concerning students of the University of Nouakchott. The CPTA is particularly concerned that these reports have not been investigated and that responsibilities for the alleged torture have not been established. vi. In spite of the fact that the NHRC has the mandate to undertake unannounced visits to places of detention in order to monitor detention conditions, the CPTA is concerned that such visits have been infrequent and unsystematic. During the delegation’s visit to places of detention, many issues were brought to its attention which would easily have been resolved by the NHRC if it carried out frequent monitoring visits. vii. The criminal justice system is failing too many people who are suspected of being in conflict with the law. The Delegation met inmates who are awaiting trial for more than two years and more. viii. Mauritanian criminal justice system is failing to conclude trial within a reasonable time in violation of the Constitution and other regional standards. ix. Notwithstanding the many efforts made to improve conditions of detention at the Da Naim Prison in Nouakchott, a lot still remains to be done. The prison remains overcrowded, hygiene and sanitation are inadequate and the quality of food is poor - rendering conditions in the prison inhuman and degrading. x. Prisoners at the Da Naim Prison in Nouakchott are also not separated into different categories and cells, with dangerous criminals and minor offenders locked up in the same cell. It is also concerned that convicted prisoners and pre-trial detainees all share the same cell. xi. The high percentage of pre-trial detainees both at the Da Naim Prison and the Women’s Prison at Beyla. xii. The fact that men guard female prisoners at the Beyla Women’s prison. xiii. Minor and adults offenders are held in the same cells at the Beyla Women’s prison. xiv. In the Da Naim Prison, there are serious problems with clean water for bathing or drinking. xv. In the Da Naim Prison, there is a lack of basic medical equipment, drugs and trained personnel. 38 | P a g e