d. e .on 361. Turning to article 14 of the Convention, the representative explained that the State could bear civil liability for acts committed by its agents. A victim of an act of torture could lodge complaints to the Attorney-General of the Republic. In general, criminal proceedings were applicable against the State and the person found guilty. 362. With regard to article 15 of the Convention, the representative stated that the provisions of that article were directly applicable in Romanian law. Any confession could subsequently be retracted or invalidated by other evidence, and was not regarded as irrefutable evidence. Confessions obtained under duress were null and void. 363. Concerning article 16 of the Convention, the representative pointed out that although the existing law on penitentiary institutions was old, it conformed to the provisions of relevant international instruments in a number of respects, such as the separation of men and women and the treatment of minors. Concluding observations to i.on i.on ks 364. In concluding the consideration of the report, the Committee commended the Government of Romania for its determination to comply with the Convention, as evidenced by the new institutions and legislation introduced, and wished it success in overcoming the problems left by the former regime. The Committee noted in that connection that education about human rights was needed to combat those problems in order to make changes that were irreversible. It thanked the Romanian delegation for its comprehensive answers to the Committee's questions. The Government of Romania was requested to provide, in its next periodic report, information on measures taken in order to put an end to the legacy of the former regime, which could still be seen in prison conditions and the behaviour of the police. to '{ ion es. to ts ion e nd -67- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library