcanmonitorthefollowuptoitsviewsunderarticle5,paragraph4,oftheOptionalProtocol.Atthesametime,theCommitteecreatedthemandateofaspecialrapporteurforthefollowuponviews.HismandateisspelledoutintheCommittee'sreporttotheGeneralAssemblyatitsfortyfifthsession.8Fromthethirtyninthtothefortyseventh(March/April1993)session,Mr.JnosFodoractedasSpecialRapporteurfortheFollowUponViews.Atthefortyseventhsession,Mr.AndreasMavrommatiswasappointedSpecialRapporteur;hismandatewasextendedforanothertwoyearsatthefiftythird(March1995)session.Duringitsfiftyfirst(July1994)session,theCommitteeadoptedanewruleofprocedure,rule95,whichspellsoutthemandateoftheSpecialRapporteur.9426.2 .2Pursuanttohismandate,theSpecialRapporteurhasrequestedfollowupinformationfromStatespartiessincethebeginningof1991.FollowupinformationhassystematicallybeenrequestedinrespectofallviewswithafindingofaviolationoftheCovenant.AtthebeginningoftheCommittee'sfiftyseventhsession,inJuly1996,followupinformationhadbeenreceivedinrespectof90Views.Noinformationhadbeenreceivedinrespectof68Views;in10cases,thedeadlineforreceiptoffollowupinformationhadnotyetexpired.Itmaybenotedthatinmanyinstances,theSecretariathasalsoreceivedinformationfromauthorstotheeffectthattheCommittee'sviewshadnotbeenimplemented.Conversely,insomerareinstances,theauthorofacommunicationhasinformedtheCommitteethattheStatepartydidgiveeffecttotheCommittee'srecommendations;theStatepartydidnotprovidethisinformation.427.2 .2Anyattemptstocategorizefollowuprepliesareinherentlydifficultandimprecise.Bythebeginningofthefiftyseventhsession,roughlyonethirdoftherepliesreceivedcouldbeconsideredsatisfactory,inthattheydisplayedawillingness,onthepartoftheStateparty,toimplementtheCommittee'sviewsortooffertheapplicantanappropriateremedy.Manyrepliessimplyindicatedthatthevictimhadfailedtofileaclaimforcompensationwithinthestatutorydeadlinesandthat,therefore,nocompensationcouldbepaidtothevictim.AnothercategoryofrepliescouldnotbeconsideredfullysatisfactoryinthattheyeitherdidnotaddresstheCommittee'srecommendationsatallormerelyrelatedtooneaspectthereof.FollowuprepliesthatrespondinsubstancetotheCommittee'srecommendationorrepresentsubstantialcompliancewillbereferredtoas"satisfactory"hereafter,andrepliesthatdonotrespondtotheCommittee'srecommendations,failtoaddresstheCommittee'srecommendationtograntcompensationtothevictimorconstitutelessthansubstantialcompliancewillbereferredtoas"unsatisfactory".428.2 .2TheremainderofthereplieseitherexplicitlychallengetheCommittee'sfindings,onfactualorlegalgrounds,indicatethattheStatepartywillnot,foronereasonoranother,giveeffecttotheCommittee'srecommendations,promiseaninvestigationofthematterconsideredbytheCommitteeorconstitutemuchbelatedsubmissionsonthemeritsofthecase.429.2 .2Acountrybycountrybreakdownoffollowuprepliesreceivedorrequestedandoutstandingasat26July1996providesthefollowingpicture:882882Argentina0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowuprepliesreceivedfromtheStateparty,dated14Augustand27September1995(seepara.455below).Australia0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowupreply,dated3May1996,receivedfromtheStateparty(seepara.456).Austria .0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;unsatisfactoryfollowupreply,dated11August1992,receivedfromtheStateparty.Bolivia0 .0 .Twoviewsfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceived,inspiteofremindersaddressedtotheStatepartyon9December1994.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofBoliviawereconductedduringthefiftyseventhsession.Cameroon0 .0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceived,inspiteofreminderaddressedtotheStatepartyon28June1995.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofCameroontobeconductedduringthefiftyeighthsession.Canada0 .0 .Sixviewsfindingviolations;foursatisfactoryfollowuprepliesandtwoincompletefollowuprepliesreceivedfromtheStateparty.CentralAfricanRepublic0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowupreply,dated14March1996,receivedfromtheStateparty(seepara.457).Colombia0 .0 .&  Eightviewsfindingviolations;sixfollowupreplieschallengingtheCommittee'sfindingsoramountingtolatesubmissionsonthemerits,oneincompletefollowupreplydated11August1995,andtwofullysatisfactoryfollowupreplies,dated9November1995and8January1996,receivedfromtheStateparty.FollowupconsultationswiththeStateparty'sPermanentRepresentativetotheUnitedNationswereconductedduringthefiftythirdandfiftysixthsessions(seeparas.439441).'  CzechRepublic0 .OnedecisionfindingaviolationoftheCovenant;followupreply,dated27November1995,receivedfromtheStateparty.Oneauthorconfirmed,byletterdated30October1995,thattheCommittee'srecommendationswereimplemented;oneauthorcomplained,byletterdated14May1996,thathewasnotcompensated(seepara.458).DominicanRepublic0 .Threeviewsfindingviolations;onesatisfactoryfollowupreply,norepliesintwocases.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionoftheDominicanRepublicconductedduringthefiftyseventhsession.Ecuador0 .0 .Threeviewsfindingviolations;onefollowupreplyreceived;norepliesreceivedintwocases.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofEcuadortobeconductedduringthefiftyeighthsession.EquatorialGuinea0 .Twoviewsfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceived.DuringfollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofEquatorialGuineainthecourseofthefiftysixthsession,theStatepartyrepresentativechallengedthefindingsoftheCommittee(seeparas.442444).Finland0 .0 .Fourviewsfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowuprepliesreceivedinallfourcases(seepara.460).France0 .0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowupreply,dated30January1996,receivedfromtheStateparty(seepara.459).Hungary0 .0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;anincomplete(preliminary)followupreplyreceived.&  Jamaica0 .0 .Thirtysixviewsfindingviolations;12detailedfollowuprepliesreceived,allindicatingthattheStatepartywouldnotimplementtheCommittee'srecommendations;nofollowupreplies,or"standardized"replies,indicatingmerelythattheauthor'sdeathsentencehadbeencommutedonthebasisofreclassificationoftheoffenceorasaresultofthePrivyCounciljudgmentof2November1993inPrattandMorganin22cases.FollowupconsultationswiththeStateparty'srepresentativestotheUnitedNationswereconductedduringthefiftythird,fiftyfifthandfiftysixthsessions(seeparas.446448).PriortotheCommittee'sfiftyfourthsession,theSpecialRapporteurfortheFollowUponViewsconductedafollowupfactfindingmissiontoJamaica.10'  LibyanArabJamahiriya0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceived.AremindertobeaddressedtotheStateparty.Madagascar0 .Fourviewsfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceived.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofMadagascartobeconductedduringthefiftyeighthsession.Mauritius0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowupreplyreceivedfromtheStateparty.Netherlands0 .Fourviewsfindingviolations;satisfactoryfollowuprepliesreceivedfromtheStatepartyinallfourcases.Nicaragua0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceivedfromtheStateparty,inspiteofreminderaddressedtoiton28June1995.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofNicaraguatobeconductedduringthefifty-eighthsession.Panama0 .0 .Twoviewsfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceivedfromtheStateparty.AreminderaddressedtotheStatepartyinrespectofthefirstdecisionon9December1994.Peru02 .20 .0 .Fourviewsfindingviolations;twofollowuprepliesindicatingthatviewswerepassedontotheSupremeCourtforactionintwocases;nofollowuprepliesreceivedintwocases.Followupconsultationsconductedduringthefiftyseventhsession.&  RepublicofKorea0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyfromtheStatepartyasof30June1996.DuringfollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionoftheRepublicofKoreaduringthefiftysixthsession,theStatepartyrepresentativeindicatedthattheCommittee'srecommendationswereunderactiveconsiderationandthataformalfollowupreplywouldbesentbytheautumnof1996(seepara.449).'  Senegal0 .0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;apreliminaryfollowupreply,dated26June1995,promisedfurtherinformationuponconclusionofStatepartyinvestigationsinthevictim'scase.Afurthersatisfactoryfollowupreply,dated15July1996,indicatedthatcompensationwouldbepaidtothevictim(seepara.461).Spain0 .0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;theStateparty'sfollowupreply,dated30June1995,challengedthefindingsoftheCommittee.Suriname0 .0 .Eightviewswithfindingsofviolations;twofollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionofSurinameduringthefiftythirdandfiftysixthsessions.TheStateparty'spreliminaryfollowupreply,dated25July1996,indicatedthattheSurinameseParliamenthadpassedaresolutionrecognizingthattheassassinationofthevictimswasinviolationofbasichumanrightsandthatanindependentjudicialinquirywasbeingsetup.Inquiriesintotheresultsoftheinvestigationtobemadeduringthefiftyeighthsession.TrinidadandTobago0 .Fourviewsfindingviolations;twofollowuprepliesreceived;nofollowupreplyintwocases,inspiteofremindersaddressedtotheStateparty.FollowupconsultationswiththePermanentMissionwereconductedduringthefiftysixthsession;onlyoneofthefollowuprepliespromisedonthatoccasionhadbeenreceivedasof30June1996(seeparas.452and453).Uruguay0 .0 .Fortyfiveviewsfindingviolations;43followuprepliesreceived.Duringconsultationson5July1996,aStatepartyrepresentativepromisedasatisfactorysolutionofthetwooutstandingcasesforwhichnofollowupreplieshadbeenreceived(seepara.454).Venezuela0 .Onedecisionfindingviolations;followupreplyreceivedfromtheStateparty.Zaire0 .0 .Tenviewsfindingviolations;nofollowupreplyreceivedfromtheStateparty,inspiteoftworemindersaddressedtoit.Zambia0 .0 .Twoviewsfindingviolations;onesatisfactoryreplyandonepreliminary,incompletefollowupreplyreceived.On24April1996,thevictiminonecasecomplainedtotheCommitteethattheStatepartyhadnotimplementedanyoftheCommittee'srecommendationsinhiscase.Followupconsultationsinrespectofthelattercasetobeconductedduringthefiftyeighthsession.882 430.2 .2Aftersixyears,theoverallresultsoftheexperiencewiththefollowupprocedureareencouraging,yettheycannotbetermedfullysatisfactory.SomeStatespartiesreplyingunderthefollowupprocedurehaveindeedarguedthattheyareimplementingtheCommittee'sviewsby,forexample,releasingfromdetentionvictimsofhumanrightsviolationsorbycommutingsentences,bygrantingthevictimcompensationfortheviolationssuffered,byamendinglegislationfoundincompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheCovenant,orbyofferingthecomplainantotherformsofremedies.SomeStatespartieshaveactedontheCommittee'sviewsandgrantedorofferedsomeformofremedybutfailedtoinformtheCommitteeaccordingly.431.2 .2Ontheotherhand,anumberofStatespartieshaveindicatedthatcompensatorypaymentstothevictim(s)weremadeexgratia,notablywherethedomesticlegalsystemdoesnotprovideforcompensationinadifferentmanner,orthataremedywasofferedexgratia.That,forexample,wastheargumentoftheGovernmentoftheNetherlandsinitsfollowuprepliesontheCommittee'sviewsinrespectofcommunicationsNo.305/1988(VanAlphenv.Netherlands)andNo.453/1991(Coerielv.Netherlands).432.2 .2TheCommitteeisequallyawarethattheabsenceofspecificenablinglegislationisacrucialfactorwhichoftenstandsinthewayofmonetarycompensationtovictimsofviolationsoftheCovenant,orthegrantingofotherremediesbasedontheCommittee'sviews.Thatargumentwas,forexample,adducedbytheGovernmentofAustriainitsfollowupreplyontheviewsincaseNo.415/1990(Paugerv.Austria)andbytheGovernmentofSenegalinitsfirstfollowupreplyontheviewsincaseNo.386/1989(Konv.Senegal).TheCommitteecommendsthoseStatespartieswhichhavecompensatedvictimsofviolationsoftheCovenant;iturgesStatespartiestoconsidertheadoptionofspecificenablinglegislationand,pendingthat,tomakeexgratiapaymentsbywayofcompensation.433.2 .2Bynoteverbaleof31July1995,theGovernmentofColombiainformedtheCommitteethatspecificenablinglegislationwasintroducedintheColombianSenate,underwhichcompensationwouldbepaidtothevictimsincasesinwhichinternationalhumanrightsbodies,includingtheHumanRightsCommittee,foundbreachesbyColombiaofinternationalhumanrightsstandards.On27March1996,thePermanentRepresentativeofColombiatotheUnitedNationsinformedtheSpecialRapporteurthatthedraftenablinglegislationwasinthefinalstagesofdiscussionintheColombianCongress.TheCommitteewelcomesthisdevelopmentandencouragesotherStatespartiestoemulatetheColombianexample.434.2 .2InthecaseofPeru,whereenablinglegislationdoesexist,theCommitteehasconsideredwhetheritwasappropriatetotreatthecomplaintoftheauthorofcommunicationNo.203/1986(MuozHermosav.Peru)totheeffectthattheCommittee'sviewshadnotbeenimplementedbythePeruviancourtsasanewcaseundertheOptionalProtocol.TheCommitteeconcludedthat,forthetimebeing,theauthor'scontentionthattheStatepartyhadfailedtoprovidehimwitharemedyshouldbeexaminedinthecontextofthefollowupprocedure.435.2 .2Sinceitbegantodiscussfollowupmattersin1990,theCommitteehascarefullyexaminedandanalysedalltheinformationgatheredthroughthefollowupprocedure.Betweenthefortyfirst(1991)andthefiftieth(1994)sessions,itconsideredfollowupinformationonaconfidentialbasis.Periodicreportsonfollowupactivities(socalled"progressreports")werenotmadepublic,andthediscussionsonfollowupissuestookplaceinclosedmeetings.436.2 .2Atthesametime,however,theCommitteeacknowledgedthatpublicityforfollowupactivitieswouldbethemostappropriatemeansformakingtheproceduremoreeffective.Thus,publicityforfollowupactivitieswouldnotonlybeintheinterestofvictimsofviolationsoftheCovenant'sprovisions,butcouldalsoservetoenhancetheauthorityoftheCommittee'sviewsandprovideanincentiveforStatespartiestoimplementthem.ThereactionofStatespartiestotheincreasedpublicityandvisibilityoffollowupactivitiessincethepublicationofthelastannualreportandtheinterestofacademicandnon-governmentalinstitutionsinthefollowupprocedurehavereinforcedtheCommittee'sresolvetomaintainthepublicityoftheprocedure.437.2 .2Duringitsfortyseventhsession,inMarchApril1993,theCommitteeagreedinprinciplethatinformationonfollowupactivitiesshouldbemadepublic.Discussionsontheissuehavebeenheldregularlysincethen.Duringthefiftiethsession,inMarch1994,theCommitteeformallyadoptedanumberofdecisionsconcerningtheeffectivenessandpublicityofthefollowupprocedure.Thosedecisionswerethefollowing:2 .2(a) .Everyformofpublicitywillbegiventofollowupactivities;2 .2(b) .AnnualreportswillincludeaseparatechapteronfollowupactivitiesundertheOptionalProtocol.ThisshouldmakeclearwhichStateshavecooperatedandwhichStateshavefailedtocooperatewiththeSpecialRapporteurfortheFollowUponViews.(Paragraph429aboveindicateswhichStatespartieshaveandwhichhavenotprovidedfollowupinformationorcooperatedwiththeSpecialRapporteur);2 .2(c) .ReminderswillbesenttoallStatespartiesthathavefailedtoprovidefollowupinformation.Duringthereportingperiod,remindersweresenttoStatespartiesthathadfailedtoreplytorequestsforfollowupinformationfromtheSpecialRapporteur.Asaresultofthosereminders,someStateshaveformulatedfollowuprepliesandforwardedthemtotheSpecialRapporteur;2 .2(d) .PresscommuniquswillbeissuedonceayearafterthesummersessionoftheCommittee,highlightingbothpositiveandnegativedevelopmentsconcerningthefollowupactivitiesoftheCommitteeandtheSpecialRapporteur;2 .2(e) .TheCommitteewelcomesinformationwhichnon-governmentalorganizationsmightwishtosubmitonmeasuresthatStatespartieshavetaken,orfailedtotake,inimplementationoftheCommittee'sviews;2 .2(f) .TheSpecialRapporteurandmembersoftheCommitteeshould,asappropriate,establishcontactswithparticularGovernmentsandPermanentMissionstotheUnitedNationstoinquirefurtherabouttheimplementationoftheCommittee'sviews.Followingthefiftysecond(October/November1994)session,CommitteememberJulioPradoVallejohadcontactswithgovernmentauthoritiesinColombiaandPeru,duringwhichthequestionoffollowuponsomeoftheCommittee'sViewswasraised;2 .2(g) .TheCommitteeshoulddrawtheattentionofStatesparties,attheirbiannualmeetings,tothefailureofcertainStatestoimplementtheCommittee'sviewsandtocooperatewiththeSpecialRapporteurinprovidinginformationontheimplementationofviews.OverviewoftheSpecialRapporteur'sfollowupconsultations438.2 .2Duringthereportingperiod,theSpecialRapporteurheldfollowupconsultationswiththerepresentativesofsevenStatespartiestotheCovenantandtheOptionalProtocol.HeregretsthathewasunabletoestablishdirectcontactswiththePermanentMissionofZaire.Theresultsofhisconsultationsaresummarizedbelow.439.2 .2Duringthefiftysixth(March/April1996)session,theSpecialRapporteurmetwiththePermanentRepresentativeofColombiatotheUnitedNations.Heexpressedregretthatnoreplyonfollowuponfourviewsadoptedduringthemidtolate1980shadbeenreceivedfromtheStateparty.Hesuggestedthatinthosecases,theStatepartyshouldconsidermakingatleastanexgratiapaymenttothevictimsand/ortheirfamilies,orinformtheCommitteeofanyotherstepstakentogiveeffecttoitsrecommendations.440.2 .2InrespectoffollowupontheviewsoncaseNo.514/1992(Feiv.Colombia),theSpecialRapporteurinquiredwhytheStatepartyhadnotgivenfulleffecttotheCommittee'srecommendations.ThePermanentRepresentativeexplainedthehistoryofthecaseandindicatedthatduringAugust1995,theColombianProcudaraparalosDerechosHumanoshadrequestedacopyofthecasefilefromtheForeignMinistrysoastoinvestigatethecase.WhiletheProcudarahadnotyetproduceditsreport,itsreleasewasimminent.TheauthorofthecasewasatlibertytoinitiateaprocedureundertheColombianCivilCodetoenforceherrights.Thelocalpolicecouldalsoberequestedtoenforcethejudicialordersinherfavour.TheSpecialRapporteurrequestedthattheresultoftheinquiryoftheProcudarabemadeavailabletohimassoonaspossible.441.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteurexpressedhisthanksfortheStateparty'sfullandsatisfactoryfollowupreplytotheviewsoncaseNo.563/1993(Bautistav.Colombia).442.2 .2Duringthefiftysixthsession,theSpecialRapporteurandtheChairmanoftheCommitteemetwiththeCounsellorofthePermanentMissionofEquatorialGuineatotheUnitedNations,whowasremindedthatEquatorialGuineahadfailedtoreplytoseveralrequestsforfollowupinformationontheCommittee'sviewsincasesNos.414/1990(Essonov.EquatorialGuinea)and468/1991(Bahamondev.EquatorialGuinea).TheStatepartyrepresentativerecalledthattheStatepartyhadinvitedtheCommittee,inbothcases,toexaminetheauthors'allegationsinsitu,anddeploredthatthathadnotbeendonepriortotheadoptionoftheviews.HeobservedthathisGovernmentwasnotconvincedthattheCommitteewasjustifiedincondemningtheStatepartysorapidlyonthebasisofallegationsthatcouldhardlybecorroborated.InrespectofcaseNo.414/1990,inwhichtheauthorwasalsoholderofaSpanishpassport,henotedthatEquatorialGuineacouldnotallowforeignerstomixintheinternalaffairsofthecountry.443.2 .2TheChairmanexplainedinsomedetailtheproceduresunderarticle40oftheCovenantandundertheOptionalProtocol,notinginparticularthatnofactfindingwasprovidedforandthattheCommittee'sdecisionsintheabovecaseswerefinal.TheStatepartyrepresentativeexpressedregretandsuggestedthattheCommitteemighthaveoptedtodeferitsdecisions.HefurtherindicatedthatthenewMinisterforExternalAffairshadgivenassurancesthatadetailedfollowupreplywouldbesenttotheCommitteeshortly;hewasunconvinced,however,thateitherauthormeritedanycompensation.444.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsseriousconcernovertheattitudeoftheStatepartyandnotesthatnofollowupreplyhadbeenreceivedbytheendoftheCommittee'sfiftyseventhsession,inJuly1996.ItsuggeststhatEquatorialGuineabenefitfromaspecialtechnicalcooperationprogrammewhichcouldbedesignedbytheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRights,andwhichshouldemphasizetreatybasedprocedures.445.2 .2Duringthefiftyfifth(October/November1995)session,theSpecialRapporteurmetwithacounsellorofthePermanentMissionofFrancetotheUnitedNationstodiscussthestatusoffollowupontheviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeinApril1989incaseNo.196/1985(Gueyeetal.v.France).TheStatepartyrepresentativeassuredtheSpecialRapporteurthattheFrenchForeignMinistrywasendeavouringtosubmittotheCommitteeadetailedfollowupreply,whichwasunderconsideration.On30January1996,theStatepartytransmitteditsfollowupreplytotheSpecialRapporteur.446.2 .2Bothduringthefiftyfifthandthefiftysixthsessions,theSpecialRapporteurhelddetailedconsultationswiththePermanentRepresentativesofJamaicatotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevaandtotheUnitedNationsinNewYork.InGeneva,theSpecialRapporteurthankedthePermanentRepresentativeforhisassistanceandcooperationinthepreparationandconductofthefollowupmissiontoJamaicainJune1995.Heexpressedappreciationfortwodetailedsubmissionsdated27Julyand11September1995,inwhichtheGovernmenthadprovidedhimwithalistofinmateswhosedeathsentenceshadbeencommuted.Henoted,however,thatthoserepliescouldnotbedeemedtoconstitutethe"detailedfollowupreplies"inrespectofeverycasewhichtheauthoritieshadpromisedtoprepareduringhisvisittoJamaica.Furthermore,theliststhathadbeenprovidedwereincompleteinthattheyhadomittedanumberofcasesinrespectofwhichtheCommitteehadadoptedviewsandfoundviolationsoftheCovenant.447.2 .2InNewYork,duringthefiftysixthsession,theSpecialRapporteurinquiredwhethercompensationhadalreadybeengrantedtovictimsofilltreatmentondeathroworindetentioninalltheviewsinwhichtheCommitteehadfoundviolationsofarticles7and10oftheCovenant.ThePermanentRepresentativerepliedthattheissuewasstillunderdiscussionandreviewandthatnoofficialreplyhadbeenreceived.AstothefollowuponcasesinwhichtheCommitteehadrecommendedreleaseofthevictimorcommutationofthedeathsentence,sheindicatedthatsomereviewoftheCommittee'srecommendationshadtakenplaceintheJamaicanPrivyCouncilbutthatnorecommendationforreleasehadyetbeenmade.448.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteursuggested,interalia,thattheCommittee'srecommendationsforreleaseshouldbetakenintoaccountwhendecidingonaprisoner'seligibilityforparole.AllthosecasesinwhichtheCommitteehadrecommendedreleaseshouldbekeptunderreviewbytheOfficeoftheGovernorGeneralofJamaicaorbytheStateparty'sParoleBoard.Concerningtherecent"standardization"offollowuprepliesadevelopmentregrettedbytheSpecialRapporteurthePermanentRepresentativeobservedthatthestandardizationwaslargelyafunctionoflackofpersonnelintheJamaicanForeignMinistry.Finally,theSpecialRapporteurrequestedawrittenupdateinrespectofatleastallthecasesconcerningilltreatmentofprisonersondeathroworindetention.Thosereplieshadnotbeenreceivedby26July1996.449.2 .2Duringthefiftysixthsession,theSpecialRapporteurmetwitharepresentativeoftheRepublicofKoreatodiscussthefollowuptotheCommittee'sviewsoncommunicationNo.518/1992(JongkyuSohnv.RepublicofKorea).TheStatepartyrepresentativeindicatedthataninterministerialcommitteehadbeensetuptoformulateconcreterecommendationstotheGovernmentonthereviewoflabourdisputeslegislation,inthelightoftheCommittee'sfindings.HefurtherobservedthattheauthorhadrecentlyfiledajudicialactionbeforeaSeoultribunal,basinghisclaimsontheCommittee'srecommendations.TheGovernmentwasreviewingtheoutcomeoftheprocedurebeforetheSeoultribunal.450.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteurinquiredwhethertheauthorwouldbecompensated,asrecommendedbytheCommittee.TheStatepartyrepresentativeindicatedthatcompensationoftheauthorwouldtakesometimeandinalllikelihoodwouldnotoccurbeforeamendmentsoftheLabourDisputesActhadbeenadoptedbytheStateparty'sparliament.HesuggestedthattherecommendationsoftheinterministerialcommitteeshouldbeavailablebythestartoftheCommittee'sfiftyeighthsession,inOctober1996.451.2 .2Duringthefiftysixthsession,theSpecialRapporteurmetwitharepresentativeofSurinametodiscussmattersrelatedtothefollowuponviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeineightSurinamesecasesin1985.HenotedthatfollowupinformationonthoseviewshadstillnotbeenreceivedinspiteoftworemindersandameetingheldinNewYorkduringthefiftythird(March/April1995)session.Herequestedasuccinctreport,bylJuly1996,outliningthemeasuresthattheStatepartyhadtakentocompensatethefamiliesofthevictims.On25July1996,theStatepartyforwardedtotheSpecialRapporteurapreliminaryreply,indicatingthattheSurinameseParliamenthadpassedaresolutionwhichacknowledgesthattheassassinationofthevictimsinDecember1982constitutedaflagrantviolationofbasichumanrights.TheStatepartyindicatedthatanindependentCommissionofInvestigationwasbeingestablishedtoinvestigatethemurders.452.2 .2Finally,duringthefiftysixthsession,theChairmanoftheCommitteeandtheSpecialRapporteurmetwiththeDeputyPermanentRepresentativeofTrinidadandTobagototheUnitedNationstodiscussthefollowupinrespectoffourviewsadoptedbytheCommittee(communicationsNos.232/1987(Pintov.TrinidadandTobago),362/1989(Soogrimv.TrinidadandTobago),447/1991(Shaltov.TrinidadandTobago)and434/1990(Seerattanv.TrinidadandTobago)).TheDeputyPermanentRepresentativesuggestedthatwithanewgovernmentinplacesincetheendof1995,anewandmorepositiveapproachtohumanrightscouldbeexpected.TheSpecialRapporteurinquiredaboutspecificstepstakentogiveeffecttotheCommittee'srecommendationsinthefourcases,especiallyinthatofDanielPinto.HenotedwithconcernthatTrinidadhadfailedtoobservetheCommittee'srecommendationssofarandsuggestedthepossibilityofafollowupmissiontoTrinidad.453.2 .2TheDeputyPermanentRepresentativeagreedtoexplorethepossibilityofafactfindingmissiontoTrinidadandconsideredthattobeausefuloption,especiallyinthelightoftherecentchangeingovernment.ShenotedthattheCommittee'srecommendationsinthecaseofLalSeerattan(No.434/1990)hadrecentlybeensenttotheTrinidadianAdvisoryCommitteeonthePowerofPardon.Bynoteverbaledated21June1996,theStatepartyinformedtheCommitteethatitsrecommendationsinthecaseofLeroyShalto(No.447/1991)wouldbeconsideredbytheAdvisoryCommitteeonthePowerofPardonatameetingtobeheldshortly.454.2 .2Finally,on5July1996,theSpecialRapporteurmetwitharepresentativeoftheGovernmentofUruguay,todiscuss,interalia,issuesoffollowuponviewsadoptedbytheCommitteeinrespectofUruguay.OntwoviewsonwhichnofollowupreplieshadsofarbeenreceivedfromtheGovernment,theSpecialRapporteursuggestedthattheStatepartymightconsiderawardingexgratiacompensationtothevictims.TheStatepartyrepresentativerepliedthathewouldendeavourtoseekanequitablesolutionforthevictimsinthosecases.Overviewofpositiveexamplesoffollowupcooperation/replies455.2 .2Duringthefiftythird(March/April1995)session,theCommitteeadopteditsviewsoncommunicationNo.400/1990(M;nacodeGallicchiov.Argentina),findingaviolationofarticle24,paragraphs1and2,oftheCovenantandrecommendingthepaymentofcompensationtotheauthorandhergranddaughter.IntwofollowupsubmissionsinAugustandSeptember1995,theStatepartyindicatedthatbyjudgmentof30August1995,afederaljudgeorderedthepoliceauthoritiestolifttheprohibitiontoleavethecountryvisvisthevictim'sgranddaughterandtoexpeditethedeliveryofafederalidentitycardandapassport.TheStatepartyaddedthat,withthatdecision,thevictim'sgranddaughterceasedtobeunderthelegalauthorityofthecourtandwasplacedundertheauthor'sguardianship.456.2 .2On31March1994,theCommitteeadopteditsviewsoncommunicationNo.488/1992(Toonenv.Australia),findingaviolationofarticle17oftheCovenantandrecommendingthattheStatepartyrepeallegislationinTasmaniawhichcriminalizeshomosexualactivitybetweenadultconsentingmalesinprivate.On3May1996,theStateforwardeditsfollowupreplytotheCommittee,notingthattheTasmanianGovernmentdidnotintendtorepealthelaw.Asaconsequence,ithadbecomenecessaryfortheGovernmentofAustraliatotakeactiontoensurethattheprotectionofhumanrightsinAustraliametthestandardssetoutintheCovenant.TheHumanRights(SexualConduct)Act1994hadenteredintoforceon19December1994.ThatActprovidesthatsexualconductinvolvingonlyconsentingadultsinprivateshallnotbeanoffenceunderanylawoftheCommonwealth,aStateoraTerritory.TheStatepartyobservesthattheActdoesnotprovidethattherighttobefreefrominterferencewithprivacyisabsoluteorunlimited.Itexplicitlyrecognizesthatinsomecircumstances,itislegitimatetointrudeintotheprivacyofindividuals;furthermore,theActprovidesthatnooneshallbesubjectedtoany"arbitraryinterference"withprivacy.Thelegislationcoverssexualconductinvolvingonlyconsentingadultsinprivate.Theterm"sexualconduct"willbegivenitsordinarymeaningbythecourts.TheStatepartyalsonotesthatMr.ToonenrecentlyhaslodgedanapplicationwiththeHighCourttochallengethevalidityofsections122and123oftheTasmanianCriminalCodeonthebasisthatthosesectionsareinconsistentwiththeHumanRights(SexualConduct)Act1994.457.2 .2On7April1994,theCommitteeadopteditsviewsoncommunicationNo.428/1990(Bozizev.CentralAfricanRepublic),findingviolationsofseveralprovisionsoftheCovenantandrecommendingtheauthor'simmediaterelease,aswellascompensationforthetreatmenttowhichhehadbeensubjected.Bynoteverbaleof14March1996,theStatepartyinformedtheCommitteethatMr.Bozizewasreleasedfromdetentionaftertherestorationofmulti-partismin1992andallowedtotraveltoFrance,whereheestablishedtemporaryresidence.Mr.BozizefoundedhisownpoliticalpartyinFranceandwasapresidentialcandidateforthegeneralelectionsin1992andin1993.TheStatepartyaddsthatMr.Bozizehassubsequentlybeenreintegratedintothecountry'scivilservice,thatheisentirelyfreeinhismovementsandthatheenjoysallcivilandpoliticalrightsguaranteedundertheCovenant.TheStatepartypointsoutthatpromotionandrespectofhumanrightsaremajorobjectivesofthenewGovernmentandoftheHeadofState,Ange-FlixPatass.458.2 .2Duringthefiftythirdsession,theCommitteeadoptedviewsoncommunicationNo.516/1992(Simuneketal.v.CzechRepublic),findingaviolationofarticle26oftheCovenantandrecommendingeitherrestitutionoftheauthors'propertiestothemorcompensationiftheirpropertiescouldnotbereturned.On22November1995,theStatepartyforwardedtotheCommitteeadetailedfollowupreply,inwhichitindicatedthattheimplementationofconcretemeasurestoaffordtheauthorsaneffectiveremedywasbeingdiscussedbythecompetentCzechauthorities.Measuresunderconsiderationincluded,accordingtotheStateparty,reviewofthelegislationfoundbytheCommitteetobeincompatiblewitharticle26oftheCovenantandthereturnoftheauthors'propertytothemorcompensationforit.Byletterdated30October1995,oneoftheauthorsofthecommunicationconfirmedthatherpropertywasreturnedtoher.On14May1996,oneauthorcomplainedthatthevaluationofhisproperty,whichwouldbeusedasthebasisforhiscompensationentitlement,wasbeingdelayedbytheauthorities,andexpressedthefearthathiscompensationwouldnotreflectthetruevalueofhisproperty.459.2 .2On30January1996,theFrenchGovernmentforwardedtotheCommitteeitsfollowupreplyontheCommittee'sviewsandrecommendationsinrespectofcommunicationNo.196/1989(Gueyeetal.v.France),whichhadbeenadoptedinthespringof1989.Initssubmission,theStatepartyindicatedthatthepensionsofformerSenegalesesoldiersoftheFrenchArmyandthoseofformersoldiersoftheFrenchArmywhoarecitizensofotherformerFrenchcolonieshadbeenreadjustedonseveraloccasionssincetheadoptionoftheviews,asfollows:2 .2(a) .Witheffectfrom1July1989:generalreadjustmentof8percent;2 .2(b) .Witheffectfrom1January1993:readjustmentof8.2percent(forSenegalesecitizens);2 .2(c) .Witheffectfrom1September1994:generalreadjustmentby4.75percentofmilitaryinvaliditypensions;2 .2(d) .Witheffectfrom1January1995:generalreadjustmentby20percentofcertaintypesofmilitaryinvaliditypensions.TheStatepartyfurtherindicatedthatanassociationofformerSenegalesesoldiersoftheFrenchArmyhadfiledarequestforreadjustmentofmilitarypensionsbeforetheAdministrativeTribunalofParis,whichwasexaminingthecase.460.2 .2On5July1996,counseltotheauthorsofcommunicationsNos.265/1987(Vuolannev.Finland)and412/1990(Kivenmaav.Finland)submittedupdatesonthefollowupgivenbyFinlandinrespectoftheCommittee'sviewsinthosecases.IncaseNo.265/1987,theCommitteehadfoundaviolationofarticle9,paragraph4,oftheCovenantandhadrecommendedthatthevictimbecompensated.Counselnotedthaton16April1996,theSupremeAdministrativeCourtofFinlandhadconfirmedapreviousdecisionbytheAdministrativeCourtofUusimaapursuanttowhichtheStatepartywastopayMr.VuolanneFmk8,000asaremedyfortheviolationofarticle9,plusFmk4,000tocompensateforlegalcosts.Thoseamountswerepaidtohimon28June1996.InrespectofcaseNo.412/1990,inwhichtheCommitteehadfoundaviolationofarticles19and21oftheCovenant,counselobservedthaton28May1996,theFinnishSupremeCourtdismissedanappealforanextraordinaryremedyfiledbyMs.Kivenmaa;theCourtdidnotnullifyanearliercourtdecisionwhichhadimposedafineonMs.Kivenmaa.CounselnotedthathisclienthadnowaskedtheGovernmenttocompensateherfortheviolationsofarticles19and21fromwhichshehadsuffered.461.2 .2Duringthefiftysecondsession,inOctober1994,theCommitteeadoptedviewsoncommunicationNo.386/1989(Konv.Senegal),findingaviolationofarticle9,paragraph3,andrecommendingthatcompensationbeawardedtotheauthor.Bysubmissiondated26June1995,theStatepartypromisedinformationupontheconclusionofthoroughinvestigationsintothevictim'scase.AfterareminderaddressedtotheStatepartyinFebruary1996,theStateparty,bysubmissionof15July1996,informedtheCommitteethatthePresidentofSenegalgaveinstructionstotheStateparty'sMinisterforJusticetomakeanexgratiapaymenttoMr.Kon,ascompensationforthedurationofhispretrialdetention.462.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheabovefollowuprepliesandexpressesitsappreciationforallthemeasurestakenorenvisagedtoprovidethevictimsofviolationsoftheCovenantwithaneffectiveremedy.ItencouragesallStatespartiesthathaveaddressedpreliminaryfollowuprepliestotheSpecialRapporteurtoconcludetheirinvestigationsinasexpeditiousamanneraspossibleandtoinformtheSpecialRapporteuroftheirresults.Concernoverinstancesofnon-cooperationunderthefollowupmandate463.2 .2Inspiteoftheprogressincollectingfollowupinformationsincetheadoptionofthelastannualreport,theCommitteeandtheSpecialRapporteurnotewithconcernthatanumberofcountriesdidnotprovideanyfollowupinformationwithinthedeadlinesestablishedbytheCommitteeorhavenotrepliedtoremindersorrequestsforinformationfromtheSpecialRapporteur.TheStatesthathavenotrepliedtorequestsforfollowupinformationarethefollowing:2 .2Bolivia(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2DominicanRepublic(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2EquatorialGuinea(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2Jamaica(noreplyinrespectoffivecases);2 .2LibyanArabJamahiriya(noreplyinrespectofonecase);2 .2Nicaragua(noreplyinrespectofonecase);2 .2Panama(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2Peru(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2TrinidadandTobago(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2Uruguay(noreplyinrespectoftwocases);2 .2Zaire(noreplyinrespectof10cases).+464.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteururgestheseStatespartiestoreplytohisrequestsforfollowupinformationwithintheimparteddeadlines.465.2 .2TheCommitteereconfirmsthatitwillkeepthefunctioningofthefollowupprocedureunderregularreview.466.2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthatitsrecommendation,intheannualreportfor1995,totheeffectthatatleastonefollowupmissionperyearbebudgetedbytheCentreforHumanRightshasnotyetbeenimplementedbytheCentre.TheCommitteeurgestheCentretobudgetandscheduleatleastonefollowupmissionfor1997.@ .Notes2 .21OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),paras.3545.2 .22Ibid.,para.39.2 .23Ibid.,ThirtysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/36/40),annexV.2 .24Ibid.,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40,vol.I,para.12.2 .25Ibid.,FortysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/46/40),paras.21and32andannexVII.2 .26SeeCCPR/C/SR.1178/Add.1andCCPR/C/SR.12001202.2 .27SeeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,ThirtyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/35/40),annexVIII,para.5.2 .28Ibid.,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/45/40),annexXI.2 .29Ibid.,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/49/40),vol.I,annexVI.̀10Ibid.,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.I,paras.557-562. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sl882   88@ .ANNEXI  StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsandtotheOptionalProtocolsandStatesthathavemadethedeclarationunderarticle41oftheCovenant(asat28July1996)  88N @ . DateofreceiptoftheinstrumentofQN .DateofentryStateparty@ .N ratificationoraccessionorsuccessionQN .Zintoforce6>('8 d6Q .Q .6>('  hd6߈QN .N 6>(' d6߈@ . A.StatespartiestotheInternationalCovenant@ . onCivilandPoliticalRights(137)     88Afghanistan .24January1983a .24April1983Albania .4October1991a .84January1992Algeria .12September1989 .12December1989Angola .10January1992a .10April1992Argentina .8August1986 .88November1986Armeniab .23June1993 .23September1993Australia .13August1980 .13November1980Austria .10September1978 .10December1978Azerbaijanb .13August1992a .13November1992Barbados .5January1973a .23March1976Belarus .12November1973 .23March1976Belgium .21April1983 .21July1983Belize .10June1996a .10September1996Benin .12March1992a .12June1992Bolivia .12August1982a .12November1982BosniaandHerzegovina .1September1993c .86March1992Brazil .24January1992a .24April1992Bulgaria .21September1970 .23March1976Burundi .9May1990a .89August1990Cambodia .26May1992a .26August1992Cameroon .27June1984a .27September1984Canada .19May1976a .19August1976CapeVerde .6August1993a .86November1993CentralAfricanRepublic .8May1981a .88August1981Chad .9June1995a .89September1995Chile .10February1972 .23March1976Colombia .29October1969 .23March1976Congo .5October1983a .85January1984CostaRica .29November1968 .23March1976C=ted'Ivoire .26March1992a .26June1992Croatia .12October1992c .88October1991Cyprus .2April1969 .23March1976CzechRepublic .22February1993c .81January1993DemocraticPeople'sRepublic̀ofKorea .14September1981a .14December1981Denmark .6January1972 .23March1976  88N @ . DateofreceiptoftheinstrumentofQN .DateofentryStateparty@ .N ratificationoraccessionorsuccessionQN .Zintoforce6>('8@d6Q .Q .6>(' @hd6߈QN .N 6>('@d6߈ 88Dominica .17June1993a .17September1993DominicanRepublic .4January1978a .84April1978Ecuador .6March1969 .23March1976Egypt .14January1982 .14April1982ElSalvador .30November1979 .29February1980EquatorialGuinea .25September1987a .25December1987Estoniab .21October1991a .21January1992Ethiopia .11June1993a .11September1993Finland .19August1975 .23March1976France .4November1980a .84February1981Gabon .21January1983a .21April1983Gambia .22March1979a .22June1979Georgiab .3May1994a .83August1994Germany .17December1973 .23March1976Grenada .6September1991a .86December1991Guatemala .6May1992a .85August1992Guinea .24January1978 .24April1978Guyana .15February1977 .15May1977Haiti .6February1991a .86May1991Hungary .17January1974 .23March1976Iceland .22August1979 .22November1979India .10April1979a .10July1979Iran(IslamicRepublicof) .24June1975 .23March1976Iraq .25January1971 .23March1976Ireland .8December1989 .88March1990Israel .3October1991a .83January1992Italy .15September1978 .15December1978Jamaica .3October1975 .23March1976Japan .21June1979 .21September1979Jordan .28May1975 .23March1976KazakhstandKenya .1May1972a .23March1976Kuwait .21May1996a .21August1996Kyrgyzstan .7October1994a .87January1995Latviab .14April1992a .14July1992Lebanon .3November1972a .23March1976Lesotho .9September1992a .89December1992LibyanArabJamahiriya .15May1970a .23March1976Lithuaniab .20November1991a .20February1992Luxembourg .18August1983 .18November1983Madagascar .21June1971 .23March1976Malawi .22December1993a .22March1994Mali .16July1974a .23March1976Malta .13September1990a .13December1990Mauritius .12December1973a .23March197688N #@ . DateofreceiptoftheinstrumentofQN .DateofentryStateparty@ .N ratificationoraccessionorsuccessionQN .Zintoforce6>('86d6Q .Q .6>(' 6hd6߈QN .N 6>('6d6߈ 88Mexico .23March1981a .23June1981Mongolia .18November1974 .23March1976Morocco .3May1979 .83August1979Mozambique .21July1993a .21October1993Namibia .28November1994a .28February1995Nepal .14May1991 .14August1991Netherlands .11December1978 .11March1979NewZealand .28December1978 .28March1979Nicaragua .12March1980a .12June1980Niger .7March1986a .87June1986Nigeria .29July1993a .29October1993Norway .13September1972 .23March1976Panama .8March1977 .88June1977Paraguay .10June1992a .10September1992Peru .28April1978 .28July1978Philippines .23October1986 .23January1987Poland .18March1977 .18June1977Portugal .15June1978 .15September1978RepublicofKorea .10April1990a .10July1990RepublicofMoldovab .26January1993a .26April1993Romania .9December1974 .23March1976RussianFederation .16October1973 .23March1976Rwanda .16April1975a .23March1976SaintVincentandthèGrenadines .9November1981a .89February1982SanMarino .18October1985a .18January1986Senegal .13February1978 .13May1978Seychelles .5May1992a .85August1992Slovakia .28May1993c .81January1993Slovenia .6July1992c .25June1991Somalia .24January1990a .24April1990Spain .27April1977 .27July1977SriLanka .11June1980a .11September1980Sudan .18March1986a .18June1986Suriname .28December1976a .28March1977Sweden .6December1971 .23March1976Switzerland .18June1992a .18September1992SyrianArabRepublic .21April1969a .23March1976TajikistandTheformerYugoslavRepublic̀ofMacedoniab .18January1994c .17September1991Togo .24May1984a .24August1984TrinidadandTobago .21December1978a .21March1979Tunisia .18March1969 .23March1976TurkmenistandUganda .21June1995a .21September1995Ukraine .12November1973 .23March197688N (@ . DateofreceiptoftheinstrumentofQN .DateofentryStateparty@ .N ratificationoraccessionorsuccessionQN .Zintoforce6>('8<d6Q .Q .6>(' <hd6߈QN .N 6>('<d6߈ 88&  UnitedKingdomofGreat̀BritainandNorthernIreland .20May1976 .20August1976'  UnitedRepublicofTanzania .11June1976a .11September1976UnitedStatesofAmerica .8June1992 .88September1992Uruguay .1April1970 .23March1976Uzbekistanb .28September1995 .28December1995Venezuela .10May1978 .10August1978VietNam .24September1982a .24December1982Yemen .9February1987a .89May1987Yugoslavia .2June1971 .23March1976Zaire .1November1976a .81February1977Zambia .10April1984a .10July1984Zimbabwe .13May1991a .13August1991@ . B.StatespartiestotheOptionalProtocol(88)Algeria .12September1989a .12December1990Angola .10January1992a .10April1992Argentina .8August1986a .88November1986Armenia .23June1993 .23September1993Australia .25September1991a .25December1991Austria .10December1987 .10March1988Barbados .5January1973a .23March1976Belarus .30September1992a .30December1992Belgium .17May1994a .17August1994Benin .12March1992a .12June1992Bolivia .12August1982a .12November1982BosniaandHerzegovina .1March1995 .81June1995Bulgaria .26March1992a .26June1992Cameroon .27June1984a .27September1984Canada .19May1976a .19August1976CentralAfricanRepublic .8May1981a .88August1981Chad .9June1995 .89September1995Chile .28May1992a .28August1992Colombia .29October1969 .23March1976Congo .5October1983a .85January1984CostaRica .29November1968 .23March1976Croatia .12October1995 .12January1996Cyprus .15April1992 .15July1992CzechRepublic .22February1993c .81January1993Denmark .6January1972 .23March1976DominicanRepublic .4January1978a .84April1978Ecuador .6March1969 .23March1976ElSalvador .6June1995 .86September1995EquatorialGuinea .25September1987a .25December1987Estonia .21October1991a .21January199288N @ . DateofreceiptoftheinstrumentofQN .DateofentryStateparty@ .N ratificationoraccessionorsuccessionQN .Zintoforce6>('8<d6Q .Q .6>(' <hd6߈QN .N 6>('<d6߈ 88Finland .19August1975 .23March1976France .17February1984a .17May1984Gambia .9June1988a .89September1988Georgia .3May1994a .83August1994Germany .25August1993 .25November1993Guinea .17June1993 .17September1993Guyana .10May1993a .10August1993Hungary .7September1988a .87December1988Iceland .22August1979a .22November1979Ireland .8December1989 .88March1990Italy .15September1978 .15December1978Jamaica .3October1975 .23March1976Kyrgyzstan .7October1994a .87January1995Latvia .22June1994a .22September1994LibyanArabJamahiriya .16May1989a .16August1989Lithuania .20November1991a .20February1992Luxembourg .18August1983a .18November1983Madagascar .21June1971 .23March1976Malawi .11June1996 .11September1996Malta .13September1990a .13December1990Mauritius .12December1973a .23March1976Mongolia .16April1991a .16July1991Namibia .28November1994a .28February1995Nepal .14May1991a .14August1991Netherlands .11December1978 .11March1979NewZealand .26May1989a .26August1989Nicaragua .12March1980a .12June1980Niger .7March1986a .87June1986Norway .13September1972 .23March1976Panama .8March1977 .88June1977Paraguay .10January1995a .10April1995Peru .3October1980 .83January1981Philippines .22August1989a .22November1989Poland .7November1991a .87February1992Portugal .3May1983 .83August1983RepublicofKorea .10April1990a .10July1990Romania .20July1993a .20October1993RussianFederation .1October1991a .81January1992SaintVincentandthèGrenadines .9November1981a .89February1982SanMarino .18October1985a .18January1986Senegal .13February1978 .13May1978Seychelles .5May1992a .85August1992Slovakia .28May1993 .81January1993Slovenia .16July1993a .16October1993Somalia .24January1990a .24April199088N @ . DateofreceiptoftheinstrumentofQN .DateofentryStateparty@ .N ratificationoraccessionorsuccessionQN .Zintoforce6>('80d6Q .Q .6>(' 0hd6߈QN .N 6>('0d6߈ 88Spain .25January1985a .25April1985Suriname .28December1976a .28March1977Sweden .6December1971 .23March1976TheformerYugoslavRepublic̀ofMacedonia .12December1994a .12March1995Togo .30March1988a .30June1988TrinidadandTobago .14November1980a .14February1981Uganda .14November1995 .14February1996Ukraine .25July1991a .25October1991Uruguay .1April1970 .23March1976Uzbekistan .28September1995 .28December1995Venezuela .10May1978 .10August1978Zaire .1November1976a .81February1977Zambia .10April1984a .10July1984@ . C.StatusoftheSecondOptionalProtocolaimingat@ . theabolitionofthedeathpenalty(29)Australia .2October1990a .11July1991Austria .2March1993 .82June1993Croatia .12October1995 .12January1996Denmark .24February1994 .24May1994Ecuador .23February1993a .23May1993Finland .4April1991 .11July1991Germany .18August1992 .18November1992Hungary .24February1994a .24May1994Iceland .2April1991 .11July1991Ireland .18June1993a .18September1993Italy .14February1995 .14May1995Luxembourg .12February1992 .12May1992Malta .29December1994 .29March1995Mozambique .21July1993a .21October1993Namibia .28November1994a .28February1995Netherlands .26March1991 .11July1991NewZealand .22February1990 .11July1991Norway .5September1991 .85December1991Panama .21January1993a .21April1993Portugal .17October1990 .11July1991  Romania .27February1991 .11July1991Seychelles .15December1994a .15March1995Slovenia .10March1994 .10June1994Spain .11April1991 .11July1991Sweden .11May1990 .11July1991Switzerland .16June1994a .16September1994TheformerYugoslavRepublic̀ofMacedonia .26January1995a .26April1995Uruguay .21January1993 .21April1993Venezuela .22February1993 .22May199388N @ . D.Stateswhichhavemadethedeclarationunder@ . article41oftheCovenant(45)88Stateparty@ .ValidfromQ .pValiduntil 88Algeria .12September1989 .IndefinitelyArgentina .8August1986 .IndefinitelyAustralia .28January1993 .IndefinitelyAustria .10September1978 .IndefinitelyBelarus .30September1992 .IndefinitelyBelgium .5March1987 .IndefinitelyBosniaandHerzegovina .6March1992 .IndefinitelyBulgaria .12May1993 .IndefinitelyCanada .29October1979 .IndefinitelyChile .11March1990 .IndefinitelyCongo .7July1989 .IndefinitelyCroatia .12October1995 .12October1996CzechRepublic .1January1993 .IndefinitelyDenmark .23March1976 .IndefinitelyEcuador .24August1984 .IndefinitelyFinland .19August1975 .IndefinitelyGambia .9June1988 .IndefinitelyGermany .28March1979 .27March1996Guyana .10May1993 .IndefinitelyHungary .7September1988 .IndefinitelyIceland .22August1979 .IndefinitelyIreland .8December1989 .IndefinitelyItaly .15September1978 .IndefinitelyLuxembourg .18August1983 .IndefinitelyMalta .13September1990 .IndefinitelyNetherlands .11December1978 .IndefinitelyNewZealand .28December1978 .IndefinitelyNorway .23March1976 .IndefinitelyPeru .9April1984 .IndefinitelyPhilippines .23October1986 .IndefinitelyPoland .25September1990 .IndefinitelyRepublicofKorea .10April1990 .IndefinitelyRussianFederation .1October1991 .IndefinitelySenegal .5January1981 .IndefinitelySlovakia .1January1993 .IndefinitelySlovenia .6July1992 .IndefinitelySpain .25January1985 .25January1993SriLanka .11June1980 .IndefinitelySweden .23March1976 .IndefinitelySwitzerland .18September1992 .18September1997Tunisia .24June1993 .IndefinitelyUkraine .28July1992 .IndefinitelyUnitedKingdomofGreat̀BritainandNorthernIreland .20May1976 .IndefinitelyUnitedStatesofAmerica .8September1992 .IndefinitelyZimbabwe .20August1991 .Indefinitely@ . E.ImplementationoftheCovenantinthenewStates@ . thatconstitutedpartsofformerStatesparties@ . totheCovenant󀀀882 2 .2Althoughdeclarationsofsuccessionhavenotbeenreceived,thepeopleswithintheterritoryofthefollowingStateswhichconstitutedpartsofaformerStatepartytotheCovenantcontinuetobeentitledtotheguaranteesenunciatedintheCovenantinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sestablishedjurisprudence:e2 .2Kazakhstan2 .2Tajikistan2 .2TurkmenistanInnotesverbalesdated28May1993,theCommitteehadrequestedtheseStatestosubmittheirreportsunderarticle40oftheCovenant.@ .Notes2 .2aAccession.2 .2bIntheopinionoftheCommittee,theentryintoforcegoesbacktothedatewhentheStatebecameindependent.2 .2cSuccession.2 .2dAlthoughadeclarationofsuccessionhasnotbeenreceived,thepeoplewithintheterritoryoftheStatewhichconstitutedpartofaformerStatepartytotheCovenantcontinuetobeentitledtotheguaranteesenunciatedintheCovenantinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sestablishedjurisprudence.2 .2eSeeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/49/40),vol.I,paras.48and49. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sm882   @ .\ANNEXII@ .MembersandofficersoftheHumanRightsCommittee,19951996@ .A.Members882 \Mr.FranciscoJosAguilarUrbina*\ .\CostaRicaMr.NisukeAndo**\ .\JapanMr.TamsBn* . \ .\HungaryMr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBhagwati**\ .\IndiaMr.MarcoTulioBruniCelli*\ .\VenezuelaMr.ThomasBuergenthal**\ .\UnitedStatesofAmericaMrs.ChristineChanet**\ .\FranceLordColville* . 0\ .\UnitedKingdomofGreatBritain2 .2 . . \ .\andNorthernIrelandMr.OmranElShafei**\ .\EgyptMrs.ElizabethEvatt*\ .\AustraliaMr.LaurelFrancis*\ .\JamaicaMr.EckartKlein**\ .\GermanyMr.DavidKretzmer**\ .\IsraelMr.RajsoomerLallah*\ .\MauritiusMr.AndreasMavrommatis*\ .\CyprusMrs.CeciliaMedinaQuiroga**\ .\ChileMr.FaustoPocar*\ .\ItalyMr.JulioPradoVallejo**\ .\Ecuador________________________̀*Termexpireson31December1996.̀**Termexpireson31December1998.@ .B.Officers2 .2TheofficersoftheCommittee,electedfortwoyeartermsatthe1387thand1399thmeetings(fiftythirdsession),on20and28March1995,areasfollows:2 .2Chairman:Mr.FranciscoJosAguilarUrbina2 .2ViceChairmen:Mr.PrafullachandraNatwarlalBhagwati2 .2Mr.TamsBn2 .2Mr.OmranElShafei2 .2Rapporteur:Mrs.ChristineChanet ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sn882   C<6X9`(CourierC@ .ANNEXIII@ .SubmissionofreportsandadditionalinformationbyStatesPartiesunder@ .article40oftheCovenantduringtheperiod30July199526July1996*op d,00 ,00 ,00 ,00 ,00 +  "x"Statesparties6>(' h d6  Typeofreport6>(' x rd6  Datedue6>(' J 3d6  Dateofsubmission6>('  td6  Dateoflastwrittenreminder16>(' d6 "xx"         "x"Afghanistan  Second  23April1989  23March19922  @ . "x"  Third  23April1994  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Albania  Initial  Ѐ3January1993  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"Algeria  Second  11December1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Angola  Initial3  Ѐ9April1993  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Argentina  Third  11July1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Armenia  Initial  22September1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Australia  Third  12November1991  Notyetreceived  (8)15February1996 "x"Austria  Third  Ѐ9April1993  Notyetreceived  (5)15February1996 "x"Azerbaijan  Second  12November1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Barbados  Third  11April1991  Notyetreceived  (10)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  11April1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Belarus  Fourth  Ѐ4November1993  11April1995  @ . "x"Belgium  Third  20July1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Benin  Initial  11June1993  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"Bolivia  Second4  13July1990  20March1996  @ . "x"  Third  11November1993  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"BosniaandHerzegovina  Initial  Ѐ5March1995  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Brazil  Initial  23April1993  17November1994  @ . "x"Bulgaria  Third5  31December1994  Notyetreceived  (2)29June1995 "x"Burundi  Second  Ѐ8August1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Cambodia  Initial  25August1993  Notyetreceived  (2)12December1994 "x"Cameroon  Third  26September1995  Notyetreceived  (1)15February1996 "x"Canada  Fourth  Ѐ4April1995  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"CapeVerde  Initial  Ѐ5November1994  Notyetreceived  (1)29June1995 "x"CentralAfricanRepublic  Second6  Ѐ9April1989  Notyetreceived  (13)15February1996 "x"  Third  Ѐ7August1992  Notyetreceived  (7)15February1996 "x"Chad  Initial  Ѐ8June1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Chile  Fourth  28April1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"  Colombia  Fourth  Ѐ2August1995  9July1996  @ . "x"Congo  Second  Ѐ4January1990  9July1996  @ . "x"  Third  Ѐ4January1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"CostaRica  Fourth  Ѐ2August1995  Notyetreceived  (1)15February1996 "x"C=ted'Ivoire  Initial  25June1993  Notyetreceived  (4)29June1995 "x"Croatia  Initial  Ѐ7October1992  Notyetreceived  (5)15February1996 "x"Cyprus  Third7  31December1994  28December1994  @ . "x"  Fourth  18August1994  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"CzechRepublic  Initial  31December1993  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"DemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea  Second  13December1987  Notyetreceived  (16)15February1996 "x"  Third  13December1992  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"Denmark  Third  Ѐ1November1990  7April1995  @ . "x"  Fourth  Ѐ1November1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Dominica  Initial  16September1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"DominicanRepublic  Fourth  Ѐ3April1994  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"Ecuador  Fourth  Ѐ4November1993  Notyetreceived  (5)15February1996 "x"Egypt  Third8  31December1994  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"ElSalvador  Third9  31December1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"  Fourth  28February1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"EquatorialGuinea  Initial  24December1988  Notyetreceived  (14)15February1996 "x"  Second  24December1993  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"Estonia  Second  20January1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Ethiopia  Initial  10September1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Finland  Fourth  18August1994  10August1995  @ . "x"France  Third  Ѐ3February1992  15March1996  @ . "x"Gabon  Initial  20April1984  16November1995  @ . "x"  Second  20April1989  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"  Third  20April1994  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Gambia  Second  21June1985  Notyetreceived  (22)15February1996 "x"  Third  21June1990  Notyetreceived  (11)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  21June1995  Notyetreceived  (1)15February1996 "x"Georgia  Initial  Ѐ2August1995  21November1995  @ . "x"Germany  Fourth  Ѐ3August1993  12September1995  @ . "x"Grenada  Initial  Ѐ5December1992  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"Guatemala  Initial  Ѐ4August1993  7December1994  @ . "x"  Second  Ѐ4August1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Guinea  Third  31December1994  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Guyana  Second  10April1987  Notyetreceived  (18)15February1996 "x"  Third  10April1992  Notyetreceived  (8)15February1996 "x"Haiti  Initial10  31December1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Hungary  Fourth  Ѐ2August1995  Notyetreceived  (1)15February1996 "x"Iceland  Third  31December1994  23March1995  @ ."x"India  Third11  31March1992  29November1995  @ . "x"  Fourth  Ѐ9July1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Iran(IslamicRepublicof)  Third12  31December1994  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Iraq  Fourth  Ѐ4April1995  5February1996  @ . "x"Ireland  Second  Ѐ7March1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Israel  Initial  Ѐ2January1993  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"Italy  Fourth  31December1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Jamaica  Second  Ѐ1August1986  Notyetreceived  (18)15February1996 "x"  Third  Ѐ1August1991  Notyetreceived  (9)15February1996 "x"Japan  Fourth  31October1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Jordan  Fourth  22January1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Kazakhstan13         "x"Kenya  Second  11April1986  Notyetreceived  (20)15February1996 "x"  Third  11April1991  Notyetreceived  (10)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  11April1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Kuwait  Initial  20August1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Kyrgyzstan  Initial  Ѐ6January1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Latvia  Second  14July1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Lebanon  Second  21March1986  6June1996  @ . "x"  Third  21March1988  Notyetreceived  (16)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  21March1993  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"Lesotho  Initial  Ѐ8December1993  Notyetreceived  (1)29June1995 "x"LibyanArabJamahiriya  Third14  31December1995  29November1995  @ . "x"Lithuania  Initial  19February1993  16April1996  @ . "x"Luxembourg  Third  17November1994  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Madagascar  Third15  31July1992  Notyetreceived  (7)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  Ѐ3August1993  Notyetreceived  (5)15February1996 "x"Malawi  Initial  21March1995  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Mali  Second  11April1986  Notyetreceived  (20)15February1996 "x"  Third  11April1991  Notyetreceived  (10)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  11April1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Malta  Second  12December1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Mauritius  Third  18July1990  2June1995  @ . "x"  Fourth16  30June1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Mexico  Fourth  22June1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Moldova  Initial  25April1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Mongolia  Fourth  Ѐ4April1995  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Morocco  Fourth  31October1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Mozambique  Initial  20October1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Namibia  Initial  27February1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Nepal  Second  13August1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Netherlands  Third  31October1991  6February199517  @ . "x"  Fourth  31October1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"NewZealand  Fourth  31December1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Nicaragua  Third  11June1991  Notyetreceived  (9)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  11June1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Niger  Second18  31March1994  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"Nigeria  Initial  28October1994  2February199619  @ . "x"Norway  Fourth  Ѐ1April1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Panama  Third20  31March1992  Notyetreceived  (8)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  Ѐ6June1993  Notyetreceived  (5)15February1996 "x"Paraguay  Second  Ѐ9September1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Peru  Third  Ѐ9April1993  24October1994  @ . "x"Philippines  Second  22January1993  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"Poland  Fourth  27October1994  7May1996  @ . "x"Portugal  Third  Ѐ1August1991  1March199621  @ . "x"RepublicofKorea  Second  Ѐ9July1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Romania  Fourth  31December1994  26April1996  @ . "x"RussianFederation  Fifth  Ѐ4November1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Rwanda  Third22  10April1992  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"SaintVincentandtheGrenadines  Second23  31October1991  Notyetreceived  (9)15February1996 "x"  Third  Ѐ8February1993  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"SanMarino  Second  17January1992  Notyetreceived  (8)15February1996 "x"Senegal  Fourth  Ѐ4April1995  19September1995  @ . "x"Seychelles  Initial  Ѐ4August1993  Notyetreceived  (4)29June1995 "x"Slovakia  Initial  31December1993  9January1996  @ . "x"Slovenia  Second  24June1997  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Somalia  Initial  23April1991  Notyetreceived  (9)15February1996 "x"  Second  23April1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"Spain  Fourth  28April1994  2June1994  @ . "x"SriLanka  Fourth  10September1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Sudan  Second  17June1992  Notyetreceived  (6)15February1996 "x"Suriname  Second  Ѐ2August1985  Notyetreceived  (21)15February1996 "x"  Third  Ѐ2August1990  Notyetreceived  (11)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  Ѐ2August1995  Notyetreceived  (1)15February1996 "x"Sweden  Fifth  27October1999  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Switzerland  Initial  17September1993  24February1995  @ . "x"SyrianArabRepublic  Second  18August1984  Notyetreceived  (24)15February1996 "x"  Third  18August1989  Notyetreceived  (13)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  18August1994  Notyetreceived  (3)15February1996 "x"Tajikistan13         "x"TheformerYugoslavRepublicofMacedonia  Initial  Ѐ6September1992  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Togo  Third  31December1995  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"TrinidadandTobago  Third  20March1990  Notyetreceived  (12)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  20March1995  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Tunisia  Fourth  Ѐ4February1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Turkmenistan13         "x"Uganda  Initial  20September1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Ukraine  Fourth  18August1999  Notyetdue  @ . "Ix"UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland  Special  31May1996  3June199624  @ . "x"  Fifth  18August1999  Notyetdue  @ . "x"UnitedRepublicofTanzania  Third25  31December1993  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  11April1996  Notyetreceived  @ . "x"UnitedStatesofAmerica  Second  Ѐ7September1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Uruguay  Fourth  31December1994  Notyetreceived  (2)15February1996 "x"Uzbekistan  Initial  27December1996  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Venezuela  Third26  31December1993  Notyetreceived  (4)15February1996 "x"  Fourth  Ѐ1November1995  Notyetreceived  (1)15February1996 "x"VietNam  Second27  31July1991  Notyetreceived  (8)29June1995 "x"  Third  23December1993  Notyetreceived  (3)29June1995 "x"Yemen  Third  Ѐ8May1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Yugoslavia  Fourth  Ѐ3August1993  Notyetreceived  (5)15February1996 "x"Zaire  Third28  31July1991  Notyetreceived  (9)15February1996 "x"Zambia  Second  Ѐ9July1990  27January1995  @ . "x"  Third29  30June1998  Notyetdue  @ . "x"Zimbabwe  Initial  12August1992  Notyetreceived  (7)15February1996C<6X9`(CourierC@ .Notes88 \ .1SenttoStateswhosereportshavenotyetbeensubmitted.Figuresinparenthesesindicatenumberofreminderssent. .2Atitsfiftyfifthsession,theCommitteerequestedtheGovernmentofAfghanistantosubmitinformationupdatingthereportbefore31May1996forconsiderationatitsfiftyseventhsession. .3PursuanttoaCommitteedecisionof29October1993(fortyninthsession),AngolawasrequestedtosubmitareportrelatingtorecentandcurrenteventsaffectingtheimplementationoftheCovenantinAngolaforconsiderationatthefiftiethsession. .4Atitsthirtysixthsession(914thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofBoliviafrom11November1988to13July1990. .5Atitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofBulgariafrom28April1989to31December1994. .6Atitsthirtysecondsession(794thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportoftheCentralAfricanRepublicfrom7August1987to9April1989. .7Atitsfiftyfirstsession(1335thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodreportofCyprusfrom18August1989to31December1994. .8Atitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodreportofEgyptfrom13April1993to31December1994. .9PursuanttoaCommitteedecisiontakenatitsfiftiethsession(1319thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodreportofElSalvadoris31December1995. .10PursuanttoaCommitteedecisiontakenatits1415thmeeting(fiftythirdsession),attheendoftheconsiderationofareportofHaitisubmittedpursuanttoaspecialdecision,thenewdateforthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofHaitiis31December1996. .11Atitsfortyfirstsession(1062ndmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofIndiafrom9July1990to31March1992. .12Atitsfortyeighthsession(1258thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodreportoftheIslamicRepublicofIranfrom21March1988to31December1994. .13Innotesverbalesdated28May1993,theCommitteerequestedKazakhstan,TajikistanandTurkmenistantosubmittheirreportsunderarticle40oftheCovenant.SeealsoannexI,sectionE. .14PursuanttoaCommitteedecisiontakenatitsfiftysecondsession(1386thmeeting),thenewdateforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheLibyanArabJamahiriyawasextendedfrom4February1988to31December1995. .15Atitsfortythirdsession(1112thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofMadagascarfrom3August1988to31July1992. .16Atitsfiftysixthsession(1500thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlinefortheconsiderationofthefourthperiodicreportofMauritiusfrom4November1993to30June1998. .17TheGovernmentoftheNetherlandshasinformedtheSecretariatthatanewreportwouldbesubmittedshortly. .18Atitsfortyseventhsession(1215thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofNigerfrom6June1992to31March1994. .19TheinitialreportofNigeriawassubmittedpursuanttoaspecialdecision(seeparas.254-305). .20Atitsfortyfirstsession(1062ndmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofPanamafrom6June1988to31March1992. .21On1March1996,theSecretariatreceivedthepartofthethirdperiodicreportrelatingtoMacau. .22PursuanttoaCommitteedecisionof27October1994(fiftysecondsession),RwandawasrequestedtosubmitareportrelatingtorecentandcurrenteventsaffectingtheimplementationoftheCovenantinRwandaforconsiderationatthefiftythirdsession. .23Atitsthirtyeighthsession(973rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofSaintVincentandtheGrenadinesfrom8February1988to31October1991. .24AttheendoftheconsiderationofthepartofthereportoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandrelatingtoHongKong,aspecialreportwasrequestedfor31May1996forconsiderationatthefiftyeighthsession. .25Atitsfortysixthsession(1205thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportoftheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniafrom11April1991to31December1993. .26Atitsfortysixthsession(1205thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofVenezuelafrom1November1991to31December1993. .27Atitsthirtyninthsession(1003rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthesecondperiodicreportofVietNamfrom23December1988to31July1991. .28Atitsthirtyninthsession(1003rdmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlineforthesubmissionofthethirdperiodicreportofZairefrom30January1988to31July1991. .29Atitsfiftysixthsession(1500thmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoextendthedeadlinefortheconsiderationofthethirdperiodicreportofZambiafrom9July1995to30June1998. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sq882   C<6X9`(CourierC@ .ANNEXIV@ . Statusofreportsconsideredduringtheperiodunderreview@ .O andofreportsstillpendingbeforetheCommittee*rs d,V dd ,dd ,dd ,4dd +  "x"Statesparties6>(' d6  Datedue6>(' d6  Dateofsubmission6>(' d6  Meetingsatwhichconsidered6>(' vld6 "'x"x A.0 .Initialreport       "x"0 .Brazil  23April1993  17November1994  1506thto1508th(fiftyseventhsession) "x"0 .Estonia  20January1993  27September1994  1455thand1459th(fiftyfifthsession) "'x"0 .Gabon  20April1984  16November1995  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Georgia  Ѐ2August1995  21November1995  Notyetconsidered "x"0 .Guatemala  Ѐ4August1993  Ѐ7December1994  1486th,1488thand1489th(fiftysixthsession) "'x"0 .Lithuania  19February1993  16April1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Slovakia  31December1993  Ѐ9January1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Switzerland  17September1993  24February1995  Notyetconsidered "x"B.0 .Secondperiodicreport       "'x"0 .Bolivia  13July1990  20March1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Congo  Ѐ4January1990  Ѐ9July1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Lebanon  21March1986  Ѐ6June1996  Notyetconsidered "x"0 .Zambia  Ѐ9July1990  27January1995  1487th,1488thand1489th(fiftysixthsession) "'x"C.0 .Thirdperiodicreport       "'x"0 .Cyprus  31December1994  28December1994  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Denmark  Ѐ1November1990  Ѐ7April1995  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .France  Ѐ3February1992  15March1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Iceland  31December1994  23March1995  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .India  31March1992  29November1995  Notyetconsidered "x"0 .LibyanArabJamahiriya  31December1995  29November1995  Notyetconsidered "x"0 .Mauritius  18July1990  Ѐ2June1995  1476th,1477thand1478th(fiftysixthsession) "x"0 .Peru  Ѐ9April1993  24October1994  1519thto1521st(fiftyseventhsession) "'x"0 .Portugal  Ѐ1August1991  Ѐ1March1996  Notyetconsidered"x"D.0 .Fourthperiodicreport       "'x"0 .Belarus  Ѐ4November1993  11April1995  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Colombia  Ѐ2August1995  Ѐ9July1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Finland  18August1994  10August1995  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Germany  Ѐ3August1993  12September1995  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Iraq  Ѐ4April1995  Ѐ5February1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Poland  27October1994  Ѐ7May1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Romania  31December1994  26April1996  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Senegal  Ѐ4April1995  19September1995  Notyetconsidered "x"0 .Spain  28April1994  Ѐ2June1994  1479th,1480thand1481st(fiftysixthsession) "x"0 .Sweden  27October1994  27October1994  1456thand1457th(fiftyfifthsession) "4x"E.0 .ReportssubmittedpursuanttoaspecialdecisiontakenbytheCommittee       "x"0 .Nigeriaa  Є  Ѐ7February1995  1494thand1495thand1526thand1527th(fiftysixthandfiftyseventhsessions) "4x"0 .UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandbHongKong  31May1996  31May1996  Notyetconsidered "x"F.0 .AdditionalinformationsubmittedsubsequenttotheexaminationofinitialreportsbytheCommitteec       "'x"0 .Gambia  Є  Ѐ5June1984  Notyetconsidered "'x"0 .Kenya  Є  Ѐ4May1982  Notyetconsidered@ . Notes 8  .aSeeparas.254305ofthepresentreport. .bSeeparas.4772ofthepresentreport. .cAtitstwentyfifthsession(601stmeeting),theCommitteedecidedtoconsideradditionalinformationsubmittedsubsequenttotheexaminationofinitialreportstogetherwiththeStateparty'ssecondperiodicreport. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)St882   C<6X9`(CourierC 8,  @ .ANNEXV@ .NGeneralcommentsunderarticle40,paragraph4,oftheCovenanta@ .VGeneralcommentNo.25(57)b1., .,Article25oftheCovenantrecognizesandprotectstherightofeverycitizentotakepartintheconductofpublicaffairs,therighttovoteandtobeelectedandtherighttohaveaccesstopublicservice.Whateverformofconstitutionorgovernmentisinforce,theCovenantrequiresStatestoadoptsuchlegislativeandothermeasuresasmaybenecessarytoensurethatcitizenshaveaneffectiveopportunitytoenjoytherightsitprotects.Article25liesatthecoreofdemocraticgovernmentbasedontheconsentofthepeopleandinconformitywiththeprinciplesoftheCovenant.2., .,Therightsunderarticle25arerelatedto,butdistinctfrom,therightofpeoplestoselfdetermination.Byvirtueoftherightscoveredbyarticle1,paragraph1,peopleshavetherighttofreelydeterminetheirpoliticalstatusandtoenjoytherighttochoosetheformoftheirconstitutionorgovernment.Article25dealswiththerightofindividualstoparticipateinthoseprocesseswhichconstitutetheconductofpublicaffairs.Thoserights,asindividualrights,cangiverisetoclaimsunderthefirstOptionalProtocol.3., .,IncontrastwithotherrightsandfreedomsrecognizedbytheCovenant(whichareensuredtoallindividualswithintheterritoryandsubjecttothejurisdictionoftheState),article25protectstherightsof"everycitizen".Statereportsshouldoutlinethelegalprovisionswhichdefinecitizenshipinthecontextoftherightsprotectedbyarticle25.Nodistinctionsarepermittedbetweencitizensintheenjoymentoftheserightsonthegroundsofrace,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorotheropinion,nationalorsocialorigin,property,birthorotherstatus.Distinctionsbetweenthosewhoareentitledtocitizenshipbybirthandthosewhoacquireitbynaturalizationmayraisequestionsofcompatibilitywitharticle25.Statereportsshouldindicatewhetheranygroups,suchaspermanentresidents,enjoytheserightsonalimitedbasis,forexample,byhavingtherighttovoteinlocalelectionsortoholdparticularpublicservicepositions.4., .,Anyconditionswhichapplytotheexerciseoftherightsprotectedbyarticle25shouldbebasedonobjectiveandreasonablecriteria.Forexample,itmaybereasonabletorequireahigherageforelectionorappointmenttoparticularofficesthanforexercisingtherighttovote,whichshouldbeavailabletoeveryadultcitizen.Theexerciseoftheserightsbycitizensmaynotbesuspendedorexcludedexceptongroundswhichareestablishedbylawandwhichareobjectiveandreasonable.Forexample,establishedmentalincapacitymaybeagroundfordenyingapersontherighttovoteortoholdoffice.5., .,Theconductofpublicaffairs,referredtoinsubparagraph(a)ofarticle25,isabroadconceptwhichrelatestotheexerciseofpoliticalpower,inparticulartheexerciseoflegislative,executiveandadministrativepowers.Itcoversallaspectsofpublicadministrationandtheformulationandimplementationofpolicyatinternational,national,regionalandlocallevels.Theallocationofpowersandthemeansbywhichindividualcitizensexercisetherighttoparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairsprotectedbyarticle25shouldbeestablishedbytheconstitutionandotherlaws.6., .,Citizensparticipatedirectlyintheconductofpublicaffairswhentheyexercisepowerasmembersoflegislativebodiesorbyholdingexecutiveoffice.Thisrightofdirectparticipationissupportedbysubparagraph(b)ofarticle25.Citizensalsoparticipatedirectlyintheconductofpublicaffairswhentheychooseorchangetheirconstitutionordecidepublicissuesthroughareferendumorotherelectoralprocessconductedinaccordancewithsubparagraph(b).Citizensmayparticipatedirectlybytakingpartinpopularassemblieswhichhavethepowertomakedecisionsaboutlocalissuesorabouttheaffairsofaparticularcommunityandinbodiesestablishedtorepresentcitizensinconsultationwithgovernment.Whereamodeofdirectparticipationbycitizensisestablished,nodistinctionshouldbemadebetweencitizensasregardstheirparticipationonthegroundsmentionedinarticle2,paragraph1,oftheCovenantandnounreasonablerestrictionsshouldbeimposed.7., .,Wherecitizensparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairsthroughfreelychosenrepresentatives,itisimplicitinarticle25thatthoserepresentativesdoinfactexercisegovernmentalpowerandthattheyareaccountablethroughtheelectoralprocessfortheirexerciseofthatpower.Itisalsoimplicitthattherepresentativesexerciseonlythosepowerswhichareallocatedtotheminaccordancewithconstitutionalprovisions.Participationthroughfreelychosenrepresentativesisexercisedthroughvotingprocesseswhichmustbeestablishedbylawsthatareinaccordancewithsubparagraph(b).8., .,Citizensalsotakepartintheconductofpublicaffairsbyexertinginfluencethroughpublicdebateanddialoguewiththeirrepresentativesorthroughtheircapacitytoorganizethemselves.Thisparticipationissupportedbyensuringfreedomofexpression,assemblyandassociation.9., .,Subparagraph(b)ofarticle25setsoutspecificprovisionsdealingwiththerightofcitizenstotakepartintheconductofpublicaffairsasvotersorascandidatesforelection.Genuineperiodicelectionsinaccordancewithsubparagraph(b)areessentialtoensuretheaccountabilityofrepresentativesfortheexerciseofthelegislativeorexecutivepowersvestedinthem.Suchelectionsmustbeheldatintervalswhicharenotundulylongandwhichensurethattheauthorityofgovernmentcontinuestobebasedonthefreeexpressionofthewillofelectors.Therightsandobligationsprovidedforinsubparagraph(b)shouldbeguaranteedbylaw.10., .,Therighttovoteatelectionsandreferendumsmustbeestablishedbylawandmaybesubjectonlytoreasonablerestrictions,suchassettingaminimumagefortherighttovote.Itisunreasonabletorestricttherighttovoteonthegroundofphysicaldisabilityortoimposeliteracy,educationalorpropertyrequirements.Partymembershipshouldnotbeaconditionofeligibilitytovote,noragroundfordisqualification.11., .,Statesmusttakeeffectivemeasurestoensurethatallpersonsentitledtovoteareabletoexercisethatright.Whereregistrationofvotersisrequired,itshouldbefacilitatedandobstaclestosuchregistrationshouldnotbeimposed.Ifresidencerequirementsapplytoregistration,theymustbereasonableandshouldnotbeimposedinsuchawayastoexcludethehomelessfromtherighttovote.Anyabusiveinterferencewithregistrationorvotingaswellasintimidationorcoercionofvotersshouldbeprohibitedbypenallawsandthoselawsshouldbestrictlyenforced.Votereducationandregistrationcampaignsarenecessarytoensuretheeffectiveexerciseofarticle25rightsbyaninformedcommunity.12., .,Freedomofexpression,assemblyandassociationareessentialconditionsfortheeffectiveexerciseoftherighttovoteandmustbefullyprotected.Positivemeasuresshouldbetakentoovercomespecificdifficulties,suchasilliteracy,languagebarriers,povertyorimpedimentstofreedomofmovementwhichpreventpersonsentitledtovotefromexercisingtheirrightseffectively.Informationandmaterialsaboutvotingshouldbeavailableinminoritylanguages.Specificmethods,suchasphotographsandsymbols,shouldbeadoptedtoensurethatilliteratevotershaveadequateinformationonwhichtobasetheirchoice.Statespartiesshouldindicateintheirreportsthemannerinwhichthedifficultieshighlightedinthisparagrapharedealtwith.13., .,Statereportsshoulddescribetherulesgoverningtherighttovoteandtheapplicationofthoserulesintheperiodcoveredbythereport.Statereportsshouldalsodescribefactorswhichimpedecitizensfromexercisingtherighttovoteandthepositivemeasureswhichhavebeenadoptedtoovercomethosefactors.14., .,Intheirreports,Statespartiesshouldindicateandexplainthelegislativeprovisionswhichwoulddeprivecitizensoftheirrighttovote.Thegroundsforsuchdeprivationshouldbeobjectiveandreasonable.Ifconvictionforanoffenceisabasisforsuspendingtherighttovote,theperiodofsuchsuspensionshouldbeproportionatetotheoffenceandthesentence.Personswhoaredeprivedoflibertybutwhohavenotbeenconvictedshouldnotbeexcludedfromexercisingtherighttovote.15., .,Theeffectiveimplementationoftherightandtheopportunitytostandforelectiveofficeensuresthatpersonsentitledtovotehaveafreechoiceofcandidates.Anyrestrictionsontherighttostandforelection,suchasminimumage,mustbejustifiableonobjectiveandreasonablegrounds.Personswhoareotherwiseeligibletostandforelectionshouldnotbeexcludedbyunreasonableordiscriminatoryrequirementssuchaseducation,residenceordescent,orbyreasonofpoliticalaffiliation.Nopersonshouldsufferdiscriminationordisadvantageofanykindbecauseofthatperson'scandidacy.Statespartiesshouldindicateandexplainthelegislativeprovisionswhichexcludeanygrouporcategoryofpersonsfromelectiveoffice.16., .,Conditionsrelatingtonominationdates,feesordepositsshouldbereasonableandnotdiscriminatory.Iftherearereasonablegroundsforregardingcertainelectiveofficesasincompatiblewithtenureofspecificpositions(e.g.thejudiciary,highrankingmilitaryofficeandpublicservice),measurestoavoidanyconflictofinterestshouldnotundulylimittherightsprotectedbysubparagraph(b)ofarticle25.Thegroundsfortheremovalofelectedofficeholdersshouldbeestablishedbylawsbasedonobjectiveandreasonablecriteriaandincorporatingfairprocedures.17., .,Therightofpersonstostandforelectionshouldnotbelimitedunreasonablybyrequiringcandidatestobemembersofpartiesorofspecificparties.Ifacandidateisrequiredtohaveaminimumnumberofsupportersfornomination,thatrequirementshouldbereasonableandnotactasabarriertocandidacy.Withoutprejudicetoarticle5,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,politicalopinionmaynotbeusedasagroundtodepriveanypersonoftherighttostandforelection.18., .,Statereportsshoulddescribethelegalprovisionswhichestablishtheconditionsforholdingelectivepublicofficeandanylimitationsandqualificationswhichapplytoparticularoffices.Reportsshoulddescribeconditionsfornomination,e.g.agelimits,andanyotherqualificationsorrestrictions.Statereportsshouldindicatewhethertherearerestrictionswhichprecludepersonsinpublicservicepositions,includingpositionsinthepoliceorarmedservices,frombeingelectedtoparticularpublicoffices.Thelegalgroundsandproceduresfortheremovalofelectedofficeholdersshouldbedescribed.19., .,Inconformitywithsubparagraph(b)ofarticle25,electionsmustbeconductedfairlyandfreelyonaperiodicbasiswithinaframeworkoflawsguaranteeingtheeffectiveexerciseofvotingrights.Personsentitledtovotemustbefreetovoteforanycandidateforelectionandfororagainstanyproposalsubmittedtoreferendumorplebiscite,andfreetosupportortoopposegovernment,withoutundueinfluenceorcoercionofanykindwhichmaydistortorinhibitthefreeexpressionoftheelector'swill.Votersshouldbeabletoformopinionsindependently,freeofviolenceorthreatofviolence,compulsion,inducementormanipulativeinterferenceofanykind.Reasonablelimitationsoncampaignexpendituremaybejustifiedwherethisisnecessarytoensurethatthefreechoiceofvotersisnotunderminedorthedemocraticprocessdistortedbythedisproportionateexpenditureonbehalfofanycandidateorparty.Theresultsofgenuineelectionsshouldberespectedandimplemented.20., .,Anindependentelectoralauthorityshouldbeestablishedtosupervisetheelectoralprocessandtoensurethatitisconductedfairly,impartiallyandinaccordancewithestablishedlawswhicharecompatiblewiththeCovenant.Statesshouldtakemeasurestoguaranteetherequirementofthesecrecyofthevoteduringelections,includingabsenteevoting,wheresuchasystemexists.Thisimpliesthatvotersshouldbeprotectedfromanyformofcoercionorcompulsiontodisclosehowtheyintendtovoteorhowtheyvoted,andfromanyunlawfulorarbitraryinterferencewiththevotingprocess.Waiveroftheserightsisincompatiblewitharticle25oftheCovenant.Thesecurityofballotboxesmustbeguaranteedandvotesshouldbecountedinthepresenceofthecandidatesortheiragents.Thereshouldbeindependentscrutinyofthevotingandcountingprocessandaccesstojudicialrevieworotherequivalentprocesssothatelectorshaveconfidenceinthesecurityoftheballotandthecountingofthevotes.Assistanceprovidedtothedisabled,blindorilliterateshouldbeindependent.Electorsshouldbefullyinformedoftheseguarantees.21., .,AlthoughtheCovenantdoesnotimposeanyparticularelectoralsystem,anysystemoperatinginaStatepartymustbecompatiblewiththerightsprotectedbyarticle25andmustguaranteeandgiveeffecttothefreeexpressionofthewilloftheelectors.Theprincipleofoneperson,onevote,mustapply,andwithintheframeworkofeachState'selectoralsystem,thevoteofoneelectorshouldbeequaltothevoteofanother.Thedrawingofelectoralboundariesandthemethodofallocatingvotesshouldnotdistortthedistributionofvotersordiscriminateagainstanygroupandshouldnotexcludeorrestrictunreasonablytherightofcitizenstochoosetheirrepresentativesfreely.22., .,Statereportsshouldindicatewhatmeasurestheyhaveadoptedtoguaranteegenuine,freeandperiodicelectionsandhowtheirelectoralsystemorsystemsguaranteeandgiveeffecttothefreeexpressionofthewilloftheelectors.Reportsshoulddescribetheelectoralsystemandexplainhowthedifferentpoliticalviewsinthecommunityarerepresentedinelectedbodies.Reportsshouldalsodescribethelawsandprocedureswhichensurethattherighttovotecaninfactbefreelyexercisedbyallcitizensandindicatehowthesecrecy,securityandvalidityofthevotingprocessareguaranteedbylaw.Thepracticalimplementationoftheseguaranteesintheperiodcoveredbythereportshouldbeexplained.23., .,Subparagraph(c)ofarticle25dealswiththerightandtheopportunityofcitizenstohaveaccessongeneraltermsofequalitytopublicservicepositions.Toensureaccessongeneraltermsofequality,thecriteriaandprocessesforappointment,promotion,suspensionanddismissalmustbeobjectiveandreasonable.Affirmativemeasuresmaybetakeninappropriatecasestoensurethatthereisequalaccesstopublicserviceforallcitizens.Basingaccesstopublicserviceonequalopportunityandgeneralprinciplesofmerit,andprovidingsecuredtenure,ensuresthatpersonsholdingpublicservicepositionsarefreefrompoliticalinterferenceorpressures.Itisofparticularimportancetoensurethatpersonsdonotsufferdiscriminationintheexerciseoftheirrightsunderarticle25,subparagraph(c),onanyofthegroundssetoutinarticle2,paragraph1.24., .,Statereportsshoulddescribetheconditionsforaccesstopublicservicepositions,anyrestrictionswhichapplyandtheprocessesforappointment,promotion,suspensionanddismissalorremovalfromoffice,aswellasthejudicialorotherreviewmechanismswhichapplytothoseprocesses.Reportsshouldalsoindicatehowtherequirementforequalaccessismetandwhetheraffirmativemeasureshavebeenintroducedand,ifso,towhatextent.25., .,Inordertoensurethefullenjoymentofrightsprotectedbyarticle25,thefreecommunicationofinformationandideasaboutpublicandpoliticalissuesbetweencitizens,candidatesandelectedrepresentativesisessential.Thisimpliesafreepressandothermediaabletocommentonpublicissueswithoutcensorshiporrestraintandtoinformpublicopinion.Itrequiresthefullenjoymentandrespectfortherightsguaranteedinarticles19,21and22oftheCovenant,includingfreedomtoengageinpoliticalactivityindividuallyorthroughpoliticalpartiesandotherorganizations,freedomtodebatepublicaffairs,toholdpeacefuldemonstrationsandmeetings,tocriticizeandoppose,topublishpoliticalmaterial,tocampaignforelectionandtoadvertisepoliticalideas.26., .,Therighttofreedomofassociation,includingtherighttoformandjoinorganizationsandassociationsconcernedwithpoliticalandpublicaffairs,isanessentialadjuncttotherightsprotectedbyarticle25.Politicalpartiesandmembershipinpartiesplayasignificantroleintheconductofpublicaffairsandtheelectionprocess.Statesshouldensurethat,intheirinternalmanagement,politicalpartiesrespecttheapplicableprovisionsofarticle25inordertoenablecitizenstoexercisetheirrightsthereunder.27., .,Havingregardtotheprovisionofarticle5,paragraph1,oftheCovenant,anyrightsrecognizedandprotectedbyarticle25maynotbeinterpretedasimplyingarighttoactorasvalidatinganyactaimedatthedestructionorlimitationoftherightsandfreedomsprotectedbytheCovenanttoagreaterextentthanwhatisprovidedforinthepresentCovenant.@ .Notes, .,aForthenatureandpurposeofthegeneralcomments,seeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,ThirtysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/36/40),annexVII,introduction.Foradescriptionofthehistoryofthemethodofwork,theelaborationofgeneralcommentsandtheiruse,ibid.,ThirtyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/39/40andCorr.1and2),paras.541-557.ForthetextofthegeneralcommentsadoptedbytheCommittee,ibid.,ThirtysixthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/36/40),annexVII,generalcommentsNos.1(13),2(13),3(13),4(13)and5(13);ibid.,ThirtyseventhSession,SupplementNo.40(A/37/40),annexV,generalcomments6(16),7(16),8(16)and9(16);ibid.,ThirtyeighthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/38/40),annexVI,generalcommentsNos.10(19)and11(19);ibid.,ThirtyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/39/40andCorr.1and2),annexVI,generalcommentsNos.12(21)and13(21);ibid.,FortiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/40/40),annexVI,generalcommentNo.14(23);ibid.,FortyfirstSession,SupplementNo.40(A/41/40),annexVI,generalcommentNo.15(27);ibid.,FortythirdSession,SupplementNo.40(A/43/40),annexVI,generalcommentNo.16(32);ibid.,FortyfourthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/44/40),annexVI,generalcommentNo.17(35);ibid.,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/45/40),annexVI,generalcomments18(37)and19(39);ibid.,FortyseventhSession,SupplementNo.40(A/47/40),annexVI,generalcommentsNos.20(44)and21(44);ibid.,FortyeighthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/48/40),vol.I,annexVI,generalcommentNo.22(48);ibid.,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.40(A/49/40),annexV,generalcommentNo.23(50);andibid.,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),vol.I,annexV,generalcommentNo.24(52)., .,bAdoptedbytheCommitteeatits1510thmeeting(fiftyseventhsession)on12July1996.Thenumberinparenthesisindicatesthesessionatwhichthegeneralcommentwasadopted. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Su882   @ .\ANNEXVI@ . ObservationsofStatespartiesunderarticle40,@ .tparagraph5,oftheCovenant@ .pFrancea1.2 .2On2November1994,theHumanRightsCommitteeadoptedgeneralcommentNo.24(52),bonissuesrelatingtoreservationsmadeuponratificationoforaccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocolsthereto,orinrelationtodeclarationsunderarticle41oftheCovenant.2.2 .2ThatgeneralcommenthasbeenthesubjectofobservationsandcommentsbytheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandandtheUnitedStatesofAmerica.cFrancesharestheconcernexpressedaboutsomeoftheopinionscontainedingeneralcommentNo.24(52),whichinitsviewdonotcorrespondtogenerallyrecognizedrulesofinternationallaw.Itwouldliketomakesomespecificobservationsonanumberofpoints.Paragraph83.2 .2Paragraph8ofgeneralcommentNo.24(52)isdraftedinsuchawayastolinkthetwodistinctlegalconceptsof"peremptorynorms"andrulesof"customaryinternationallaw",tothepointofconfusingthem.4.2 .2Itstatesthat:"ReservationsthatoffendperemptorynormswouldnotbecompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant...Accordingly,provisionsintheCovenantthatrepresentcustomaryinternationallaw(andafortioriwhentheyhavethecharacterofperemptorynorms)maynotbethesubjectofreservations..."5.2 .2Inordertodispelanyriskofconfusion,Francewouldliketomakethefollowingpoints:02 .2 .Internationalcustomisproofthatageneralpracticehasbeenacceptedaslaw.Itmustbeacknowledgedthatitisdifficult-howeverregrettablethatmaybe-toidentifypracticesinthehumanrightsareathatfitthisdefinitionexactly.Itwouldbepremature,tosaytheleast,toclaimthatalltheexamplescitedinthereportfitthedefinitionofinternationalcustomcitedabove.02 .2 .Althoughitmaybeacceptedthatcertainhumanrightstreatiesformalizecustomaryprinciples,thisdoesnotmeanthattheState'sdutytoobserveageneralcustomaryprincipleshouldbeconfusedwithitsagreementtobeboundbytheexpressionofthatprincipleinatreaty,especiallywiththedevelopmentsandclarificationsthatsuchformalizationinvolves.02 .2 .Finally,itgoeswithoutsayingthatthecustomaryruleconceptcaninnowaybeequatedwithaperemptorynormofinternationallaw.ThepositionofFrance,whichisnotapartytothe1969ViennaConventionontheLawofTreaties,asregards"juscogens",iswellknown.Theuncertaintiesassociatedwiththisconcept,whichFranceindicatedfromtheoutset,shouldnotcompoundthosesurroundingtheroleofcustominhumanrightsmatters.&  Paragraph106.2 .2Francebelievesthatitisnecessarytopointoutthatcertainreservationsareasinequanonforensuringcompatibilitybetweentreatynormsandconstitutionalnorms.Generallyspeaking,asregardsthegeneralrulesofthe'  lawoftreaties,thevalidityofreservationscanbeevaluatedonlywithrespecttothepurposeandobjectofthetreaties,therebeingnoneedtorefertomoresubjectiveconsiderations.Paragraph137.2 .2FrancewouldliketopointoutthatthefirstProtocolis,ontheonehand,ofanoptionalnature,andontheother,separatefromtheCovenant.Thatbeingthecase,nothingininternationallawappearsnecessarilytoprohibitaStatefromqualifyingorrestrictingitsacceptanceoftheProtocol.8.2 .2AnymaximalistinterpretationswouldresultindiscouragingnewStatesfromaccedingtotheOptionalProtocol.Paragraph169.2 .2Thelasttwosentencesoftheparagraphdonotcorrespondexactlytotheprovisionsofarticle21ofthe1969ViennaConventionontheLawofTreaties,whichreadsasfollows:@ .( "Article21.Legaleffectsofreservationsandof@ .( objectionstoreservations󀀀02 .2 ."1. . Areservationestablishedwithregardtoanotherpartyinaccordancewitharticles19,20and23:02 .2 ."(a) . ModifiesforthereservingStateinitsrelationswiththatotherpartytheprovisionsofthetreatytowhichthereservationrelatestotheextentofthereservation;and02 .2 ."(b) . ModifiesthoseprovisionstothesameextentforthatotherpartyinitsrelationswiththereservingState.02 .2 ."2. . Thereservationdoesnotmodifytheprovisionsofthetreatyfortheotherpartiestothetreatyinterse.02 .2 ."3. . WhenaStateobjectingtoareservationhasnotopposedtheentryintoforceofthetreatybetweenitselfandthereservingState,theprovisionstowhichthereservationrelatesdonotapplyasbetweenthetwoStatestotheextentofthereservation."dParagraph1710.2 .2Franceisunabletoendorsetheopinioninthegeneralcommenttotheeffectthat"[the]provisions[ofthe1969ViennaConvention]ontheroleofStateobjectionsinrelationtoreservationsareinappropriatetoaddresstheproblemofreservationstohumanrightstreaties".11.2 .2Thatopinionisbasedontheidea,notconfirmedbyanygenerallyacceptedruleofinternationallaw,thatrulesdifferentfromthoseoftheconventionallawoftreatiesapplyorshouldapplytohumanrightstreaties.ItisalsobasedontheunjustifiedassumptionthatStatespartieswouldnotusetheirrighttoobjecttoreservationswiththeappropriatediscernmentorcare.&  Paragraph1812.2 .2Francerejectsthisentireanalysisandconsidersthelastsentence("suchareservationwillgenerallybeseverable,inthesensethattheCovenantwill'  beoperativeforthereservingpartywithoutbenefitofthereservation")tobeincompatiblewiththelawoftreaties.13.2 .2Francebelievesitshouldbenotedthatagreements,whatevertheirnature,aregovernedbythelawoftreaties,thattheyarebasedonStates'consentandthatreservationsareconditionswhichStatesattachtothatconsent;itnecessarilyfollowsthatifthesereservationsaredeemedincompatiblewiththepurposeandobjectofthetreaty,theonlycourseopenistodeclarethatthisconsentisnotvalidanddecidethattheseStatescannotbeconsideredpartiestotheinstrumentinquestion.14.2 .2AsfortheopinionthattheCommitteeisparticularlywellplacedtotakedecisionsonthecompatibilityofareservationwiththeobjectandpurposeoftheCovenant,FrancepointsoutthattheCommittee,likeanyothertreatybodyorsimilarbodyestablishedbyagreement,owesitsexistenceexclusivelytothetreatyandhasnopowersotherthanthoseconferredonitbytheStatesparties;itisthereforeforthelatter,andforthemalone,unlessthetreatystatesotherwise,todecidewhetherareservationisincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthetreaty.Paragraph2015.2 .2Franceconsidersreservations,asgovernedbythe1969ViennaConvention,torepresentanormalandlegitimatemeansofformulatingaState'sconsenttobeboundbyatreaty,ifexercisedundertheconditionsprovidedforinthetreatyitself.16.2 .2AStatethathasconditioneditsconsentonreservationsinconformitywithinternationallawthereforehasnoreasontosubmittoconditions,constraintsorproceduresotherthanthosederivingfromthelawoftreatiesortheinstrumentinquestion.Notallreservationsareunjustifiedandnotallshouldnecessarilybelifted.Reservationstohumanrightsinstrumentsarenotbydefinitioncontrarytotheobjectandpurposeofthetreaty.BymakingcompatibilitybetweenconstitutionalnormsandtreatynormspossibleandbyallowingtheadaptationoftreatynormsandcertaindomesticlegislationtoreflectthespecialcharacteristicsofeachState,theyfosterwideacceptancebytheinternationalcommunityofanumberoftreatiesthatwouldneverhaveobtainedsufficientaccessionsotherwise.@ .Notes2 .2aObservationstransmittedbyletterdated8September1995.2 .2bSeeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.40(A/50/40),annexV.2 .2cIbid.,annexVI.2 .2dUnitedNations,TreatySeries,vol.1155,No.18232. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sv882   @ .*ANNEXVII@ .Z Statesparties'delegationsthatparticipatedin@ .Z theconsiderationoftheirrespectivereportsby@ .Z theCommitteeatitsfiftyfifth,fiftysixthand@ .fiftyseventhsessions@ .4(listedintheorderinwhichtheirreportswereconsidered)*wx d,dd ,dd ,|dd +  "x"UNITEDKINGDOMOFGREATBRITAINANDNORTHERNIRELAND(HONGKONG)  Representative  Mr.HenrySteel,CMGForeignandCommonwealthOfficeLondon "x"  Advisers  Mr.DanielR.Fung,QCSolicitorGeneralHongKongGovernment "x"    Mr.StephenWongKaiyiPrincipalCrownCounselHongKongGovernment "x"    Mr.IanDeaneSeniorAssistant,SolicitorGeneralHongKongGovernment "x"    Mr.JeremyCroftPrincipalAssistantSecretaryforHomèAffairsHongKongGovernment "x"    Mr.GordonLeungChugTaiPrincipalAssistantSecretaryfor̀SecurityHongKongGovernment "x"    Mr.JosephCheungSaiCheongPrincipalInformationOfficerHongKongGovernment "x"    Ms.SarahFouldsPermanentMissionoftheUnitedKingdom̀totheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva "x"    Ms.EmerDohertyPermanentMissionoftheUnitedKingdom̀totheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva "x"    Mr.MarkBoothPermanentMissionoftheUnitedKingdom̀totheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva "x"SWEDEN  Representative  Mr.LarsMagnusonUnderSecretaryforLegalAffairsMinistryofForeignAffairs "x"  Advisers  Mr.ErikLempertPermanentUnderSecretaryMinistryofCulture"x"    Ms.IngerKalmerbornAssociateJudgeofAppealMinistryofJustice "x"    Ms.EvaHammarAssociateJudge,AdministrativeCourtof̀AppealMinistryofHealthandSocialAffairs "x"    Ms.MonaDanielssonAssistantUnderSecretaryMinistryofHealthandSocialAffairs "Gx"    Ms.AnneDismorrCounsellor,DeputyPermanent̀RepresentativePermanentMissionofSwedentothèUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva "x"    Mrs.ErikaHagerdFirstSecretaryMinistryofForeignAffairs "x"ESTONIA  Representative  Mr.RaitMarusteChiefJusticeNationalCourt "x"  Advisers  Mrs.AinoLepikHeadoftheHumanRightsDivisionMinistryofForeignAffairs "x"    Mrs.MaiHionLawyerLawfirm"LhmusandTeeveer" "x"    Mrs.MariAnnKelamPressSpokesmanMinistryofForeignAffairs "x"    Mr.SvenJrgensonDeputyPoliticalDirectorMinistryofForeignAffairs "x"    Mr.OlaviIsraelLegalCounsellorMinistryofJustice "x"MAURITIUS  Representative  Mr.A.R.MohamedAmeenPeerooMinisterforJustice "x"  Advisers  Mr.M.D.SeetulsingMinistryofJustice "x"    Mr.S.SoborunChargd'affairesPermanentMissionofMauritiustothèUnitedNations "x"SPAIN  Representative  Sr.JuanLuisIbarraDirectorGeneraldeCodificaci;nỳCooperaci;nJurdicaInternacionalMinisteriodeJusticiaeInterior "Gx"  Advisers  Sr.JuanZuritaSubdirectorGeneralDirectordelaOfficinadeDerechos̀HumanosMinisteriodeAsuntosExteriores " x"    Sr.JavierBorregoAbogadodelEstadoJefedelServicioJurdicoparalàComisi;nEuropeayTribunalEuropeòdeDerechosHumanosMinisteriodeJusticiaeInterior "x"    Sr.AlvaroRodrguezSecretariodeEmbajadaMisi;nPermanenteantelasNaciones̀Unidas "x"GUATEMALA  Representative  Mr.VincenteArranzSanzPresidentofCOPREDEH "x"  Advisers  Mr.DennisAlonzoMazariegosExecutiveDirectorofCOPREDEH "x"    Mr.FranciscoA.NogueraCounsellor,PermanentMissionof̀GuatemalatotheUnitedNations "x"ZAMBIA  Representative  Mr.P.L.KasandaAmbassador,PermanentRepresentativePermanentMissionofZambiatothèUnitedNations "x"  Alternaterepresentatives  Mr.H.KundaDeputyPermanentRepresentativePermanentMissionofZambiatothèUnitedNations "x"    Mrs.MwilaChigagaCounsellorPermanentMissionofZambiatothèUnitedNations "x"  Adviser  Ms.AnnieKazhinguSecondSecretaryPermanentMissionofZambiatothèUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva "Gx"NIGERIA(fiftysixthsession)  Representative  Mr.I.A.GambariAmbassador,PermanentRepresentativePermanentMissionoftheFederal̀RepublicofNigeriatotheUnited̀NationsOfficeatGeneva "x"  Advisers  Mr.A.H.YaduduLegalAdvisertothePresidentofthèFederalRepublicofNigeria "Gx"    Mr.I.AyewahDeputyPermanentRepresentativePermanentMissionoftheFederal̀RepublicofNigeriatotheUnited̀NationsOfficeatGeneva "Gx"    Mr.SamA.OtuyeluMinisterPermanentMissionoftheFederal̀RepublicofNigeriatotheUnited̀NationsOfficeatGeneva "x"    Mr.A.RindapDeputyAssistantDirectorGeneral "Gx"    Mr.C.ChiejinaFirstSecretaryPermanentMissionoftheFederal̀RepublicofNigeriatotheUnited̀NationsOfficeatGeneva "x"NIGERIA(fiftyseventhsession)  Representative  Mr.A.H.YaduduLegalAdvisertothePresidentofthèFederalRepublicofNigeria "x"  Alternaterepresentative  Mr.BukarUsmanDirectorGeneralThePresidency "Gx"  Advisers  Mr.E.AbuahAmbassador,PermanentRepresentativePermanentMissionoftheFederal̀RepublicofNigeriatotheUnited̀NationsOfficeatGeneva "x"    Mr.AbidinaCoomassieManagingDirectorTodayNewspaper "x"    Mr.A.A.RasheedManagingDirectorNewNigerian "x"    Mr.K.A.MohammedThePresidency "x"    Mr.P.K.NwokediChairmanNationalHumanRightsCommission "x"    Mr.MohammedTabiuSecretaryNationalHumanRightsCommission "x"    Mr.JalalA.AlArabiOfficeoftheSecretarytothèGovernmentoftheFederalRepublic̀ofNigeria "x"    Mr.RayEkpuMemberNationalHumanRightsCommission "x"    Mr.H.O.SulaimanMemberNationalHumanRightsCommission "x"    Mrs.F.KwakuMemberNationalHumanRightsCommission "Gx"BRAZIL  Representative  Mr.GilbertoVergneSaboiaAmbassadorDeputyPermanentRepresentativeof̀BraziltotheUnitedNationsOfficèatGeneva "x"  Alternaterepresentative  Mr.JosGregoriHeadofCabinetoftheMinisterof̀Justice "x"  Advisers  Mr.AntonioLuisEspinolaSalgadoFirstSecretaryPermanentMissionofBraziltothèUnitedNations "x"    Ms.MariaHelenaPinheiroPennaFirstSecretaryPermanentMissionofBraziltothèUnitedNations "x"    Mr.AntonioOtvioSRicarteSecondSecretaryPermanentMissionofBraziltothèUnitedNations "x"PERU  Representative  Mr.JosUrrutiaPermanentRepresentativeofPerutòtheUnitedNations "x"  Alternaterepresentative  Mr.AntonioGarcaPermanentMissionofPerutothèUnitedNations "x"  Advisers  Mr.LuisEnriqueChvezFirstSecretaryPermanentMissionofPerutotheUnited̀Nations "x"    Mr.EduardoPrezdelSolarSecondSecretaryPermanentMissionofPerutotheUnited̀Nations "x"    Mr.AlejandroAlvarezPedrosaConsultanttothedelegation@ .ANNEXX@ . ListofdocumentsissuedduringthereportingperiodReportsofStatesparties882 CCPR/C/63/Add.30 . SecondperiodreportofZambiaCCPR/C/64/Add.110 . ThirdperiodicreportofDenmarkCCPR/C/64/Add.12 . ThirdperiodicreportofMauritiusCCPR/C/70/Add.80 . AdditionalinformationfromSriLankaCCPR/C/81/Add.8 . InitialreportofSwitzerlandCCPR/C/84/Add.40 . FourthperiodicreportofBelarusCCPR/C/84/Add.50 . FourthperiodicreportofGermanyCCPR/C/92/Add.10 . InitialreportofNigeriaCCPR/C/94/Add.1 . ThirdperiodreportofCyprusCCPR/C/94/Add.2 . ThirdperiodicreportofIcelandCCPR/C/95/Add.50 . FourthperiodicreportoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIrelandHongKongCCPR/C/95/Add.60 . FourthperiodicreportofFinlandCCPR/C/103/Add.10 . FourthperiodicreportofSenegal@ . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommittee@ .onStatesparties'reportsCCPR/C/79/Add.570 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsHongKongCCPR/C/79/Add.580 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsSwedenCCPR/C/79/Add.590 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsEstoniaCCPR/C/79/Add.600 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsMauritiusCCPR/C/79/Add.610 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsSpainCCPR/C/79/Add.620 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsZambiayCCPR/C/79/Add.630 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsGuatemalaCCPR/C/79/Add.640 . PreliminaryobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsNigeriaCCPR/C/79/Add.650 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsNigeriaCCPR/C/79/Add.660 . ConcludingobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsBrazilCCPR/C/79/Add.670 . PreliminaryobservationsoftheHumanRightsCommitteeonStatesparties'reportsPeruProvisionalagendasandannotationsCCPR/C/1100 . Provisionalagendaandannotations(fiftyfifthsession)CCPR/C/1110 . Provisionalagendaandannotations(fiftysixthsession)CCPR/C/1120 . Provisionalagendaandannotations(fiftyseventhsession)NotesconcerningtheconsiderationofreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesCCPR/C/1130 . ConsiderationofinitialreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40oftheCovenantduein1996:notebytheSecretaryGeneralCCPR/C/1140 . ConsiderationofsecondperiodicreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40oftheCovenantduein1996:notebytheSecretaryGeneralCCPR/C/1150 . ConsiderationoffourthperiodicreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle40oftheCovenantduein1996:notebytheSecretaryGeneralSummaryrecordsofCommitteediscussionsCCPR/C/SR.144514730 . SummaryrecordsofthefiftyfifthsessionCCPR/C/SR.147415010 . SummaryrecordsofthefiftysixthsessionCCPR/C/SR.150215300 . Summaryrecordsofthefiftyseventhsession