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Duringitsfirstyear,theSubcommitteecarriedouttwovisitsaspartofitsinitialphaseof   preventivework.Theinitialprogrammeofvisitswassuigeneris,astheSubcommitteewasobliged   undertheOptionalProtocoltomakeaninitialchoicebydrawingoflotsforStatestobevisited.   Maldives,MauritiusandSwedenwerethecountriesdrawnbylots.Subsequently,theSubcommittee   decidedontheStatestobevisitedbyareasonedprocess,withreferencetotheprinciplesindicated p inarticle2oftheOptionalProtocol.Thefactorsthatmaybetakenintoconsiderationinthechoice \ ofcountriestobevisitedbytheSubcommitteeincludedateofratification/developmentofnational H preventivemechanisms,geographicdistribution,sizeandcomplexityoftheState,regional 4 preventivemonitoringandurgentissuesreported.  p 15.  In2007,theSubcommitteebegantodevelopitsapproachtothestrategicplanningofitsvisit H programmeinrelationtotheexisting34Statesparties.TheSubcommitteetooktheviewthat,after 4 theinitialperiodofitsdevelopment,thevisitsprogrammeinthemediumtermshouldbebasedon   theideaofeightvisitsper12-monthperiod.Thisannualrateofvisitsisbasedontheconclusionthat,   tovisitStatespartieseffectivelyinordertopreventill-treatment,theSubcommitteewouldhaveto  visiteachStatepartyatleastonceeveryfourorfiveyearsonaverage.IntheSubcommittee'sview,  lessfrequentvisitscouldjeopardizetheeffectivemonitoringofhownationalpreventivemechanisms  fulfilledtheirroleandtheprotectionaffordedtopersonsdeprivedofliberty.With34Statesparties, l thismeansthattheSubcommitteemustvisit,onaverage,eightStateseveryyear. X  16.  Intheinitialphaseofvisits,theSubcommitteedevelopeditsapproach,workingmethodsand 0"  benchmarks,andestablishedwaystoworkingoodcooperationandconfidentialitywithStates #l! partieswithwhomitbegantobuildanongoingdialogue.Italsobegantodevelopgoodworking $X" relationswithnationalpreventivemechanismsorwithinstitutionswhichmightbecomethem.At $D # thisstage,thesecretariatnecessarytosupportafullprogrammeofvisitswasnotinplace.The %0!$ Subcommitteeconsequentlycarriedoutvisitsatlessthanmaximumcapacityduringtheperiod &"% coveredbythepresentreport. '#& 17.  Forthelongerterm,thepointatwhichratificationsoraccessionswillreachatotalof50 )$( remainsanunknownvariableinthestrategicplanningofvisits.Followingthatevent,the |*%) Subcommitteewillbecomea25-memberbody, 16 withaconcomitantrequirementforanincreasein h+&* budgetaryresources.TheSubcommitteeanticipatesaperiodofadjustmentatthatstage,beforeitis  _abletouseitsincreasedcapacitytothefull.   B.Visitscarriedoutin2007andearly2008  t 18.  TheSubcommitteevisitedMauritiusfrom8Octoberto18October2007andtheMaldives L  from10to17December2007;itvisitedSwedenfrom10to15March2008. 17 Duringthesevisits, 8  thedelegationsfocusedonthedevelopmentprocessofthenationalpreventivemechanismandthe $ t situationwithregardtoprotectionagainstill-treatment,particularlyofpeopledeprivedoftheir  ` libertyinpolicefacilities,prisonsandinfacilitiesforchildren.  L  19.  Attheendof2007,theSubcommitteeannounceditsforthcomingprogrammeofregular $  visitsin2008,toBenin,Mexico,ParaguayandSweden. 18 TheSubcommitteealsomadeplansfor   anumberofpreliminaryvisitstoinitiatetheprocessofdialoguewithStatesparties.   20.  TheinitialvisittoaStatepartyisanopportunitytodeliverimportantmessagesaboutthe   SubcommitteeanditscoreconcernstotheStatepartyandtootherrelevantinterlocutors.The p Subcommitteestressedtheconfidentialnatureofitswork,inaccordancewiththeOptionalProtocol. \ Onitsfirstthreevisits,itmetwithmanyofficialsinordertoestablishcooperativerelationswiththe H Statespartiesandtoexplainfullyitsmandateandpreventiveapproach.TheSubcommitteealsomet 4 withmembersofdevelopingnationalpreventivemechanismsandwithmembersofcivilsociety.  p 21.  ThefirsttwovisitsinvolvedalargernumberofSubcommitteemembersthanwouldnormally H bethecase,inorderthatallmemberscouldtakepartinatleastonevisitin2007.Thiswaspartof 4 theSubcommittee'sstrategytodevelopaconsistentapproachonvisitsdespitethechanging   compositionofdelegationsonvisits.ThevisittoSwedenwasofshorterduration.TheSubcommittee   adoptedamoretargetedapproach,takingintoaccountthepreventivevisitingalreadyundertakenin  SwedenandbasedonconsultationandcooperationwiththeEuropeanCommitteeforthePrevention  ofTortureandInhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment. 19   Ѐ22.  Attheendofeachvisit,thedelegationpresenteditspreliminaryobservationstothe X  authoritiesinconfidence.TheSubcommitteewishestothanktheauthoritiesofMauritius,the D! MaldivesandSwedenforthespiritinwhichitsdelegations'initialobservationswerereceivedand 0"  theconstructivediscussionaboutwaysforward.Attheendofthevisit,theSubcommitteeaskedthe #l! authoritiesforfeedbackonthestepstakenorbeingplannedtoaddresstheissuesraisedinthe $X" preliminaryobservations.Inaddition,aftereachvisit,theSubcommitteewrotetotheauthorities $D # requestingupdatedinformationonanystepstakensincethevisit,oncertainissueswhichcouldbe %0!$ orwereduetobeaddressedintheweeksfollowingit.TheSubcommitteeindicatedthatthe &"% immediaterepliescommunicatedbytheauthoritieswouldbereflectedinthevisitreport. '#& 23.  Thedraftingofthefirstvisitreportwasbegunin2007.Theprocessofitscompletionis )$( takinglongerthandesired,owingtothestaffingsituationinthesecretariatoftheSubcommittee(see |*%) sectionVbelow).Theauthoritieswillbeaskedtorespondinwritingtothevisitreport;the h+&* Subcommitteehopesthat,induecourse,theauthoritieswillrequestthatthevisitreportandtheir  responsetoitbepublished. 20 Untilsuchtime,thevisitreportsremainconfidential.  ... t ________________________ L  ... 8  16/InaccordancewithArticle5(1)oftheOPCAT. $ t 17/Fordetailsoftheplacesvisited,seeannexIII.  L  18/Thethreecountrieschosenbyinitialdrawingoflots-Mauritius,MaldivesandSweden-were $  announcedinJune2007ascountriestobevisitedintheinitialprogrammeofvisits.Forthe   programmeofregularSPTvisitsin2008,seeannexIV.   19/Article31oftheOPCATencouragestheSPTandbodiesestablishedunderregional   conventionstoconsultandco-operatewithaviewtoavoidingduplicationandpromotingeffectively p theobjectivesoftheOPCAT. \ 20/InaccordancewithArticle16,2oftheOPCAT. 4 A...  p ________________________  \  AnnexIV    PROGRAMMEOFREGULARSUBCOMMITTEEVISITSFOR2008  ...  Benin: `  8days h   (18-26May2008) l ... X    D!  CAT,CAT/C/42/2(2009)    III.VISITINGPLACESOFDEPRIVATIONOFLIBERTY  t ... `    B.VisitscarriedoutfromApril2008throughMarch2009  8  20.TheSPTcarriedoutvisitstoBenininMay2008,toMexicoinAugust/September2008andto  ` ParaguayinMarch2009.Duringthesevisits,thedelegationsfocusedonthedevelopmentprocess  L  ofthenationalpreventivemechanismsandonthesituationasfarasprotectionofpeopleheldin  8  varioustypesofplacesofdeprivationoflibertyisconcerned. 12  $  21.Inearly2009,theSPTannounceditsforthcomingprogrammeofworkinthefieldfortheyear,   includingvisitstoParaguay,HondurasandCambodiaandin-countryengagementinEstonia.The   SPTalsocarriedoutpreliminarymissionsshortlybeforetheplannedregularvisitstoMexicoand   Paraguaytoinitiatetheprocessofdialoguewiththeauthorities.Thepreliminarymeetingsproved p tobeanimportantpartofpreparationforthevisits,representinganopportunitytofine-tunethe \ programmeandenhancefacilitationoftheworkofthedelegation.Preliminarymissionsforman H integralpartoftheworkinvolvedinSPTvisits. 4 22.Duringvisits,SPTdelegationshaveengagedinempiricalfact-findinganddiscussionswitha  \ widerangeofinterlocutors,includingofficialsoftheministriesconcernedwithdeprivationofliberty H andwithothergovernmentinstitutions,otherStateauthoritiessuchasjudicialorprosecutorial 4 authorities,relevantnationalhumanrightsinstitutions,professionalbodiesandrepresentativesof   civilsociety.Ifthenationalpreventivemechanismsarealreadyinexistence,theyareimportant   interlocutorsfortheSPT.SPTdelegationshavecarriedoutunannouncedvisitstoplacesof  deprivationoflibertyandhavehadinterviewsinprivatewithpersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty.They  alsoengagedindiscussionswithstaffworkingincustodialsettingsand,inthecaseofthepolice,  alsowiththoseworkingintheinvestigationprocess. l 23.Amongitsprincipalmethodsforfact-findingonvisits,theSPTusesthetriangulationof D! informationgatheredindependentlyfromavarietyofsources,includingdirectobservation, 0"  interviews,medicalexaminationandperusalofdocumentation,inordertoarriveataviewofthe #l! particularsituationunderscrutinyasregardstheriskoftortureorothercruelinhumanordegrading $X" treatmentorpunishmentandasregardsthepresenceorabsence,strengthorweaknessofsafeguards. $D # SPTdelegationsdrawconclusionsonthebasisofitscross-checkedfindingsmadeduringvisits. %0!$ 24.DuringtheyeartheSPTnotedwithsatisfactionthatsomeStatespartiesplantoorareinthe '#& processofimplementingtheIstanbulProtocolasatooltodocumenttorture,firstofallinthefight (#' againstimpunity.TheSPThasanalysedtheusefulnessoftheIstanbulProtocol,notonlyinthefight )$( againstimpunity,butalsointhepreventionoftortureandothercruel,inhumanordegrading |*%) treatmentorpunishment,andhasidentifiedsomechallenges.TheanalysisappearsinannexVII. h+&* ConsideringthevalidityandusefulnessoftheIstanbulProtocolasasoftlawinstrument,theSPT  isoftheviewthatStatesshouldpromote,disseminateandimplementtheProtocolasalegal  instrumenttodocumenttorturecasesofpeopledeprivedoftheirlibertythroughmedicaland  psychologicalreportsdraftedunderadequatetechnicalstandards.Thesereportscannotonly t constituteimportantevidenceintorturecasesbut,mostimportantly,theycancontributetothe ` preventionofcruel,inhumananddegradingtreatment.TheSubcommitteeonPreventionofTorture L  notesthatitiscrucialthatdoctorsandotherhealthprofessionalsbeeffectivelyindependentfrom 8  policeandpenitentiaryinstitutions,bothintheirstructure-humanandfinancialresources-and $ t function-appointment,promotionandremuneration.  ` 25.AttheendofeachregularSPTvisit,thedelegationpresenteditspreliminaryobservationstothe  8  authoritiesorallyinaconfidentialfinalmeeting.TheSPTwishestothanktheauthoritiesofBenin, $  MexicoandParaguayforthespiritinwhichtheinitialobservationsofitsdelegationswerereceived   andtheconstructivediscussionsensuingaboutwaysforward.AftereachvisittheSPTwrotetothe   authorities,reiteratingkeypreliminaryobservationsandrequestingfeedbackandupdated   informationonanystepstakenorbeingplannedsincethevisittoaddresstheissuesraisedduring   thefinalmeeting,inparticularoncertainissueswhichcouldbeorwereduetobeaddressedinthe p weeksfollowingthevisit.TheSPTindicatedthatresponsescommunicatedbytheauthoritieswould \ beconsideredinthedraftingofthevisitreport. H 26.Theauthoritieswerealsoreminded,laterintheperiodafterthevisit,thatanyresponsesreceived  p bytheSPTbeforeadoptionofthedraftvisitreportinplenarysessionwouldformpartoftheSPTs  \ deliberationswhenconsideringadoption.Thesecommunicationsformanimportantpartofthe H ongoingpreventivedialoguebetweentheStatepartyandtheSPT.TheSPTisgratifiedtoreportthat 4 oneachofthevisitscarriedouttodate,ithasreceivedfeedbackfromauthoritiesconcerningthe   preliminaryobservationsandfurtherinformationpriortotheadoptionofeachvisitreport.Thisis   anindicationthattheStatespartiesinitiallyvisitedhaveembracedtheongoingprocessofdialogue  andincrementalprogressonprevention.  27.Theauthoritiesareaskedtorespondinwritingtotherecommendationsandtotherequestsfor l furtherinformationintheSPTsreportonthevisittothatState,astransmittedtotheminconfidence X  afteradoptionbytheSPT.Thusfaralltheresponsesoftheauthoritiesconcernedhavearrivedon D! time-aclearsignalofthegoodwillofStatespartiestocooperatewiththeSPT. 0"   C.PublicationofthevisitreportsoftheSubcommitteeonPreventionofTorture  $X" 28.Asof31March2009,theSPTvisitreportsonSwedenandtheMaldives,(twooutofthefive %0!$ StatespartiestohavereceivedanSPTvisitreport)andtheauthoritiesresponsesareinthepublic &"% domain. 13 TheSPThopesthatinduecoursetheauthoritiesofeveryStatepartyvisitedwillrequest '#& thatthevisitreportandtheauthoritiesresponsetoitbepublished. 14 Untilsuchtimethevisitreports (#' remainconfidential. )$( 29.PublicationofanSPTvisitreportandtheresponsefromtheauthoritiesconcernedisasignof h+&* thecommitmentoftheStatepartytotheobjectivesoftheOPCAT.Itenablescivilsocietyto  considertheissuesaddressedinthereportandtoworkwiththeauthoritiesonimplementationofthe  recommendationstoimprovetheprotectionofpeopledeprivedoftheirliberty.TheSPTwarmly  welcomesthedecisiontopublishtakenbytheauthoritiesofSwedenandtheMaldives.TheSPT t hopesthatotherStatespartieswillfollowthisexcellentexample. `  D.Issuesarisingfromthevisits  8  30.TheOPCATprovidesthatSPTmembersmaybeaccompaniedonvisitsbyexpertsof  ` demonstratedprofessionalexperienceandknowledgetobeselectedfromarosterpreparedonthe  L  basisofproposalsmadebytheStatesparties,theOHCHRandtheUnitedNationsCentrefor  8  InternationalCrimePrevention. 15 Todate22Statespartieshaveprovidednamesanddetailsof $  expertsfortheroster.In2008theUnitedNationssetupapaneltoselectnamestobeplacedonthe   rosterinadditiontotheexpertsproposedbyStatesparties.Externalexpertscancontributetothe   workoftheSPTbyprovidingadiversityofperspectivesandprofessionalexpertisetocomplement   thoseofSPTmembers.TheSPThopesthatexpertsfromallregionsoftheworldwillbeincluded   intheroster.TheSPTstillawaitstherosterofexpertsand,initsabsence,continuestoselectexperts p fromthelistofnamesproposedbyStatespartiesandfromamongexpertswidelyrecognizedas \ havingtherequiredrelevantexpertise.Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theSPTwas H accompaniedononevisitbyonlyoneexpert,owingtobudgetaryconstraints. 4 31.TheSPThasconcernsaboutthepossibilityofreprisalsafteritsvisits.Peopledeprivedoftheir  \ libertywithwhomtheSPTdelegationhasspokenmaybethreatenediftheydonotrevealthecontent H ofthesecontactsorpunishedforhavingspokenwiththedelegation.Inaddition,theSPThasbeen 4 madeawarethatsomepeopledeprivedoftheirlibertymayhavebeenwarnedinadvancenottosay   anythingtotheSPTdelegation.Itshouldbeself-evidentthatconductofthiskindonthepartofany   officialorpersonactingfortheStatewouldbeabreachoftheobligationtocooperatewiththeSPT  asprovidedintheOPCAT.Moreover,article15oftheOPCATlaysapositiveobligationuponthe  StatetotakeactiontoensurethattherearenoreprisalsasaconsequenceofanSPTvisit.  32.TheSPTexpectstheauthoritiesofeachStatevisitedtoverifywhetherreprisalsforcooperating X  withtheSPThaveoccurredandtotakeurgentactiontoprotectallpersonsconcerned. D! _____________________ 0"  ... #l! 12/Fordetailsoftheplacesvisited,seeannexIII. $X" %13/Seehttp://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cat/opcat/index.htm. %0!$ 14/Inaccordancewitharticle16,paragraph2ofOPCAT. '#& 15/Article13,paragraph3. )$(   h+&*  AnnexIII    VISITSCARRIEDOUTIN2008-2009  1.  FirstperiodicvisittoBenin:17-26May2008 ` Placesofdeprivationoflibertyvisitedbythedelegation:  8  Policefacilities  `   (a) ` Policestations  8     ` CommissariatCentraldeCotonou      ` CommissariatCentraldePorto-Novo      ` CommissariatdepolicedeDantokpa      ` CommissariatdepolicedeDodji      ` Commissariatd'arrondissementdeOuando p   (b) ` Gendarmeries H    ` CompagniedeGendarmeriedeCotonou-BrigadeTerritorialedeGodomey  p    ` BrigadedeGendarmeriedeZogbodomey  \    ` BrigadeTerritorialeetdeRecherchesdePorto-Novo H    ` BrigadeTerritorialeetdeRecherchesdeBohicon 4    ` BrigadedeGendarmeriedeShou   Prisons    PrisonciviledeCotonou    Prisonciviled'Akpro-Missrt l   Prisonciviled'Abomey X  Otherinstitutions 0"    PalaisdeJusticed'Abomey $X" ... %0!$   '#&  OPCAT,CAT/C/44/2(2010)   ... t L  M  L  M  AnnexVII ` Informationoncountryvisitreportsandfollowupasof26February2010  8  *'(ddd Xdd Xdd X(#(#,,,,, ,+  F##7 L  L FCountry  L  visited [##L1 8 ####$$ [Datesofthevisit [##L1 L ####$$ [Report  L  sent [##L1 8 ####$$ [Reportstatus [##L1 L####$$ [Response  L received _###L1 8 ####$$ _Response  L statusL  M  L  M  s##d< 8   #####$$ s!E $ L  M  L  M  Mauritius [##L1E ####$$ [8!18October2007 [##L1$ ####$$ [Yes [##L1$ ####$$ [Confidential [##L1$ ####$$ [Yes _###L1$ ####$$ _ConfidentialL  M  L  M  s##d<$   #####$$ s!R 1 L  M  L  M  Maldives [##L1R ####$$ [10!17December2007 [##L11 ####$$ [Yes [##L11 ####$$ [Public [##L11 ####$$ [No _###L11 ####$$ _ЄL  M  L  M  s##d<1   #####$$ s!_ > L  M  L  M  Sweden [##L1_ ####$$ [10!14March2008 [##L1> !####$$ [Yes [##L1> "####$$ [Public [##L1> #####$$ [Yes _###L1> $####$$ _PublicL  M  L  M  s##d<> %  #####$$ s!l K L  M  L  M  Benin [##L1l &####$$ [17!26May2008 [##L1K '####$$ [Yes [##L1K (####$$ [Confidential [##L1K )####$$ [No _###L1K *####$$ _ЄL  M  L  M  s##d<K +  #####$$ s!)yXL  M  L  M  Mexico [##L1)y,####$$ [27August! X- 12September2008 [##L1D.####$$ [Yes [##L1X/####$$ [Confidential [##L1X0####$$ [No _###L1X1####$$ _ЄL  M  L  M  s##d<X2  #####$$ s!Q0L  M  L  M  Paraguay [##L1Q3####$$ [10!16March2009 [##L104####$$ [Yes [##L105####$$ [Confidential [##L106####$$ [No _###L107####$$ _ЄL  M  L  M  s##d<08  #####$$ s!^=L  M  L  M  Honduras [##L1^9####$$ [13!22September2009 [##L1=:####$$ [Yes [##L1=;####$$ [Public [##L1=<####$$ [No _###L1==####$$ _ЄL  M  L  M  u###d<=>  #####$$ u!kJL  M  L  M  Cambodia ]###L1k?#####$$ ]2!11December2009 ]###L1J@#####$$ ]No ]###L1JA#####$$ ]Є ]###L1JB#####$$ ]Є _####L1JC#####$$ _ЄL  M  L  M  LB@JD   ######$$ LW  L  M  @..@..@..   F _ CAT/C/46/2(2011)   ... t L  M  L  M  AnnexIV ` Informationoncountryvisitreports,publicationstatusandfollowupasof31December 8  2010L  M   $ t  *34d d  '((#(#,AA,AA,]AA,AA,AA,AA+  F##7 L  L FCountry  L  visited [##L1 8 ####$$ [Datesofthevisit [##L1 L ####$$ [Report  L  sent [##L1 8 ####$$ [L  M  Report  L L  M  status [##L1 8 ####$$ [Response  L received _###L1 8 ####$$ _L  M  Response  L statusL  M  L  M  L  M   s##d< 8   #####$$ s!E $ L  M  L  M  Mauritius [##L1E ####$$ [8!18October2007 [##L1$ ####$$ [Yes [##L1$ ####$$ [Confidentia $  l [##L1 ####$$ [Yes _###L1$ ####$$ _Confidentia $  lL  M  L  M  s##d<   #####$$ s!  L  M  L  M  Maldives [##L1 ####$$ [10!17December2007 [##L1 ####$$ [Yes [##L1 ####$$ [Public [##L1 ####$$ [No _###L1 !####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d< "  #####$$ s!*  L  M  L  M  Sweden [##L1* #####$$ [10!14March2008 [##L1 $####$$ [Yes [##L1 %####$$ [Public [##L1 &####$$ [Yes _###L1 '####$$ _PublicL  M  L  M  s##d< (  #####$$ s!7L  M  L  M  Benin [##L17)####$$ [17!26May2008 [##L1*####$$ [Yes [##L1+####$$ [Confidentia , l [##L1-####$$ [No _###L1.####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d</  #####$$ s!L  M  L  M  Mexico [##L10####$$ [27August!12September 1 2008 [##L12####$$ [Yes [##L13####$$ [Public [##L14####$$ [No _###L15####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d<6  #####$$ s!vL  M  L  M  Paraguay [##L17####$$ [10!16March2009 [##L1v8####$$ [Yes [##L1v9####$$ [Public [##L1v:####$$ [Yes _###L1v;####$$ _PublicL  M  L  M  s##d<v<  #####$$ s!L  M  L  M  Honduras [##L1=####$$ [13!22September2009 [##L1>####$$ [Yes [##L1?####$$ [Public [##L1@####$$ [No _###L1A####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d<B  #####$$ s!L  M  L  M  Cambodia [##L1C####$$ [2!11December2009 [##L1D####$$ [Yes [##L1E####$$ [Confidentia F l [##L1|G####$$ [No _###L1H####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d<I  #####$$ s!hL  M  L  M  Lebanon [##L1J####$$ [24May!2June2010 [##L1hK####$$ [Yes [##L1hL####$$ [Confidentia hM l [##L1TN####$$ [L  M  ԄL  M  _###L1hO####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d<hP  #####$$ s!a@L  M  L  M  Bolivia aQ (Plurinational MR Stateof) [##L19S####$$ [30August!8September @T 2010 [##L1,|U####$$ [Notyet [##L1@V####$$ [L  M  ԄL  M  [##L1@W####$$ [L  M  ԄL  M  _###L1@X####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  s##d<@Y  #####$$ s!F%uL  M  L  M  Paraguay [##L1FZ####$$ [Followupvisit: %u[ 13!15September2010 [##L1 a\####$$ [Yes [##L1%u]####$$ [Confidentia %u^ l [##L1 a_####$$ [L  M  ԄL  M  _###L1%u`####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  u###d<%ua  #####$$ u!!n ML  M  L  M  Liberia ]###L1!nb#####$$ ]6!13December2010 ]###L1 Mc#####$$ ]Notyet ]###L1 Md#####$$ ]L  M  ԄL  M  ]###L1 Me#####$$ ]L  M  ԄL  M  _####L1 Mf#####$$ _L  M  ԄL  M  L  M  L  M  LB@ Mg  ######$$ L .,~'r Ї   CAT/OP/BEN/1(2011)   L  M  ReportonthevisitoftheSubcommitteeonPreventionofTortureandOtherCruel,Inhuman t orDegradingTreatmentorPunishmenttoBenin *,** ` *InaccordancewiththedecisionoftheSubcommitteeonPreventionatitsfifthsessionregarding <  theprocessingofitsvisitreports,thepresentdocumentwasnoteditedbeforebeingsenttothe ( x UnitedNationstranslationservices.  d **Inaccordancewitharticle16,paragraph1,oftheOptionalProtocol,thepresentreportwas  <  transmittedconfidentiallytotheStatepartyon17June2009.On19January2011,theStateparty (  communicateditsdecisiontomakethereportpublic.   ...   L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  Preliminaryremarks  t 1.TheSubcommitteeonPreventionofTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatment L orPunishment(hereinafterSPT)wasestablishedfollowingtheentryintoforceinJune2006ofthe 8 OptionalProtocoltotheConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegrading $t TreatmentorPunishment(hereinafterOPCAT).L  M  1TheSPTbeganworkinFebruary2007. ` 2.TheaimoftheOPCATis toestablishasystemofregularvisitsundertakenbyindependent 8 internationalandnationalbodiestoplaceswherepeoplearedeprivedoftheirliberty,L  M  2inorderto $ preventilltreatment.Thetermilltreatmentisusedinitsgenericsenseandencompassestortureand  othercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.Itshouldbeinterpretedinitswidest  sense,toincludeL  M  interaliaL  M  Ԁilltreatmentarisingfrominadequatematerialconditionsofdeprivation  ofliberty.TheSPThastwopillarsofwork:visitingplacesofdeprivationoflibertytoexamine  currentpracticeandsystemfeaturesinordertoidentifywherethegapsintheprotectionexistand p whichsafeguardsrequirestrengthening;andassistinginthedevelopmentandfunctioningofbodies \  designatedbyStatesPartiestocarryoutregularvisitsthenationalpreventivemechanisms(NPMs). H! TheSPTfocusisempiricalonwhatactuallyhappensandwhatpracticalimprovementsareneeded 4"  topreventilltreatment.  #p! 3.UndertheOPCAT,aStatePartyisobligedtoallowvisitsbytheSPTtoanyplacesunderits $H # jurisdictionandcontrolwherepersonsareormaybedeprivedoftheirliberty,eitherbyvirtueofan %4!$ ordergivenbyapublicauthorityoratitsinstigationorwithitsconsentoracquiescence.L  M  3L  M  ԀStates & "% PartiesfurtherundertaketogranttheSPTunrestrictedaccesstoallinformationconcerningpersons ' #& deprivedoftheirlibertyandtoallinformationreferringtothetreatmentofthosepersonsaswellas (#' theirconditionsofdetention.L  M  4L  M  ԀTheyarealsoobligedtogranttheSPTprivateinterviewswithpersons )$( deprivedoflibertywithoutwitnesses.L  M  5L  M  ԀItisfortheSPTtochoosetheplacesitwantstovisitandthe *%) personsitwantstointerview.L  M  6L  M  ԀSimilarpowersaretobegrantedtoNPMs,inaccordancewiththe l+&* OPCAT.L  M  7L  M  ԀTheworkoftheSPTisguidedbytheprinciplesofconfidentiality,impartiality,non  selectivity,universalityandobjectivity,inaccordancewitharticle2,paragraph3,oftheOPCAT.  4.Whetherornotilltreatmentoccursinpractice,thereisalwaysaneedforStatestobevigilantin t ordertopreventilltreatment.Thescopeofpreventiveworkislarge,encompassinganyformof ` abuseofpeopledeprivedoftheirlibertywhich,ifunchecked,couldgrowintotortureorothercruel, L  inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.TheSPTspreventiveapproachisforwardlooking. 8  Inexaminingexamplesofbothgoodandbadpractice,theSPTseekstobuilduponexisting $ t protectionsandtoeliminateorreducetoaminimumthepossibilitiesforabuse.  ` 5.Thepreventionoftortureandothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment  8  proceedsfromtherespectforthefundamentalhumanrightsofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyin $  whateverformofcustodytheymayfindthemselves.ThevisitsoftheSPTtoStatesPartiescentre   ondeterminingwhichfactorsmaycontributeto,orinhibit,situationsconducivetoilltreatment,in   ordertomakerecommendationstopreventilltreatmentfromhappeningorfromrecurring.Inthis   sense,ratherthanmerelycheckingorverifyingwhethertorturehasoccurred,theSPTsultimateaim   istoanticipateandforestallthecommissionoftorturebypersuadingStatesPartiestoimprovethe p systemoffunctioningsafeguardstopreventallformsofilltreatment. \  Introduction  4 L  M  L  M  6.Inaccordancewitharticles1and11oftheOPCAT,theSPTvisitedBeninfromSaturday17May  \ untilMonday26May2008. H 7.InthisfirstvisittoBenin,thedelegationoftheSPTexaminedthestateofprogressindeveloping   thenationalpreventivemechanismandfocusedonthesituation,asfarasprotectionagainstill   treatment,ofpeopledeprivedoftheirlibertyinpolicefacilities,gendarmeriesandprisons.  8.ThedelegationconsistedofthefollowingmembersoftheSPT:Ms.SilviaCasale(headof  delegation),Mr.HansDraminskyPetersen,Mr.ZbigniewLasocik,andMr.LeopoldoTorres l Boursault.Pursuanttoarticle13,paragraph3,oftheOPCAT,thedelegationwasaccompaniedby X  Dr.JonathanBeynon,expert. D! 9.TheSPTmemberswereassistedbyMr.PatriceGillibert(SecretarytotheSPT),Ms.Estelle #l! AskewRenaut,andMs.NosyRamamonjisoa,staffmembersoftheOfficeoftheUnitedNations $X" HighCommissionerforHumanRights(OHCHR),aswellasbythreeinterpreters. $D # 10.DuringitsvisittoBenin,thedelegationreviewedthetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheir &"% libertyandmadeobservationsandconductedprivateinterviewswithstaffandpeopledeprivedof '#& theirlibertyinvarioustypesofinstitutions:fivepolicestations,fivegendarmeries,andthree (#' prisons.L  M  8L  M   )$( 11.Inadditiontovisitingplacesofdeprivationofliberty,theSPThaddiscussionswithpublic h+&* authorities,includingministerial,judicialandprosecutorialinterlocutors,andmembersofcivil  societyinordertogainanoverviewofthelegalframeworkregardingtheadministrationofcriminal  justiceandplacesofdeprivationoflibertyandofhowthesystemwasfunctioninginpractice.L  M  9L  M  ԀThe  delegationmetwithrepresentativesoftheSupremeCourtandwiththeConstitutionalCourtin t plenarysession.ItalsovisitedtheL  M  PalaisdeJusticeL  M  ԀinAbomeyandspokewithitsProsecutor ` (L  M  ProcureurL  M  )inordertodiscussthetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertybythejudiciary. L  12.Attheendofthevisit,thedelegationpresenteditspreliminaryobservationsconcerningthevisit $ t totheBenineseauthorities.Thosepreliminaryobservations,likethevisitreport,areconfidential.L  M  10L  M    ` TheSPTacknowledgesreceiptofthenoteverbaleof7November2008,attachingthegovernment  L  ofBeninspreliminaryrepliestoitsobservations.TheSPThasconsideredtheserepliesandincluded  8  clarificationonanumberofissuesinthisreport. $  13.ThefollowingreportonthefirstSPTvisittoBenin,producedinaccordancewitharticle16of   theOPCAT,setsoutthefindingsofthedelegationandtheSPTsobservationsandrecommendations   concerningthetreatmentofpeopledeprivedoftheirliberty,inordertoimprovethesituationas   regardstheprotectionofsuchpersonsfromallformsofilltreatment.Thevisitreportisanimportant p elementofthedialoguebetweentheSPTandtheBenineseauthoritiesaimedatpreventingtorture \ andothercruelinhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.Inprinciple,thereportisconfidential H untilsuchtimeastheauthoritiesofBeninrequestpublication.L  M  11 4 L  M  14.Oneofthecrucialfactorsinhibitingilltreatmentistheexistenceofafullyfunctioningsystem  \ ofindependentvisitstomonitorallplaceswherepersonmaybedeprivedoftheirliberty.Forthis H reason,thefirstsectionofthereportisdevotedtoadiscussionofthedevelopmentofthenational 4 preventivemechanism(NPM)inBenin.   15.ThesecondsectionofthevisitreportlooksatthelegalandinstitutionalframeworkinBenin  fromtheperspectiveofpreventionoftorture.Situationsfavourabletotorturemayarisefromthelack  ofanappropriatelegalandinstitutionalframeworkguaranteeingtherightsofpersonsdeprivedof  theirliberty.Thesesafeguardsareconsiderednotsomuchasdueprocesssafeguardsthistaskfalls l tootherUnitedNationsbodiesbutasinstrumentsofpreventionoftortureandothercruel,inhuman X  ordegradingtreatmentorpunishment. D! 16.Insubsequentsectionsofthereport,theSPTexaminestheconcretesituationofpeopledeprived #l! oftheirlibertyindifferentsettingsinthelightofthosesafeguardsandtheaccessthereto,whichthe $X" SPTconsiderswill,ifproperlyestablishedand/ormaintained,diminishtheriskofilltreatmentof $D # personsdeprivedoftheirliberty.TheSPTmakesrecommendationsconcerningchangestoimprove %0!$ thesituationsencounteredandtoensurethedevelopmentandimprovementofacoherentsystemof &"% safeguardsinlawandinpractice. '#&  I.DevelopmentoftheNationalPreventiveMechanism  )$( L  M  L  M  17.TheSPTwasprovidedwithinformationbeforethevisitabouttheprocessofdevelopmentto h+&* dateconcerningtheNPM,theL  M  ObservatoireNationaldePrventiondelaTortureL  M  Ԁ(ONPT).The  SPTwelcomesthefactthattherehadbeenopenpreparatoryconsultationwithcivilsocietyonthis  matter,whichculminatedinthedraftingoflegislationinAugust2007.TheSPTcongratulatesall  involvedinachievingthisimportantfirststeptowardsplacingtheNPMonastatutorybasis.The t SPTregretsthat,despiterequestingmeetingswithmembersoftheAdhocWorkingGroupduring ` itsvisittoBenin,itwasunabletomeetwiththem.Itisalsoconcernedthatcivilsocietydoesnot L  seemtobeawareofthedraftlegislation,norinvolvedinitsdevelopmentatthisstage.TheSPT 8  considersitimportanttocontinuetofosterpublicdebateconcerningtheNPM,inordertoensure $ t adherencetotheprinciplesopenness,transparency,inclusivenessandindependenceintheprocess  ` ofadoptionofthelegislationandtheestablishmentoftheNPM,asreferredtointheOPCAT,sothat  L  theNPMwillcommandtheconfidenceofthepublicgenerally.  8  18.L  M  TheSPTrequestsinformationconcerningstepstakentofosterpublicdebateatthislater   stageabouttheadoptionofthelegislationandthedevelopmentoftheNPM. L  M     19.TheSPTexaminedthedraftlegislationprovidedatthetimeofthevisitanddated23August   2007.Afterthevisit,theSPTrequestedfurtherinformationontheprocessofadoptionofthedraft t legislation.ThegovernmentofBeninprovidedanupdateinitsnoteverbaleof7November2008, ` andtheSPTwasprovidedwithacopyoftheamendeddraftlegislationinDecember2008.L  M  12L  M  ԀThe L SPTconsidersthatitcontainsprovisionscapableofestablishingafirmbasisfortheNPM,and 8 generallyinlinewiththepreliminaryguidelinesonthedevelopmentofNPMsputforwardbythe $t SPTinitsfirstannualreportinMay2008.L  M  13L  M  ԀInparticular,theSPTnoteswithsatisfactionthe ` followingelements: L L  M    (/x3" 3"   32/3  0    L  M  Thedraftlegislationincludesabroaddefinitionofplaceswherepeopleareormaybe $ deprivedoflibertyinlinewiththeprovisionsoftheOPCAT 3݌(#(# Ќ  " 3"   3&2/3  0    L  M  ItprovidespowersofaccessfortheNPMinlinewiththoseenvisagedintheOPCAT 3&S݌(#(# Ќ  " 3"   3C2/3  0    L  M  TheNPMisdescribedasbeingfinanciallyindependent( autonomiefinancireand un  organeindpendantquiapourbutdeprvenirlatortureetautrespeinesoutraitements  cruels,inhumainsoudgradants,notammentdansleslieuxdedtention(Articles1and3)) 3Cp݌p(#(# Ќ  " 3"   3L2/3  0    L  M  Thereisanexpressprohibitionofanysanctions/reprisalsagainstanypersonororganisation \  whomayhavegiveninformationtotheNPM 3Ly݌H!(#(# Ќ  " 3"   32/3  0    L  M  ProvisionismadeforcooperationbetweentheNPMandinternationalbodiesattheglobal 4"  andregionallevel 3݌ #p!(#(# Ќ  " 3"   32/3  0    L  M  TheNPMistopublishanannualreportaftersubmittingittothePresident 3*݌ $\"(#(# Ќ  L  M  20.AstothemembershipofthefivepersonNPM,theSPTwelcomesthefactthatattentionisgiven %4!$ totherequirementforgenderdiversityofmembersoftheNPM,andformembershavingrelevant & "% experienceinthefieldofadministrationofjusticeinparticular.L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  ԀL  M  L  M  TheSPTalsonotesthatthe ' #& memberswillbenominatedbyMinisterialdecree,uponasuggestionmadebytheMinisterofJustice (#' andHumanRights.TheSPTnotesarevisionofthepreviousprovisionthatexerciseofanyfunction )$( whichcouldaffecttheindependenceandimpartialityofamemberoftheNPMwouldbe *%) incompatiblewithmembershipoftheNPM.Thereviseddraftlegislationnowincludesaprovision l+&* ofineligibilitytoserveontheNPMforanyoneinvolvedinpublicemployment,anypoliticalor  professionalactivityoranyelectedoffice.L  M  TheSPTisconcernedabouttheexclusionofanyone  exercisingaprofessionalfunctionandrecommendsthatthisbereconsidered,asitwould  appeartoexcludeapractisinglegalormedicalprofessionalfromNPMmembership. L  M  ԀInorder x toguaranteetheindependenceandimpartialityofthemembersoftheNPM,L  M  theSPTrecommends h thatthedraftlawprovidethatmembershipoftheNPMisincompatiblewithanyother X  functionwhichcouldaffectitsindependenceandimpartiality. L  M  ԀTheSPTnotesthatthedraft D  legislationprovidesforaselectionpanelmadeupofseniorpersonsinthelegalandmedical 4  professions,andincludesarepresentativeofcivilsociety.TheSPTtruststhatmembershipofthe  p fivepersonNPMwillalsoreflectsuchdiversity.L  M  TheSPTrecommendsthatprioritybegivento  \  theinclusionintheNPMofamedicalprofessional.   L  L  M  21.AstothebudgetfortheNPM,theSPTisconcernedthatsomeofthepreviousprovisionsfor $  autonomousmanagementbytheNPMofitsbudgetanditsfinancialreportingtotheaccounting   chamberoftheSupremeCourthavebeendroppedfromtherevisedlegislation.L  M  TheSPT   recommendsthattheseprovisionsbereinstated. L  M     22.L  M  TheSPTisparticularlyconcernedthatarticle19ofthedraftlawprovidedbythe t authoritieson5December2008indicatesthataministerialdecreewilllaydownthemodalities d ofworkoftheNPM( L  M  undcretprisenConseildesMinistresdtermineralesmodalitsde P fonctionnementdelObservatoireL  M  ).TheSPTrecommendsthatthemodalitiesofworkofthe < NPMbespeltoutclearlyinthedraftNPMlaw,andnotlefttosubsequentdecrees,unlessthose (x decreesarealsothesubjectofbroadpublicconsultationanddebate.  d L  M  23.TheSPThasconsideredthestageofadoptionofthedraftlegislationandunderstandsfromthe < letterof7November2008fromtheauthoritiesthatthedraftlegislationwasexaminedandadopted ( bytheNationalCommissiononLegislationandCodificationduringitsspecialsessionof23  September2008.TheauthoritiesalsoinformedtheSPTthatthenextstepintheadoptionprocess  willbethetransmissionofthedrafttotheHeadofStatewithaviewtoitsexaminationbythe  NationalAssembly.TheSPTconsidersthatthedraftlegislationhasbeenunderconsiderationfor  adoptionforsometimeandL  M  recommendsthattheprocessbecompletedwithallpossiblespeed. t  Ifthedraftlegislationisfurtheramendedduringtheadoptionprocess,theSPTaskstobe d! providedwithacopyofanyamendedtext.Anysubstantiveamendmentstothedraft P"  legislationshouldbethesubjectoffurtherconsultation.  <#! L  M  24.L  M  Asabodycomplementing,atnationallevel,theworkoftheSPT,theNPMisinafrontline %d # positiontoensurethecontinuityofthedialoguewiththenationalauthoritiesonissuesrelating &T!$ topreventionofilltreatment.Tothisend,theNPMshouldmakerecommendationstothe &@"% competentauthoritieswiththeaimofimprovingthetreatment,includingtheconditions,ofthe ',#& personsdeprivedoftheirlibertyandpreventingtortureandothercruel,inhumanor ($' degradingtreatmentorpunishment.Indoingso,theNPMshouldpaydueattentiontothe )%( relevantnormsoftheUnitedNationsaswellastherecommendationsmadebytheSPTL  M  .L  M   *%) Furthermore,oneofthekeyaspectsoftheworkoftheNPMistomaintaindirectcontactwith +&* theSPTandfacilitateexchangeofinformationinordertofollowupthecompliancewiththe  recommendationsoftheSPT. L  M    25.TheSPTlooksforwardtofurtherdiscussionsaboutallaspectsoftheNPMsworkthrougha t dialoguewiththeauthoritiesandwiththeNPMasitdevelops. `  II.Formalsafeguardsagainstilltreatment  8  L  M  L  M  26.TheSPTconsideredthoseelementsofthelegalframeworkwiththepotentialtoprovide  ` safeguardsforpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyandthosepotentiallycontributingtotheriskofill  L  treatment.  8   A.Legalframeworkprimarylegislationandcodes   1.TheConstitutionofBeninandtheConstitutionalCourt    L  M  L  M  27.TheConstitutionofBeninof11December1990isthesupremelawoftheState,andTitleIIis p devotedtotherightsanddutiesoftheindividual.Moreover,article147oftheConstitutionprovides \ that treatiesoragreementslawfullyratifiedshallhave,upontheirpublication,anauthoritysuperior H tothatoflaws.Inparticular,theprinciplesenunciatedintheAfricanCharteronHumanand 4 PeoplesRightswereincorporatedintoTitleIIoftheConstitution.Further,thefulltextofthe  p ConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment  \ ratifiedbyBeninon12March1992waspublishedintheOfficialGazetteof5September2006. H 28.Withrespecttotheroleofthejudiciaryasaguarantorofthehumanrightsofdetainees,article   114providesfortheConstitutionalCourttoexercisethehighestjurisdictionoftheStatein   constitutionalmatters.TheCourtrulesupontheconstitutionalityoflawsandisresponsiblefor  guaranteeingfundamentalindividualrightsandcivilliberties.AnycitizenmayasktheCourttorule  ontheconstitutionalityoflawseitherdirectly,orthroughthespecialactionofunconstitutionality  invokedinacasebeforeacourtinvolvingthatcitizen. l  2.Legalcodificationoftheoffenceoftorture  D! 29.Article18oftheConstitutionstatesthat nooneshallbesubmittedtotorture,norto  #p! mistreatment,nortocruel,inhumaneordegradingtreatment.Nooneshallhavetherighttoprevent  $\" adetaineeoranaccusedpersonfrombeingexaminedbyadoctorofhischoice.Noonemaybe $H # detainedinapenalinstitutionifhedoesnotfallundertheprovisionsofapenallawinforce.Noone %4!$ maybedetainedforadurationgreaterthanfortyeighthoursexceptbyadecisionofthemagistrate & "% beforewhomhemusthavebeenpresented.Thedelaymaybeprolongedonlyincircumstances ' #& exceptionallyprovidedbylawandmaynotexceedaperiodgreaterthaneightdays.Anyindividual (#' oragentoftheStatewho,duringtheexerciseofhisfunctions,commitsactsoftortureorinflicts )$( cruel,inhumananddegradingtreatment,whetheronhisowninitiativeorunderorders,shallbe *%) punishedinaccordancewiththelaw(article19oftheConstitution). l+&* Ї30.ThereisnoformaldefinitionoftortureinBenineselegislation.TheSPTunderstandsthatthe  ConstitutionalCourthasattemptedtobridgethisgapbyprovidingabroaddefinitionoftorture.The  SPTunderstandsthatstepsarebeingtakentoincorporatethedefinitionoftortureinaccordancewith  article1oftheConventionagainstTorture,andtodefinetortureasanoffenceinthefinalversion t ofthedraftcriminalcodecurrentlybeforetheNationalAssembly.However,theSPTnotesthatthe ` textofthedraftcriminalcodeprovidedbytheStatePartydoesnotcontainadefinitionoftortureand L  doesnotprovideforaspecificcriminaloffenceoftorture.Italsonotesthatthedraftcriminalcode 8  andthedraftcodeofcriminalprocedurehavebeendiscussedbyParliamentforsixyears.L  M  TheSPT $ t associatesitselfwiththerecommendationsoftheCommitteeagainstTorture L  M  14L  M  andasksthat  d theStatePartyinvolveNGOsandacademicexpertsintherevisionofnationallegislation,  P  namely,thedraftcriminalcodeandthecodeofcriminalprocedure,withaviewtoalignment  <  withtheprovisionsintheConvention.TheauthoritiesofBeninshouldtakeallnecessary (  measurestoadoptthesetwodraftlawsassoonaspossible.     B.Institutionalframeworksystemsforcomplaints,monitoringandlegalaidassistance   1.Policeandgendarmeriecomplaintsandmonitoringprocesses  t L  M  L  M  31.TheSPTnotesthatarticle114(onwards)oftheCriminalCodeprovidesforanumberof L offencesincaseswherepublicofficialscommitactswhich,L  M  interaliaL  M  ,depriveothersoftheirliberty. 8 Inparticular,article119oftheCriminalCodeprovidesthatcivilservantsandpublicofficialswho $t aremadeawareofanallegationofillegalandarbitrarydetention,andwhodonotfollowthroughon ` theallegationwiththeirsuperiors,areliablefordamagesandtobestrippedoftheircivilrights L (L  M  dgradationciviqueL  M  ).L  M  15L  M  ԀFinally,theSPTnotesthataccordingtoarticle186oftheCriminalCode, 8 civilservantsandpublicofficialscanbefoundguiltyofusingforceagainstpersonswithout $ legitimategrounds.L  M  TheSPTrequestsfurtherinformationontheseoffencesandstatisticsonthe  numberofcomplaints/sanctionsimposedasaresultoftheseprovisionsoftheCriminalCode  during2006,2007and2008.   L  M  32.DecreeNo.2004394of13July2004givescompetencetotheMinistryoftheInterior,Security t andTerritorialAdministrationtoensurepublicorderandsecurity.Tocarryoutitsmission,the `  MinistryoftheInteriorhasspecialpowers,suchasthegeneralinspectionofsecurityforces,which L! isdirectlyundertheMinistry,andthegeneralmanagementofthenationalpolice.Similarly,in 8"  accordancewithDecreeNo.2005249of6May2005,theMinistryofDefencehasoversightofthe $#t! actionsofthegendarmerie. $`" 33.ThedelegationwasinformedthattheL  M  InspectionGnraledelaPoliceL  M  ,theL  M  InspectiontechniqueL  M   %8!$ (forthegendarmerie)andtheL  M  InspectionGnraledesForcesdeScuritL  M  Ԁallundertakeoversight &$"% activities,includingreceivingandinvestigatingethicalandmoralcomplaints,i.e.allegationsof '#& corruptionorracketeeringbyofficers.Further,thedelegationwasinformedthattherearetwoother (#' typesofinternaloversightofthepolice.Firstly,theL  M  DirectiondelaPoliceL  M  Ԁconductsoversight, )$( includingvisits,ontheordersoftheL  M  DirecteurGnraldelaPoliceL  M  .Secondly,theMinisterofthe *%) Interiorcanhimselforderaninspection.L  M  TheSPTwishestoreceivefurtherinformationfor2006 p+&* 2008aboutthemandateofthesebodies;thenumberofcomplaintsreceivedperyear;the  numberofcomplaintspursuedperyear,forwhichoffences,andagainstwhom;andthe  outcomeofallsuchcomplaints,includingsanctionsimposedonL  M  theofficersresponsible.L  M    L  M  34.AccordingtotheAnnualStatisticalReportfor2005oftheMinistryofJustice,L  M  16L  M  Ԁprovidedbythe ` liaisonofficertothedelegationduringthevisit,theDepartmentforCivilandCriminalCases L  (L  M  DirectiondesAffairesCivilesetPnalesL  M  )oftheMinistryofJusticeismandatedtoreceive 8  complaintsofilltreatmentbysecurityforcesandabuseofL  M  gardevueL  M  .Inparticular,accordingto $ t theAnnualStatisticalReportfor2005,threecomplaintswerelodgedforviolencebysecurityforces  ` (L  M  violencesexercesparlesforcesdelordreL  M  ).L  M  TheSPTrequestsmorestatisticalinformationon  L  thoseactivitiesforthepastthreeyears,aswellasmoredetailontheoutcomeofsuch  <  complaints.  (   2.Prisonmonitoringbodiesandcomplaints    (a)Monitoring   L  M  L  M  35.TheSPTunderstandsthatthereareanumberofbodieswhoseresponsibilityincludesprison ` monitoring,andsomeofthosewillbediscussedinthenextsectionsdealingwithjudicialoversight. L Forexample,inmeetingswithrepresentativesoftheSupremeCourt,thedelegationheardthatithas 8 conductedaninspectionofallprisonsinBenin,andsubmittedvisitreportstothegovernment.L  M  The $t SPTrequestscopiesoftheseinspectionreports.  d L  M  36.TheDAPAS(L  M  DirectiondelAdministrationPnitentiaireetdelAssistanceSocialeL  M  )isthe < departmentwithintheMinistryofJustice,LegislationandHumanRightschargedwiththe ( administrationofprisons.Itsmissionistoensuretheregulation,organizationandcontrolofthe  differentpunishments,andensurethemanagementofpersonnelandequipmenttoprovideassistance  forpersonsofallagesconcernedwithjudicialprocedures.Oneofitsmissionsistoregularlyvisit  prisons.L  M  TheSPTregretsthatithasnotbeenprovidedwithanysuchmissionreports,and  requestsanyfurtherinformationforthelastthreeyearsonvisitsundertakenand x recommendationsmadebytheDAPAStoimprovethetreatment,includingconditions,of d  personsdeprivedoftheirliberty.  P! L  M  37.TheSPTunderstandsthattheDAPASisalsomandatedtoreceiveandactuponvisitreports (#x! conductedbytheCommissionfortheOversightofPrisons(L  M  Commissionsdesurveillancedes $d" prisonsL  M  ),setuppursuanttoarticle578oftheCodeofCriminalProcedureandarticle80ofDecree %P # No.73293ontheadministrationofprisons(L  M  DcretNo.73293du15septembre1973portant %݌T (#(# Ќ  L  M  L  M  263.ThedelegationalsoobservedthesystemofL  M  internalcontrolL  M  .Thisappearedtobeoperated 0  largely,ifnotexclusivelybyprisoners.Whenaprisonerhadavisitor,s/hewascalledtoexitthe  l innerprison,foravisitintheroomimmediatelybeyondtheinnergate.Thisroomwasguardedby  X  gendarmescarryingriflesinCotonouPrison.Uponthevisitorsarrival,theguardsgavethe  D  prisonersnametoamemberoftheprisonerhierarchy,whohadtheprisonerdeliveredfrominside 0  theinnerprisontothedoorbetweentheinnerandouterprisonareas.Theleadingprisonersassigned   tothisfunctionknockedontheinnerdoorandcalledoutthenameoftheprisonerwhohadbeen   deliveredandthedoorwasthenbrieflyopenedtoallowtheprisonertopassthrough.Theprocess   appearedtoworksmoothly.However,itwasnotablethattheguardsdidnotoperatebeyondthedoor.   264.Itwasclearthattheauthoritieshadcededcontroloftheprisonstotheprisoners.TheSPThas h thegravestconcernsaboutthissituationatCotonouandAbomeyPrison.TheSPTconsidersthatthe T authoritiesandtheprisonadministrationmustnotabrogatetheirresponsibilityforwhatgoesonin @ prisons,whetheritbetheprovisionofbasicnecessitiesoflife,suchasfood,drinkingwaterand ,| minimumconditionsforhealthandhygieneorwhetheritbetheimpositionofcontrolmeasures, h includingrestraintsorpunishments.Thesemattersallbelongandmustremainwiththeauthorities. T L  M  TheSPTconsidersthattheeffectivecontrolofanyplacewherepersonsaredeprivedoftheir @ libertybypublicauthoritiesisandmustremainthedomainoftheState.  , L  M  265.L  M  TheSPTrecommendsthattheauthoritiestakestepsimmediatelytoinstituteasystem  wherebytheyeffectivelyandfullyassumecontroloftheprisonsinorderthattheyareina  positiontodischargeproperlytheirobligationsforthecustodyandcareforpersonsdeprived  oflibertybytheState.  |  8.Activities  T! L  M  L  M  266.TheprisondayatCotonouPrisonwasstructuredaroundlockuptimes;atCotonouPrison,at 0#! 07.00hourseachunitwasunlockedbrieflyinturnfortheroomsearch;at07.30thedoorsofallthe $l" prisoneraccommodation(exceptforthecellwiththeprisonersondeathsentence)wereunlocked %X # forthedailyroutinestobegin.Lockupoccurredformostprisonersaround17.30or18.00hours. %D!$ Therefore,thevastmajorityofprisonersspentmorethantwelvehourslockedupatnight. &0"% 267.AtAbomeyPrison,thesamesystemoflockupprevailed.Theexceptionswerethoseprivileged ($' prisonerswhoheldpositionsentitlingthemtosleepoutsideintheyards. )$( 268.Thedelegationobservedasystemoffreemovementduringthedaywithintheinnerprecincts |+&* oftheprisonsformostprisoners.Duringtheday,mostprisonerswereoutinthecourtyardgoing  aboutthebusinessofdailylife.Thisisapotentiallypositivefeatureofprisonlife.Therelative  autonomyenjoyedbytheprisonerpopulationwithintheinnerprecinctoftheprisonsisinprinciple  alsopositive,providedthatthereisadequateoversighttopreventabuse.Itcouldallowthetimespent t incustodytopasslessonerouslyandcouldprovideforthedevelopmentofconstructiveactivities. ` Asitwas,theprisonactivitiescentredonthenecessitiesoflife!obtainingfoodanddrinkingwater, L  obtainingwatertowashoneselfandonesclothes,andfindingaplacetosleep. 8  (a)Activitiesandeducationforadultdetainees  ` L  M  L  M  269.ThemarketplacewithintheprisonwasacentralfocusofactivityatCotonouPrison.Here,  8  prisonerswereengagedinvariousactivitiesconnectedtodailylife,includingsellingfoodstuffs, $  preparingfoodforcooking,cooking,launderingclothes,andmakingusefulitems.Thedirectoralso   informedthedelegationthatdetaineeshadaccesstovariousworkshopsrunbyNGOs,suchas   hairdressingcourses,butthattheworkshopsarenotwellattended.Healsoreportedthatthelibrary   hadsome800books;thedelegationbrieflysawthelibraryhousedinabuildingnearthemarketused   alsoasachurch.IthadbeenrefurbishedthankstoNGOdonations.L  M   p L  M  270.Thedelegationnotedthatattheprisonsvisitedsomeoftheadultprisonerswereunabletoread H orwrite.TheSPTnotesthepositivefactofprovisionofeducationforyoungmaleprisonersand 4 L  M  recommendsthattheauthoritiestakestepstoprovideatleastbasiceducationforyoungfemale  p prisonersandadultprisonerswhocannotreadorwrite.   \ L  M  271.AtAbomeyPrison,thedirectorsaidthataprogrammeoftrainingcoursesforprisonersinthe 4 workshopshadbeenstartedbytheMinistryin2007;theworkinvolvedpreparationofgari,mustard,   pancakesandbread.Theworkalsogeneratedincome,althoughdetaineesindicatedthattheyhadnot   yetbeengivenanyoftheincometheyhadgenerated.Thedelegationnotedthatoutsidetheinnerwall  oftheprisontherewasamodernbuildingprovidedfromexternalfundingwhichappearedtobe  unused.Anareaofthepremisesbetweentheouterandinnerwallwasinuseforchoppingwoodand  providedworkforasmallnumberofprisoners. l 272.AtAkproMissrtPrison,therewerenoactivitiesavailabletothedetainees.Detaineesmade D! variousitemstoselltotheotherdetainees,andplantedvegetablesinthemaincourtyardto 0"  supplementthedailyration.ThedirectorhadcanvassedthedetaineesandwrittentotheMinistryof #l! JusticeinApril2008toaskforequipmentandresourcestosetupanumberofactivities,suchas $X" sewing,hairdressing,computerscience,andlanguageclasses.L  M   $D # L  M  273.Programmesofactivitiesforprisonersplayanimportantroleinthewellbeingandsafetyof &"% prisonersandstaff.Enforcedidlenessincreasesthetensionsinacustodialinstitutionandcanhave '#& seriousconsequencesforthehealthandwellbeingofpersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty,aswellas (#' forfuturereintegrationonrelease.Theextremeofenforcedtotalinactivityoveraprolongedperiod )$( isinhuman.L  M  TheSPTrecommendsthateveryeffortbemadetoprovideprogrammesand |*%) activitiesforallprisoners,includingthosesentencedtodeath.Inthisregard,theSPT l+&* welcomestheAkproMissrtPrisonauthoritiesproactiveapproach,andrecommendsthat  budgetaryprovisionsbesetasideforprovidingactivitiesinallprisonsthroughoutBenin. L  M    (b)Activitiesforadolescentdetainees t L  M  L  M  274.AtL  M  CotonouprisonL  M  ,thedelegationobservedaroundconcreteshedintheminorsquarters, L  whichwasreportedlyusedforteachingpurposes.Maleadolescentdetaineesexplainedthatclasses 8  weresometimesgivenonreadingandreligionbyteachers,andthatNGOsalsotaughtthemother $ t skillssuchashairdressing.  ` 275.ThedelegationobservedthateducationatAbomeyPrisonwaslimitedtoclassesformale  8  adolescentdetainees.UNICEFhad,in2000,initiatedaprogrammeofbasiceducationinFrenchfor $  them;thiswasoriginallyrunbyaprisoner,whohadsincebeenreleased;hehadbeenassistedby   anotherprisoner,aged19years,whowasstillonremandandnowrantheclasses,withasalaryof   5000CFApermonthpaidbyUNICEF.Educationalsupplies,suchasablackboard,booksand   pencilswerealsoprovidedbyUNICEF.L  M  ԀL  M  Noeducationclasseswereavailableforfemaleadolescent   detaineesinanyestablishmentvisitedbythedelegation.L  M  Inthisregard,theSPTrecommendsthat p similarclassesbeorganisedforfemaleadolescentdetaineeswhoaredetainedinthewomens ` quartersthroughoutBenin,aswellastothechildrenoffemaledetaineesoncetheyreach L compulsoryschoolingage. L  M   8 276.AtAbomeyPrison,thereweretwosewingmachinesandmaterialformakingshirtsontables ` underthecanopyintheyardofthemaleadolescentdetaineeunit.Thedelegationwastoldthatthey L weretaughttosewbyadultprisoners;classesoccurredinthemorningandfrom16.00to18.00 8 hours.L  M  TheSPTrecommendsthattheauthoritiesprovidesimilaractivitiesandworkshopsfor $ adolescentdetainees,bothmaleandfemale,inallprisons,inordertofacilitatetheir  reintegrationuponrelease. L  M    (c)Activitiesforfemaleprisoners  L  M  L  M  277.Activitiesforwomenwerelimitedbythefactthattheywereintheoryseparatedfromthemen `  prisonersandthereforetheiraccesstocommunalfacilitiessuchastheprisonmarketwerecurtailed. L! Adifficultyfacedbywomenwasthelackofaccesstoactivitieswhichthemenraninthemarketarea 8"  oftheprison.SomewomenwereallowedtoworkinthemarketatCotonouPrisontoearnmoney. $#t! Mostdidnothaveaccesstothemarketeventobuyfood,andthereforereliedonmaledetaineesto $`" buysuppliesforthem.WomendetaineesatAbomeyPrisonwantedtohaveaccesstoactivitieswhich $L # currentlymainlymenareabletoundertake.Theyappearednottohaveequalaccesstothetraining %8!$ coursesandworkshopsprovidedforsomemaleprisoners,nortotheeducationclassesprovidedto &$"% maleadolescentdetainees.Manywomenexpressedthewishtobeallowedtoparticipateinthe '#& variousworkshops.L  M  TheSPTrecommendsthatactivitiesandeducationclassesbeprovidedfor (#' womendetainees. L  M   )$( 278.TheL  M  femaleadolescentdetaineesL  M  Ԁdidnothaveanymoneytobuyfoodtosupplementthedaily t+&* ration,andwerethereforeatincreasedriskofmalnutritionanddisease.Thedelegationspoketo  somefemaleadolescentdetaineeswhohadinfactbecomevirtualslavestoolderfemaledetainees,  inordertohaveaccesstomorefood.  279.AparticularconcernaroseasregardstheL  M  babiesandyoungchildrenL  M  Ԁwholivedinthewomens ` quarters.ThedirectoratCotonouPrisonreportedthatchildrenuptotheageoffourwereallowed L  tostaywiththeirdetaineemothers.However,thebudgetoftheprisondidnotincludethosechildren, 8  eitherintheprovisionofsleepingspaceorfood.Asaresult,themeagredailyrationhadtobesplit $ t furtherinordertofeedthechildrenofthosedetainees.Thewomensquarterhadaplayroomwhich  ` wasdonatedbyanNGO,butduringdelegationvisitsnooneusedtheroom,whichhadafewtoys.  L  L  M  280.L  M  TheSPTrecommendsthat:L  M   $  ! !  (/xx " 3"   3rs2/3  0    L  M  Womensquartersbeincreasedtoimprovetheextremelycrampedconditions 3rss݌ (#(# Ќ  " 3"   3t2/3  0    L  M  Babiesandchildrenoffemaledetaineesbeincludedinofficialsaccountforassigning   sufficientspace,foodandwaterforwomensquarters 3tt݌ (#(# Ќ  " 3"   3u2/3  0    L  M  Babiesandchildrenoffemaledetaineesbeprovidedwithsufficientclothes,nappies, x soapandtowelsandasleepingplaceoftheirown,e.g.acradle 3u&v݌d(#(# Ќ  " 3"   3nw2/3  0    L  M  Womenandfemaleadolescentdetaineesbegrantedequalaccesstoactivitiesand P workshopsorganisedwithintheprisonandtospecificactivitiestailoredtowardstheir < needs  3nww݌(x(#(# Ќ  " 3"   3y2/3  0    L  M  Ataminimum,allfemaleadolescentdetaineesandchildrenofwomendetaineesof d schoolingageshouldhaveaccesstoeducationclasses 3y>y݌T(#(# Ќ  9.Contactwiththeoutsideworld  , L  M  L  M  281.Maintainingcontactwiththeoutsideworldand,inparticular,sustainingfamilyandother  affectivetiesisanimportantelementofcustodialcareandcrucialfortheeventualreintegrationof  prisonersintosocietywithoutreoffending.Moreover,theabilitytocommunicatewithfamilyand  friendscanbeasafeguardagainstilltreatment,whichtendstoflourishinthemostclosed x environments. d  282.ThereweretwoL  M  telephonesL  M  ԀatCotonouPrisonfor2241prisoners(excludingtheprisoners <"  sentencedtodeath)andonetelephoneatAbomeyPrisonforthe1105prisonerswhichwere (#x! controlledandrunbytheprisonerhierarchy.Prisonerswithmoneycouldbuyatelephonecard, $d" reportedlyatprohibitiveprices.Callsweremonitoredforsecuritypurposes.Inaddition,mobile %P # phoneshadbeenconfiscatedsincearecentescapeattempton24December2006fromCotonou %2/3  0    L  M  Submitproposalsandobservationsconcerningexistingordraftlegislation 3[>>݌ `(#(# Ќ  (d)Aspartofitsactivities,cooperatewithnational,regionalandinternationalmechanisms.  8  Article14   Placesofdetentionshallbeunderstoodtomeananyplaceunderthejurisdictionorcontrolofthe   RepublicofBeninwherepersonsareormaybedeprivedoftheirlibertyeitherbyvirtueofanorder   givenbyapublicauthorityoratitsinstigationorwithitsconsentoracquiescence. p Article15 H Deprivationoflibertyshallbeunderstoodtomean:  p 1.Anyformofdetention; H 2.Anyformofimprisonment; 4 3.Theplacementofapersoninapublicorprivatecustodialsetting.    ChapterII  Organization   Article16 X  TheObservatoryshallhaveaGeneralSecretariatheadedbyaSecretaryGeneral. 0"  TherulesofprocedureoftheObservatoryshallestablishtherulesfortherecruitmentofthe $X" SecretaryGeneralandothermembersofstaff,theirremuneration,andtheorganizationandoperation $D # oftheGeneralSecretariat. %0!$ Article17 '#& TheObservatorymay,ifitdeemsnecessary,haverecoursetoexpertsforspecificassignments. )$( _  |*%) SuchexpertsshallactontheinstructionsandundertheresponsibilityoftheObservatory.Theymust   havespecificexpertiseandexperienceinmattersfallingwithinthemandateoftheObservatory.  Expertsandinterpretersshallbeboundbyanobligationofconfidentiality.   ChapterIII ` Operation  8  Article18  ` TheObservatoryshallmeetincamera.  8  Threefifthsofitsmembersshallconstituteaquorum.   Decisionsshallbemadebyamajorityofthememberspresent.   Article19 p AdecreeoftheCouncilofMinistersshallestablishtheproceduresgoverningtheoperationofthe H Observatory. 4  TitleIV  \ PrivilegesandimmunitiesofmembersoftheObservatory 4 ChapterI   Privileges   Article20 l TheObservatoryshallhaveaccessto: D! 1.Allplacesofdetentionandalldetaineestherein; #l! 2.Allinformationreferringtothetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyandtheirconditions $D # ofdetention; %0!$ 3.Allinformationusefultoitswork. '#& Itshallhaveprivateinterviewswithpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertywithoutwitnesses,either )$( personallyorthroughaninterpreterifdeemednecessary,aswellaswithanyotherpersonitbelieves |*%) maysupplyrelevantinformation. h+&* ЇItmayfreelychoosetheplacesitwantstovisitandthepersonsitwantstointerview.  InformationgatheredbytheObservatoryshallbeprotected;nopersonaldatashallbepublished  withouttheexpressconsentofthepersonconcerned. t Article21 L  Aftereachvisit,theObservatoryshallmakerecommendationstothecompetentauthoritieswiththe $ t aimofimprovingthetreatmentandtheconditionsofthepersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyandto  ` preventtortureandothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.  L  Article22 $  ThecompetentauthoritiesortheinstitutionsvisitedshallbeboundtoconsidertheObservatorys   recommendations,followuponthemand,within30days,engageinadialogueonpossiblemeasures   toimplementthem.   Article23 \ TheObservatorymaydecidetomakeapublicstatementifthecompetentauthoritiesorthe 4 institutionsvisitedfailtocooperateorfollowupontherecommendationsdulyforwardedtothem.  p Article24 H TheObservatoryshallsubmitanannualreporttothePresidentoftheRepublic,withacopytothe   PresidentoftheNationalAssembly.   TheObservatoryshallsubsequentlypublishthereport.   Chapter2 l Immunities  D! Article25 #l! MembersoftheObservatorymaynotbesubjecttoanyformofinquiry,legalproceedings,detention $D # ortrialinrespectofopinionsexpressedinthecourseoforinconnectionwiththeperformanceof %0!$ theirduties. &"% TheObservatoryaloneshallbecompetenttowaivetheimmunityofmembers. (#' Article26 |*%)  h+&* Nopublicauthorityorpublicofficialshallorder,apply,permitortolerateanysanctionagainstany  personororganizationforhavingcommunicatedtotheObservatoryanyinformationinsofarassuch  informationwasprovidedinaccordancewiththelaw.Whereappropriate,theauthoritymayincur  liability. t  TitleV L  ResourcesandfinancialmanagementoftheObservatory  $ t Article27  L  TheresourcesoftheObservatoryshallbemadeupof: $  L  M  " 3-"   3XV2/3  0    L  M  L  M  Theinitialendowmentofpremises,furnitureandfixturesbelongingtotheStateandplaced   attheObservatorysdisposalandstartupfunds,theamountofwhichshallbesetbydecree   oftheCouncilofMinisters,uponaproposalbytheMinisterofJustice 3XVV݌ (#(# Ќ  " 3."   3bX2/3  0    L  M  AnnualappropriationsallocatedtotheObservatorybytheState;theyshallbesetinthe p FinanceActuponaproposalbytheMinisterofJustice 3bXX݌\(#(# Ќ  TheObservatorymayreceivegiftsandlegaciesinaccordancewithapplicablelegislation. 4 Article28  \ AdecreeoftheCouncilofMinistersshallestablishthefinancialregulationsoftheObservatoryand 4 therecruitingproceduresfortheaccountingofficer.    TitleVI  Finalprovisions   Article29 X  AnymatternotcoveredbythisAct,includingtheadoptionofalogoordistinctivesignandthe 0"  bearingofprofessionalidentitycards,shallbegovernedbytherulesofprocedure. #l! Article30 $D # Allpreviousconflictingprovisionsshallberepealed. &"% Article31 (#' ThisActshallbeexecutedasStatelaw. |*%)  DoneinCotonou,on  h+&* Ї AnnexIV    Preliminaryguidelinesforthedevelopmentofnationalpreventivemechanisms  t Inordertofacilitatethedialoguewith_NPMs_Ԁgenerally,theSPTwishestoindicatesomepreliminary L  guidelinesconcerningtheprocessofestablishing_NPMs_,eitherbydevelopmentofneworexisting 8  bodies,andconcerningcertainkeyfeaturesof_NPMs_: $ t (_i_)Themandateandpowersofthe_NPM_Ԁshouldbeclearlyandspecificallyestablishedinnational  L  legislationasaconstitutionalorlegislativetext.Thebroaddefinitionofplacesofdeprivationof  8  libertyasper_OPCAT_Ԁshallbereflectedinthattext; $  (ii)The_NPM_Ԁshouldbedevelopedbyapublic,inclusiveandtransparentprocessofestablishment,   includingcivilsocietyandotheractorsinvolvedinthepreventionoftorture;whereanexistingbody   isconsideredfordesignationasthe_NPM_,themattershouldbeopenfordebate,involvingcivil   society; p (iii)Theindependenceofthe_NPM_,bothactualandperceived,shouldbefosteredbyatransparent H processofselectionandappointmentofmemberswhoareindependentanddonotholdaposition 4 whichcouldraisequestionsofconflictofinterest;  p (iv)Selectionofmembersshouldbebasedonstatedcriteriarelatingtotheexperienceandexpertise H requiredtocarryout_NPM_Ԁworkeffectivelyandimpartially; 4 (v)_NPM_Ԁmembershipshouldbegenderbalancedandhaveadequaterepresentationofethnic,   minorityandindigenousgroups.TheStateshalltakethenecessarymeasurestoensurethattheexpert  membersofthe_NPM_Ԁhavetherequiredcapabilitiesandprofessionalknowledge.Trainingshould  beprovidedto_NPMs_;  (vi)Adequateresourcesshouldbeprovidedforthespecificworkof_NPMs_Ԁinaccordancewith X  Article18,3ofthe_OPCAT_;theseshouldberingfenced,intermsofbothbudgetandhuman D! resources; 0"  (vii)Theworkprogrammeof_NPMs_Ԁshouldcoverallpotentialandactualplacesofdeprivationof $X" liberty; $D # (viii)Theperiodicityof_NPM_Ԁvisitsshouldensureeffectivemonitoringofsuchplacesasregards &"% safeguardsagainstilltreatment; '#& (ix)Workingmethodsof_NPMs_Ԁshouldbedevelopedandreviewedwithaviewtoeffective )$( identificationofgoodpracticeandgapsinprotection; |*%)  h+&* (x)Statesshouldencourage_NPMs_Ԁtoreportonvisitswithfeedbackongoodpracticeandgapsin  protectiontotheinstitutionsconcerned,aswellaswithrecommendationstotheresponsible  authoritiesonimprovementsinpractice,policyandlaw;  (xi)_NPMs_Ԁandtheauthoritiesshouldestablishanongoingdialoguebasedontherecommendations ` forchangesarisingfromthevisitsandtheactiontakentorespondtosuchrecommendations,in L  accordancewithArticle22ofthe_OPCAT_; 8  (xii)Theannualreportof_NPMs_ԀshallbepublishedinaccordancewithArticle23ofthe_OPCAT_;  ` (xiii)Thedevelopmentof_NPMs_Ԁshouldbeconsideredanongoingobligation,withreinforcement  8  offormalaspectsandworkingmethodsrefinedandimprovedincrementally. $    H  b)ActionbyStates_Party _   CAT/OP/BEN/1/Add.1(2011)  t L  M  RepliesoftheRepublicofBenintotherecommendationsandrequestsforinformationmade L  bytheSubcommitteeonPreventionofTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegrading 8  TreatmentorPunishmentinitsreportonitsfirstperiodicvisittoBenin(CAT/OP/BEN/1L  M  )  $ t ...  L  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  L  M  1.TheGovernmentofBeninwelcomesthedialogueestablishedwiththeSubcommitteesinceits $  visitof1726May2008throughtheensuingrecommendationsandrequestsforinformation.This   cooperationwillhelpimprovetheconditionsofdetentionofpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyand   strengthenthelegalandinstitutionalframework.    I.Recommendations p A.Nationalpreventivemechanism  H L  M  L  M  2.TheauthoritiesofBenintakeduenoteofalltherelevantrecommendationsbytheSubcommittee  p regarding,amongothermatters:  \ L  M  " 3/"   3au2/3  0    L  M  L  M  Themembershipofthenationalpreventivemechanism,whichshouldalsoincludepractising 4 legalormedicalprofessionals 3auu݌ (#(# Ќ    " 30"   3v2/3  0    L  M  Theincompatibilityofmembershipofthenationalpreventivemechanismwithanyother   functionthatcouldaffectitsindependenceorimpartiality 3vw݌(#(# Ќ  " 31"   3Hx2/3  0    L  M  Theautonomousmanagementbythenationalpreventivemechanismofitsbudgetandits  financialreportingtotheaccountingchamberoftheSupremeCourt 3Hxux݌(#(# Ќ  " 32"   3y2/3  0    L  M  Themodalitiesofworkofthenationalpreventivemechanism,whichneedtobemoreclearly l definedintherelevantdraftlegislation 3yy݌X (#(# Ќ  " 33"   3!{2/3  0    L  M  Therecommendationsthatthenationalpreventivemechanismshouldmaketotheauthorities D! regardingthetreatment,includingtheconditions,ofpersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty 3!{N{݌0" (#(# Ќ  " 34"   3|2/3  0    L  M  ThedirectcontacttobemaintainedwiththeSubcommitteetofacilitatetheexchangeof #l! informationandthusfollowupontherecommendationsmade 3||݌$X"(#(# Ќ  B.Legalandinstitutionalframework %0!$ L  M  L  M  3.TheStatepartyacceptsthethreerecommendationsmadebytheSubcommittee.InOctober2009, '#& nongovernmentalorganizations(_NGOs_),academicexpertsandmembersofthejudiciarywere (#' incorporatedinthereviewoftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,whichaimstobringtheCodeintoline )$( withtheprovisionsoftheConventionandotherinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentstowhich |*%) Beninisparty.TheCriminalCodeistoundergothesamekindofreview. h+&* Ї4.Provisionhasalsobeenmadetoensureaccesstolegalassistanceforpersonswithoutsufficient  resources.   C.Recommendationsondeprivationoflibertybythepoliceandgendarmerieandallother t recommendationsoftheSubcommittee  ` L  M  L  M  5.Beninwelcomestherecommendationsondeprivationoflibertybythepoliceandgendarmerie 8  andallotherrecommendationsoftheSubcommittee.Aworkingmeetingwillbeheld,however,with $ t theagenciesinvolvedtoexaminemeasuresfortheirimplementation.  `  II.Repliestorequestsforinformation   8   A.Nationalpreventivemechanism   1.Stepstakentofosterpublicdebateatthislaterstageabouttheadoptionofthelegislation   onthenationalpreventivemechanismanditsimplementation    L  M  6.ThedraftlegislationendorsedbytheNationalCommissiononLegislationandCodificationthat \ wassubmittedtotheSecretariatGeneraloftheGovernmentforreferraltothenextstagesinthe H procedure(examinationbytheSupremeCourtandtheNationalAssembly)hasnotadvancedany 4 further.  p 7.Toovercomethisdifficulty,theChairpersonoftheLawCommissionoftheNationalAssembly, H inconsultationswiththeCommitteeonthePreventionofTortureinAfricaoftheAfrican 4 CommissiononHumanandPeoplesRightsduringapromotionalvisittoBenin,suggestedthat:   8  L  M  ThereformoftheCodeofCriminalProceduretakesintoaccounttheissues  associatedwithvisitsbyindependentbodiestoplacesofdeprivationofliberty.   L  M  8.InOctober2009,aseminarorganizedbytheLawCommissionattendedbymembersofthejustice l system(magistrates,lawyers,staffoftheMinistryofJustice,LegislationandHumanRights, X  parliamentariansandotherstakeholders)providedtheopportunityforareviewoftheCodeof D! CriminalProcedure,withmostoftherecommendationsmadebythetreatybodiesbeingincorporated 0"  intothatinstrument. #l! 9.Asregardsthenationalpreventivemechanism,theCodeofCriminalProcedureprovidesforvisits $D # todetentioncentresbybodiessetupundertheinternationalconventionstowhichBeninisparty. %0!$ 10.Itisstatedthatanimplementingdecreewillestablishthepowersandfunctionsofthosebodies. '#& 11.OncethelegislationontheCodeofCriminalProcedureisadopted,adecreewillbepassed )$( incorporatingtherecommendationsoftheSubcommitteeinthattext.Extensiveconsultationswill |*%) alsobeheldpriortothedraftingofthatdecree. h+&* Ї12.L  M  ԀTheSubcommitteewillbeinformedofallamendmentstothelegislation.   B.Legalandinstitutionalframework    1.Offencesprovidedforinarticles114(onwards),119and186oftheCriminalCode  ` L  M  L  M  13.Statisticsonthenumberofcomplaintsandsanctionsimposedinaccordancewiththese 8  provisionsarenotavailable. $ t  2.Furtherinformationfor20062008aboutthemandateoftheInspectorateGeneralofthe  L  Police,theTechnicalInspectorate,theInspectorateGeneraloftheSecurityForcesandthe  8  PoliceDepartment,thenumberofcomplaintsreceivedperyearandthenumberofcomplaints $  pursuedperyear,forwhichoffences    L  M  14.Thisinformationisnotavailable.   15.Theinformationrequestedfromthepolicehasnotyetbeenreceived. p 16.Theinformationwillbeforwardedassoonaspossible. H  3.StatisticalinformationontheactivitiesforthepastthreeyearsoftheDepartmentforCivil  p andCriminalCasesoftheMinistryofJusticewithregardtoitsmandatetoreceivecomplaints  \ ofilltreatmentbysecurityforcesandabuseofthesystemofpolicecustody,aswellasmore H detailontheoutcomeofsuchcomplaints  4 L  M  L  M  17.NocomplaintswerereceivedbytheDepartmentforCivilandCriminalCasesduringtheperiod   inquestion.Nostatisticsareavailable.   4.Copiesofanyinspectionreportsofvisitsundertakenbythosebodieswhoseresponsibilities  includeprisonmonitoring  l L  M  L  M  18.Somereportsareannexedtothepresentdocument. D!  5.Furtherinformationforthelastthreeyearsonvisitsundertakenandrecommendations #l! madebytheDepartmentforCivilandCriminalCasestoimprovethetreatmentofpersons $X" deprivedoftheirliberty,includingconditions  $D # L  M  L  M  19.Thisinformationisnotavailable. &"%  6.Copiesofthemissionreportsofprisonoversightcommissionsandinformationonany (#' followupasaresultoftheseprisonvisits  )$( L  M  L  M  20.ThePrisonOversightCommissionmakesregularprisonvisits. h+&* Ї21.Themissionreportsarenotavailable.   7.InformationastotheresourcesearmarkedforthepreventiveworkoftheHumanRights  DepartmentoftheMinistryofJusticein2007and2008,andcopiesofallreportsonvisits t undertakensince2006  ` L  M  22.Resourcesallocatedtohumanrights: 8  2007  ` L  M  " 35"   32/3  0    L  M  L  M  WorkoftheNationalAdvisoryCouncilonHumanRights:30millionCFAfrancs 3(݌ L (#(# Ќ  " 36"   3&2/3  0    L  M  WorkoftheNationalMonitoringCommitteefortheimplementationofinternationalhuman  8  rightsinstruments:49.5millionCFAfrancs 3&S݌$ (#(# Ќ  2008   L  M  " 37"   32/3  0    L  M  L  M  WorkoftheHumanRightsDepartment:13,968,000CFAfrancs 3݌ (#(# Ќ  " 38"   3ϝ2/3  0    L  M  _Subprogramme_Ԁtoimprovehumanrightspromotion:80.6millionCFAfrancs 3ϝ݌ (#(# Ќ  " 39"   32/3  0    L  M  NationalAdvisoryCouncilonHumanRights:20,727,000CFAfrancs 3.݌p(#(# Ќ  " 3:"   3 2/3  0    L  M  NationalMonitoringCommitteefortheimplementationofinternationalhumanrights \ instruments:33millionCFAfrancs 3 9݌H(#(# Ќ  L  M  L  M  23.TheauthoritieswelcometherecommendationtomandatetheHumanRightsDepartmenttocarry  p outunannouncedvisits(visitreportinannex).  \  8.CopiesofanyvisitreportsproducedbytheInspectorateGeneralofJusticeServices,any 4 recommendationsmadeandinformationaboutanyactiontakenfollowingthesevisits    L  M  24.TheinspectionreportsoftheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriesarepresentedtotheMinister  ofJusticeandLegislation,inaccordancewitharticle28ofDecreeNo.2006627of4December  2006ontherestructuringoftheinspectionandcontrolbodiesofpublicadministrationofthe  RepublicofBenin.Copiesofthereportsaresenttotheheadsofareasconcerned,pursuanttoarticle l 36ofDecreeNo.2006699of11December2006. X  25.Since2005therecommendationsmadefollowingvisitstocivilianprisonsinBeninbythe 0"  InspectorateGeneralofJusticeServices(renamedtheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriesunder #l! DecreeNo.2006699of11December2006whichoutlinesthegeneralframeworkforthepowers, $X" organizationandworkingsofsuchentities)refermainlytothefollowingidentifiedproblems: $D # _L  M  ___" 3;"  __ 3r2/3  0    _L  M  L  M  Dysfunctional_Ԁprisonmanagement 3r݌&"%(#(# Ќ  __" 3<"   3Ш2/3  0    _L  M  Staff_Ԁshortages 3Ш݌'#&(#(# Ќ  " 3="   3ʩ2/3  0    _L  M  Lack_Ԁofvehiclesfortransportingdetainees 3ʩ݌(#'(#(# Ќ  " 3>"   32/3  0    _L  M  Prison_Ԁovercrowdingcausedbytheslowpaceoflegalproceedings,amongotherfactors 3݌)$((#(# Ќ  " 3?"   3"2/3  0    _L  M  The_Ԁpoorconditionsinwhichdetainedpersonsareheld(dilapidated,crampedorinsanitary |*%) facilities,poorventilation) 3"O݌h+&*(#(# Ќ  " 3@"   32/3  0    L  M  Insufficientorpoorqualityfood 3ƭ݌(#(# Ќ  " 3A"   32/3  0    L  M  Theabsenceofaninfirmary 3݌(#(# Ќ  " 3B"   3m2/3  0    L  M  Theabsenceofnursingorothermedicalstaff 3m݌(#(# Ќ  " 3C"   3f2/3  0    L  M  Lackofpharmaceuticalsuppliesandmedicalequipment 3f݌t(#(# Ќ  " 3D"   3g2/3  0    L  M  Lackofhealthcarefordetainedpersons 3g݌`(#(# Ќ  " 3E"   3Z2/3  0    L  M  Limitedaccesstodrinkingwaterorinsufficientwateroutlets 3Z݌L (#(# Ќ  " 3F"   3c2/3  0    L  M  Theabsenceofwatchtowerstoensureeffectivesurveillanceofinmates 3c݌8 (#(# Ќ  " 3G"   3u2/3  0    L  M  Theabsenceorsmallamountofpettycashprovided 3u݌$ t(#(# Ќ  L  M  L  M  26.MostoftherecommendationsmadebytheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriesregardingthe  L  abovementionedproblemshavebeengraduallyimplementedupontheordersoftheMinisterof  8  JusticethroughtherelevantcentraldepartmentsandservicesoftheMinistryofJustice. $  27.Itshouldbenoted,however,thatprisonovercrowdingisarecurringproblem.   28.Itshouldbestressedthattherecommendationsmadefollowingcivilianprisoninspectionsare   takenonboardintheactivitiesofthepublicinvestmentprogramme improvementoftheconditions p ofdetentionofdetainedpersonscarriedoutbythePrisonAdministrationandSocialWelfare \ DepartmentoftheMinistryofJustice. H  9.CopiesofanyreportsonvisitsundertakenbyotherdepartmentsoftheMinistryofJustice  p whicharemandatedtovisitplacesofdetention(including,forexample,theLegalProtection  \ DepartmentforChildrenandYouth)forthepastthreeyears,anyrecommendationsmadeand H anyactionstakenfollowingthesevisits  4 L  M  29.Seedocumentinannex.    10.Informationaboutthecontentoftheoffenceprovidedforinarticle120oftheCriminal  Code,andconfirmationofwhetheritcouldapply,forexample,ifadetainedpersonaskstobe  broughtbeforeajudgeandtherequestisnotmetpromptlybyprisonauthorities  l L  M  L  M  30.Article120refersto:attemptsonapersonsliberty;refusaltoactuponacomplaintthat D! evidencesillegalorarbitrarydetention;thereceptionofprisonerswithoutthecorresponding 0"  committalwarrant,detentionorderorcourtruling;refusaltoproduceadetainee;andrefusalto #l! releaseprisonrecords. $X"  11.FurtherinformationontheHumanRightsDepartmentsmandatetoinvestigatehuman %0!$ rightscomplaints,detailsonthecomplaintsinvestigated,statisticalinformationontheresults &"% oroutcomeofsuchcomplaintsand,inparticular,anycomplaintwhichresultedfromavisit '#& toaplaceofdetention  (#' L  M  31.TheHumanRightsDepartment,intheexerciseofitspowerstoprotecthumanrights,enforces |*%) respectforhumanrightsamongtheauthoritiesresponsibleforissuingdetentionordersandthe h+&* authoritiesinchargeofdetentioncentres.  32.Accordingly,theDepartmentinvestigatescomplaintsofillegaldetentionandpoordetention  conditions.Recommendationsarealsomadetotheauthoritiestoendviolations. t 33.ItisplannedtosetuptollfreetelephonenumbersinMono_Couffo_Ԁwhichcitizenscancallto L  reporthumanrightsviolations. 8   12.FurtherinformationonthecomplaintsmandateoftheInspectorateGeneralofJustice  ` Services,thetypeofcomplaintsithasinvestigatedsince2005,andstatisticalinformationon  L  theresultsoroutcomeofsuchcomplaints   8  L  M  L  M  34.ThecomplaintsthatindividualsfilewiththeInspectorateGeneralofMinistries(formerly   InspectorateGeneralofJusticeServices)consistofrequestsforintercession,complaintsaboutthe   behaviourofajudgeorclerks,filesgoingmissing,etc.   35.Complaintsareinvestigatedand,iftheyarefoundtobejustified,proceedingsareinstigatedor p theindividualisinformedofhisorherrights. \ 36.Statisticsonthecomplaintsandpetitionshandledsince2005havebeenkeptusingtheindicators 4 establishedforthecomprehensivesystemfortheproduction,analysisandmanagementofstatistics  p (_SIPAGeS_)oftheMinistryofJustice.  \  13.Moregenerally,informationonthepracticalitiesofaccessingthevariouscomplaints 4 mechanismsdescribed,andthewaysinwhichtheauthoritiesensurethatpersonsdeprivedof   theirlibertyareinformedoftheirrightsunderthevariouscomplaintsmechanisms    L  M  L  M  37.TheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriesreceivesandprocessescomplaintsandpetitionsfiledby  individualsorreferredtoitbytheMinistryofJusticewhentheyareaddressedtotheMinisterof  Justice. l 38.ComplaintsandpetitionsmadebydetainedpersonsareforwardedeithertotheMinisterof D! JusticeordirectlytotheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriesbythecorrespondingprisongovernor. 0"  TheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriessummonstheindividualsconcernedtoahearing.The #l! summonsofadetainedpersonisaddressedtothePublicProsecutorbytelephone.ThePublic $X" Prosecutorthenarrangesforthedetaineesremovalfromprisonandplacementattheordersofthe $D # InspectorateGeneralofMinistries. %0!$ 39.Themechanismforexaminingcomplaintsandpetitionsconsistsofhearingthecomplainants '#& andindividualsandthenthoseundersuspicionorimplicated. (#' 40.Thisfrequentlyresultsintheremovalofobstaclestojudicialproceedings(justicesystem |*%) officials)citedincomplaintsandpetitions,sometimesinvolvingfurtherinvestigationofthe h+&* evidence.  41.CasesofcorruptionorunethicalbehaviourarereportedtotheMinisterofJusticewho,as  appropriate,initiatesdisciplinaryproceedingsagainsttheofficialsconcerned. t 42.TheInspectorateGeneralofMinistriesreceivesandprocessescomplaintsandpetitions L  regardinginterferencewiththecourseofjustice. 8  43.Themechanismforexaminingcomplaintsaimstoremoveanyidentifiedobstaclesandfacilitate  ` theconclusionoflegalproceedings.  L  44.N.B.:ComplaintsofhumanrightsviolationsareexaminedbytheHumanRightsDepartment $  oftheMinistryofJusticeinstead.    14.Moreinformationonthepracticeofprosecutorsinmonitoringthelegalityofdetention   andinreceivingcomplaints    L  M  L  M  45.Thelegalityofdetentionandreceptionofcomplaintsismonitoredthroughtheproper \ maintenanceofthevariousregistersanddetentionorders. H 46.Nostatisticsareavailable.  p  15.Informationaboutthenumberofcomplaintslodgedperyearforthelastthreeyears H beforetheConstitutionalCourt,relatingtothetreatmentofpersonsdeprivedoftheirliberty, 4 aswellastheresultsoroutcomesofsuchcomplaints    L  M  47.Thisinformationwillbeprovidedatalaterdate.   16.ThereportsofthePresidentoftheIndictmentsChamberonitsthreemonthlyvisitsto  prisonssince2005  l L  M  L  M  48.Owingtoinsufficientmeans,theIndictmentsChamberhasnotmadeanyvisitsduringtheperiod D! inquestion. 0"   17.Furtherinformationandconcreteexamplesofinvestigationsandsanctionsimposedon $X" officersatfaultpursuanttoarticles183,200and201oftheCodeofCriminalProcedureand $D # relatedproceduresbeforetheIndictmentsChamberfortheyears20052008  %0!$ L  M  L  M  49.RegardingmonitoringoftheactivitiesofJudicialPoliceofficers,severalcaseshavebeen '#& broughtbeforetheIndictmentsChamberandconcludedwiththeimpositionofsanctionsonthe (#' officersinvolved.Thesanctionsoftenconsistofawarning,withorwithouttheincidentbeingnoted )$( intheofficersfile. |*%)  h+&* 50.Thefollowinghearingswereheld:  (a)Hearingof19October2009  L  M  L  M  CaseNo.071/PG/09againstoneJudicialPoliceofficer:warningissuedandanotemadeinthe t officersfile. ` (b)Hearingof26October2009 8  L  M  L  M  CaseNo.091/PG/09againsttwoJudicialPoliceofficers:bothwereretiredfromservice,annulling $ t thebasisforproceedings.  ` _(c)_ԀHearingof7December2009  8  L  M  L  M  CaseNo.099/PG/09againsttwoJudicialPoliceofficers:foundguiltyofillegaldetention. $  (d)Hearingof14December2009   L  M  L  M  CaseNo.075/PG/04againstthreeJudicialPoliceofficers:onewasretiredfromserviceandtheother   twowerefoundguiltyofillegaldetentionandreceivedwarningswithoutanotebeingmadeintheir   files. p CaseNo.146/PG/05againsttwoJudicialPoliceofficers:chargeofillegaldetentiondismissed. H (e)Hearingof21December2009  p L  M  L  M  CaseNo.070/PG/04againstoneJudicialPoliceofficer:foundguiltyofillegaldetentionandgiven  \ awarning,butwithoutanotebeingmadeinhisfile. H (f)Hearingof11January2010   L  M  L  M  CaseNo.004/PG/02againstoneJudicialPoliceofficer:foundguiltyofillegaldetentionandgiven   awarningwithoutanotebeingmadeinhisfile.  _____Case_ԀNo.079/PG/03againstoneJudicialPoliceofficer:foundguiltyofillegaldetention.  ___Case_ԀNo.007/PG/04againsttwoJudicialPoliceofficers:onefoundguiltyofillegaldetention; X  chargesagainsttheotherweredismissed. D! ___Case_ԀNo.029/PG/04againstthreeJudicialPoliceofficers:declaredguiltyofphysicalabuseand #l! inhumananddegradingtreatment. $X" ___Case_ԀNo.110/PG/04againstoneJudicialPoliceofficer:chargedwithinhumananddegrading %0!$ treatment. &"% ___Case_ԀNo.023/PG/05againstoneJudicialPoliceofficer:chargedwithillegaldetentionandgivena (#' warning. )$( ___Case_ԀNo.148/PG/05againstfourJudicialPoliceofficers:onewasretiredfromservice,annulling h+&* groundsforproceedings;anotherwasfoundguiltyofillegaldetentionandgivenawarningwithout  anotebeingmadeinhisfile.  CaseNo.083/PG/03againsttwoJudicialPoliceofficers:onewasretiredfromservice;theothertwo t werefoundguiltyofillegaldetentionandgivenawarningwithoutanotebeingmadeintheirfile. ` CaseNo.073/PG/04againsttwoJudicialPoliceofficers:foundguiltyofillegaldetention. 8  CaseNo.028/PG/05againstfourJudicialPoliceofficers:twoareintheCongo,oneretiredfrom  ` serviceandthefourthdied.  L  CaseNo.075/PG/04againstthreeJudicialPoliceofficers:foundguiltyofillegaldetention. $   18.Furtherinformationandconcreteexamplesofinvestigationsandsanctionsimposedon   officerspursuanttoarticle551oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurefortheyears20052008    L  M  51.Informationandstatisticsonthesemattersarenotavailable. p  19.InformationonhowBeninintendstoensurethataccesstoalawyerisguaranteedtoall H personswhoaredeprivedoftheirliberty,includingthosewhocannotaffordtoretaina 4 lawyer,inlightofthedraftCodeofCriminalProcedure,whichprovidesfortheassistanceof  p alawyerfromthestartofthepreliminaryinvestigation   \ L  M  52.ThisissuehasbeentakenintoaccountinthereformoftheCodeofCriminalProcedure. 4  20.Confirmationthattherightfordetaineestobeinformedbytheinvestigatingjudgeoftheir   righttoalawyerduringthefirsthearingbeforethejudgeisindeednotifiedtoalldetainees   L  M  53.Confirmedbytheinvestigatingjudges.   C.Gendarmeriesandpolicestations  X  L  M  L  M  54.TheSubcommitteerequests: 0"   1.Informationonhowtheauthoritiesintendtoincreasethenumberofqualifiedlawyersand $X" whattrainingwillbeofferedtolawyersregardingthespecificitiesofpoliceandgendarmerie $D # work,inlightofthedraftCodeofCriminalProcedurewhichprovidesfortheassistanceofa %0!$ lawyerfromthestartofthepreliminaryinvestigation  &"% L  M  L  M  55.CompetitiveexaminationstoobtaintheCertificateofAptitudeforExercisingtheLegal (#' Profession(CAPA)areheldperiodically.Lawyersalsoreceivecontinuousprofessionaldevelopment )$( traininginspecificsubjectsandprocedures,asdoothermembersofthelegalsystem. |*%)  h+&*  2.Thatitbekeptinformedaboutanydevelopmentwithregardtoitsrecommendationthat  statisticsbecompiledandmaintainedonanongoingbasisconcerninginvestigations,  prosecutionsordisciplinaryactionandbebrokendownsoastopermitpreciseoversightof  proceedingsandoutcomesincasesinvolvingallegedilltreatmentbythepoliceandthe t gendarmerie  ` L  M  56.Nonewdevelopmentstoreport. 8  57.Beninwelcomestherecommendation.  `  3.Moreinformationontheauthoritiesproposaltoprovidepettycashboxesinplaceswhere  8  personsaredeprivedoftheirliberty,withregardtotheprovisionoffoodtopersonsininitial $  custody    L  M  58.Nonewdevelopmentstoreport.    4.Clarificationastowhichservicesconductedtheinvestigationsintotheallegationsofill p treatmentatDantokpapolicestationandattheGendarmerieofBohiconandconfirmation \ thattheywereindependentfromthepoliceandgendarmeriestationswhichwereinvestigated  H L  M  59.TheHumanRightsDepartmentwasinstructedtoconducttheinvestigationintotheGendarmerie  p UnitofBohiconandreportedontherecommendationsonguaranteeingaccesstowaterforthe  \ personsheldincustodybytheunit. H  5.Informationabouttheoutcomesoftheworkofthecommissionestablishedtoreviewthe   variouschallengesinBeninwithregardtotreatingpersonsdeprivedoftheirlibertyinamore   humanemannerandproposeurgentadequatesolutionstoaddressthem   L  M  60.Noinformationonthismatterisavailableyet.   D.Prisons  X  L  M  L  M  61.TheSubcommitteerequests: 0"   1.Informationonwhetherandhowanindividualsfinancialsituationmightbetakeninto $X" accountinthesettingofbail,thenumberofpersonsgrantedbailin2007,andthenumberof $D # personswho,despitebeinggrantedbail,wereunabletobereleasedbecausetheywereunable %0!$ topaytheamount  &"% L  M  L  M  62.Anindividualsfinancialsituationisnottakenintoaccountinthesettingofbail. (#' 63.Bailguarantees: |*%)  h+&* (a)Theappearanceoftheaccusedatallstagesoftheproceedingsandforenforcementofthe  judgement;  (b)Payments,inthefollowingorder: t " 3H"  L  M   312/3  0    L  M  L  M  Costsincurredbyacivilclaimant 31r݌`(#(# Ќ  " 3I"   3E2/3  0    L  M  Costsincurredbytheprosecutionservice 3Er݌L (#(# Ќ  " 3J"   392/3  0    L  M  Fines 39f݌8 (#(# Ќ  " 3K"   3 2/3  0    L  M  Reparationanddamages 3 6݌$ t(#(# Ќ  2.ConfirmationthattheprocedurereportedbysomeremandprisonersatAbomeyPrison  L  (that,insteadofbeingtakentoappearincourtforaprolongation,theywereaskedtosigna  8  documentrequestingrelease)isnotinconformitywiththelaw  $  L  M  L  M  64.Thisproceduredoesnotexist.    3.Morepreciseinformationonthebudgetarypercapitaallowancefordailyfoodprovision   andtheplanstoincreaseit  p L  M  L  M  65.Theallowancefordailyfoodprovisionperdetainedpersonis250CFAfrancs. H 66.Detainedpersonscurrentlyreceivetwohotmealsaday.  p 67.Theannualbudgethasbeenincreasedfrom500millionCFAfrancsto800millionCFAfrancs. H  4.Furtherinformationastowhetherthebudgetarypercapitaallocationforprisonersfood   includesfundstopayfoodprovidersand,ifso,whatproportionoftheallocationgoestothe   foodproviders.Italsowishestoreceiveinformationastotheprocurementcontractsgranted  tooutsideprovidersoffood,inparticularwithregardtoqualitycontrolofthefoodprovided  andanyinspectionswhichtheMinistryofJusticeconductsoftheoutsideproviders   L  M  L  M  68.Theallocationforprisonersfoodconsistsoffundstopayfoodsuppliers. X  69.Qualitycontrolofthemealsiscarriedoutupstreamandisoneofthecontractingconditions. 0"  70.Downstream,membersofthePrisonOversightCommissionmonitorfoodquality. $X" 71.TheInspectorateGeneralofLegalServicesandtheHumanRightsDepartmentoftheMinistry %0!$ ofJusticealsocheckfoodqualitybysamplingmealsduringtheirprisonvisits. &"%  5.Copiesofanyreportsonvisitsconductedpursuanttoarticle62ofDecreeNo.73293 (#' concerningthelastthreeyearsandrecommendations  )$( L  M  72.Documentsnotavailable. l+&* Ї 6.Furtherinformationonthedeathincustodycausedbyilltreatmentandnotedinthe  mortalityregisterofCotonouPrison,andinparticulardetailsofanyinvestigationorcriminal  ordisciplinaryproceedingsandanypenaland/ordisciplinarysanctions   L  M  73.Therehavebeennodeathsincustodycausedbyilltreatment. ` 74.Therehavebeennoallegationsofilltreatmentbygendarmes. 8   E.Cooperation   ` L  M  L  M  75.Authoritiesatdetentioncentresaresufficientlyinformedthattheremustbenorepercussions  8  aftervisits. $  76.L  M  InresponsetotherecommendationmadebytheSubcommittee,theprisonersunder   sentenceofdeathweretransferredfromthecivilianprisonofCotonoutothecivilianprison   ofAkpromissrt,whereconditionsarebetterandmeetstandards.    L  M  77.TheauthoritiesofBeninwelcomethecooperationwiththeSubcommittee.Theconstructive ` dialoguehasmadeitpossibletoimproveprisonconditionsandensurebetterprotectionforpersons L deprivedoftheirliberty. 8 78.However,theyregretthevirtualnonexistenceofadatabasethatwouldenhancethevisibility ` ofpreventiveaction. L 79.TheythereforerequestthesupportoftheSubcommitteeinthismatter. $ 80.L  M  TheauthoritiesofBenindonotopposepublicationofthereportoftheSubcommittee.   L  M  81.TofacilitatefuturevisitsbytheSubcommittee,theauthoritiesofBeninintendtodisseminate  theOptionalProtocolmorewidelyandtoinformstakeholdersofthemechanismssetforthinthat t instrument,withaviewtoimprovingtheimplementationofitsprovisions. `  ___________________