he was being detained by a wing of the Security Services, but such detention was disputed in the High Court. The Secretary of State for the Interior informed me that as soon as he learnt of the case, he inquired from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) if the Police were holding him. The IGP answered in the negative. There is no political prisoner in The Gambia, the Minister stated. The Constitution of the country limits detention without trial to 72 hours. Within three hours of an arrest, the police are expected to explain to the arrested person why he is under arrest. He should be given access to his lawyer. For the purpose of calculating the 72 hours, week-ends count. Prisoners on long remand, usually on drug offences, are found at "Mile 2 Prison". When the High Court moved to the prisons, some of them were released. Doctors visit Mile 2 with specialists going on specified days of the week. The Ministry of Interior was not facing any problem as regards prisons. Prisoners have frequent medical visits. Previously there was no Juvenile Centre, but a juvenile wing was under construction. A former building of the Public Works Department was being sought to be used as a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. At the moment, Child Welfare Officers take juvenile offenders home. It is encouraging that the British Volunteer Service Organisation has indicated its willingness to provide one volunteer for juvenile work, and assist with the building of a classroom as well as the provision of equipment for games. Each week, the Secretary of State is provided with a roll of prisoners. I was shown that for 14 June, and subsequently I received the names of all convicts in prison in The Gambia. Reforms which had been undertaken were outlined to me: a) Prisoners now sleep on mattresses. b) Each prisoner is now given 2 blankets. c) Prisoners are supplied with uniforms. d) Beds with slabs have been made flat. e) Prisoners are medically examined before admission to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. These reforms were undertaken in July, 1998. Refugees Apart from Sierra Leoneans living with relations, the Gambia is host to 5010 refugees. The country works closely with UNHCR. ii) Attorney-General, Mrs. Fatou B. Bensouda. Prison guards are trained. Detention without trial should not exceed 72 hours. Female prisoners are kept separately, and they are guarded and cared for by female warders. 7