CAT/C/LKA/CO/2 page 5 The State party should ensure that procedures are in place to monitor the behaviour of law enforcement officials and promptly and impartially investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, with a view to prosecuting those responsible. Furthermore, the State party should take all necessary measures to prevent such acts, including by ensuring full implementation of the directive concerning the treatment of women in custody, and should consider setting up women and children’s desks at police stations in conflict areas. Delay of trials 14. The Committee is concerned about the undue delay of trials, especially trials of people accused of torture. The State party should take the necessary measures to ensure that justice is not delayed. Intimidation and threats 15. The Committee is concerned about alleged reprisals, intimidation and threats against persons reporting acts of torture and ill-treatment as well as the lack of effective witness and victim protection mechanisms (art. 13). In accordance with article 13, the State party should take effective steps to ensure that all persons reporting acts of torture or ill-treatment are protected from intimidation and reprisals for making such reports. The State party should inquire into all reported cases of intimidation of witnesses and set up programmes for witness and victim protection. Rehabilitation 16. The Committee notes with concern the absence of a reparation programme, including rehabilitation, for the many victims of torture committed in the course of the armed conflict (art. 14). The State party should establish a reparation programme, including treatment of trauma and other forms of rehabilitation, and provide adequate resources to ensure its effective functioning. Child soldiers 17. The Committee expresses its serious concern about allegations of continued abduction and military recruitment of child soldiers by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (art. 16). The State party should take the necessary steps, in a comprehensive manner and to the extent possible in the circumstances, to prevent the abduction and military recruitment of children by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and to facilitate the reintegration of former child soldiers into society.

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