- 62 (m) Establish an effective methodology for ensuring that directives relating to the prevention of torture are strictly complied with; (n) Establish a roster of or select officers qualified to act as officers in charge of all police stations and/or prison facilities, and conduct regular on-the-job awareness courses; (o) Improve detention conditions in keeping with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules and Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners; (p) Conduct the evaluations and studies referred to in the Government’s note of 6 November 2000 in a timely manner and report to the Committee on the results. 4. Information received from the Government of Sri Lanka after the conclusion of the visit 137. As mentioned above, by communications dated 8 November, 27 April and 28 March 2001, the Government of Sri Lanka provided detailed information to the Committee concerning its findings and recommendations. 138. The Government informed the Committee that on 20 November 2000 a Permanent Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights Issues was established to consider issues and incidents relating to human rights, in particular the prohibition against torture, and to take policy decisions in this regard. An Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Human Rights Issues was later established to monitor the implementation of decisions taken by the Permanent Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee and to take action on urgent issues. The Working Group took up for consideration the 16 preliminary recommendations transmitted by the Committee against Torture on 24 November to the Government of Sri Lanka. According to the communications received from the Government, multiple positive actions have been taken with a view to prohibiting torture. Recommendation (a) 139. The Government indicated that in January 2001 the Inspector General of Police convened a special meeting of all Deputy Inspectors General of Police and sensitized them as to the prevailing allegations of torture. Reference was made to the Committee’s inquiry mission and to its initial observations. It was emphasized that all Deputy Inspectors General of Police would have to ensure that under no circumstances would torture take place within their respective jurisdictions. Further, they should take prompt and impartial action whenever a complaint or information is received alleging perpetration of torture. 140. On 14 January 2001 the Inspector General of Police sent an official circular to all officers in charge of Police Divisions and Specialized Divisions reiterating that under no circumstances should torture be perpetrated or permitted. According to the Government, by the end of February 2001, all police officers attached to the Sri Lanka Police Department had received specific instructions on the need to desist totally from any form of torture.

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