A/HRC/22/53/Add.2 65. The Special Rapporteur visited the Prison of Laâyoune, the Moulay Hassan Ben El Mehdi Hospital in Laâyoune and the Gendarmerie station in the Port of Laâyoune. He noted that the women’s section of the prison and the psychiatric centre at the hospital, which had been recently renovated, were of a high standard compared to the other sections of the prison. 66. The Special Rapporteur received credible testimonies relating to torture and illtreatment in the Prison of Laâyoune, including rape, severe beating and isolation up to several weeks, particularly of inmates accused of participating in pro-independence activities. He observed extreme overcrowding, which had a negative impact on the level of hygiene, quality of nutrition, access to health care and general health of the inmates. In addition, he received reports about denial of health care. With regard to the events surrounding the closure of the Gdeim Izik camp in November 2010, the Special Rapporteur is concerned that 25 Sahrawi civilians are being tried before a military court for their alleged role in the violent clashes that occurred in Western Sahara. The Special Rapporteur received testimonies of torture and ill-treatment, including rape and deteriorating health conditions of some of the detainees due to the prison conditions. The trial has been repeatedly postponed without reasons provided by the court. On 17 February 2013 the military court issued its verdict by rejecting all requests to investigate the allegations of torture and refusing to order medical examinations in relation to the allegations of rape raised by several of the defendants. The military court did not issue a written judgement.. The Special Rapporteur expresses concern regarding the fact that the allegations of torture and ill-treatment during the almost two years of pretrial detention have not been investigated. The fact that the case is before a military rather than a civilian court contributes to the lack of transparency and refusal to investigate the allegations of mistreatment. 67. During his visit to the psychiatric hospital in Laâyoune, Western Sahara, the Special Rapporteur noted a lack of equipment and furniture, but decent living conditions for patients. Basic drugs were available and stored according to minimum standards. However, he noted with concern that the facility has only one psychiatrist, who is competent and well-trained but covers a population of several thousand, which exceeds the universally established standards. In addition there is also a shortage of paramedical staff. IV. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 68. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the adoption of the new Constitution in July 2011, marking an important step towards the reinforcement of human rights. 69. The Special Rapporteur commends the strategic plan of the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights for 2012-2016 and hopes that its implementation will further strengthen the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment. 70. The establishment of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) is a very positive institutional development. It can become an effective monitoring mechanism and mediator between the State and its citizens if its recommendations are implemented in good faith. 71. Crucial to the development of an emerging culture of human rights is the effort made by the authorities, through the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, to address the legacy of past abuses during the “years of lead”. The Special Rapporteur 15