i. The Government should go beyond a formal prohibition of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in the constitution and enact specific legislation criminalizing torture (just like it has done with slavery), in accordance with the provisions of the CAT and RIG, setting out a clear definition of the crime of torture, punishment reflecting the gravity of the act as well as measures to cater for the needs of victims. ii. Accelerate the ratification process of the OPCAT and start broad based consultations as soon as possible on the implementation of the instrument, especially the setting up of a National Preventive Mechanism with a clear mandate to carry out unannounced monitoring visits to places of detention. iii. Initiate a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into all allegations of torture, especially those concerning the students of the University of Nouakchott and bring all perpetrators to account. iv. Investigate the existence of unofficial and secret places of detention and ensure that all persons are detained in official places of detention and benefit from all the safeguards provided in the CPP. v. Measures should be taken to prohibit incommunicado detention. vi. The Government should take the necessary measures to grant access to lawyers to all those in detention, from the time of arrest and ensure that all those detained (including for offences against the security of the state and terrorism), have unimpeded access to counsel. vii. All those detained are brought promptly before a judicial authority, having the right to defend themselves or to be assisted by counsel, preferably of their choice. viii. The provisions of the Criminal Code on corporal punishment should be amended to replace this form of punishment with clearly defined prison sentences to avoid the situation where inmates are detained for an indefinite period because the corporal punishment has not been inflicted. ix. Measures be taken to make legal aid effective, in particular lend support to the project of the Bar Association to provide legal aid with the help of donors. 42 | P a g e