CAT/C/ARM/CO/4
(c)
Ensuring prompt, thorough, effective and impartial investigations by an
independent body into all cases of death in custody, including suicides, the prosecution
of persons suspected of having committed such acts and, if found guilty, their
punishment in accordance with the gravity of their acts; and allowing independent
forensic examinations of all cases of death in custody, permitting the family members
of the victims to commission independent autopsies, ensuring that their results are
accepted by courts as evidence in criminal and civil cases and providing redress to the
families of victims.
The Committee also encourages the State party to launch a thematic investigation into
the pattern of suspicious suicides in custody, with a view to establishing the possible
complicity of police and/or prison staff and to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Non-combat deaths in the army, hazing and ill-treatment
35.
The Committee remains concerned at the number of non-combat deaths in the armed
forces and allegations of continued hazing and other mistreatment of conscripts by officers
and fellow soldiers. While welcoming the separation of the general military investigative
department in charge of investigations from the Ministry of Defence in 2014, the
Committee is concerned that effective investigation and prosecution for such acts remains
limited (arts. 2, 4, 12, 13 and 16).
36. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation (see CAT/C/ARM/CO/3,
para. 9). The State party should: redouble its efforts to prevent non-combat deaths in
the military, hazing and the mistreatment of conscripts, and ensure prompt, impartial
and thorough investigations into all allegations of abuse of conscripts in the army and
into all non-combat deaths; prosecute and punish those responsible with appropriate
penalties; and provide compensation and rehabilitation for the victims of hazing and
mistreatment, including through appropriate medical and psychological assistance.
The State party should also ensure that complaints against military personnel are
considered by an independent body.
Juvenile justice
37.
The Committee reiterates its concern (see CAT/C/ARM/CO/3, para. 21) at the
absence of a comprehensive juvenile justice system. It is further concerned at the limited
educational rehabilitation programmes and the shortage of qualified officers specially
trained to work with juveniles, which could account for the high rate of young adult
offenders (45 per cent in 2015), and at the continued use of solitary confinement as a
disciplinary sanction for up to 10 days, in contravention of international standards. The
Committee notes that the relevant measures are contained in the draft Criminal Procedure
Code, but regrets that the draft in its current form does not contain provisions for abolishing
solitary confinement or imposing an obligation to use audio and video recording during
interrogations of juveniles (arts. 11, 12 and 16).
38.
The State party should:
(a)
Consider establishing an effective, specialized and well-functioning
juvenile justice system, in compliance with international standards, including the
United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice
(the Beijing Rules) and the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile
Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines);
(b)
Pursue and improve the training on juvenile justice matters for all
professionals involved in the juvenile justice system and ensure that such training
covers not only the relevant international standards, including the Guidelines on
Justice in Matters Involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime, but also practical
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