CAT/C/SRB/CO/1
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(b)
Improve the material conditions of detention in places of deprivation
of liberty, in particular with respect to hygienic conditions and medical care,
including giving access to independent medical personnel on a systematic basis.
In this regard, it is important that the State party ensure that the Ministry of
Health monitor the exercise of professional duties of medical staff in prisons;
and
(c)
Set up a system of inspection of the conditions of imprisonment by
independent experts, as previously reiterated by the Committee in its
recommendation under its article 20 report.
Torture and disability
16. The Committee notes the State party’s acknowledgement that poor and inadequate
treatment takes place in some institutions and remains concerned at the reports of
treatment of children and adults with mental or physical disability, especially at the
forceful internment and long-term restraint used in institutions that amount to torture or
cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment in social-protection institutions
for persons with mental disability and psychiatric hospitals. The Committee is concerned
that no investigation seems to have been initiated with respect to treatment of persons
with disability in institutions amounting to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment
(arts. 2, 12, 13 and 16).
The State party should:
(a)
Initiate social reforms and alternative community-based
support systems in parallel with the ongoing process of deinstitutionalization of persons with disability, and strengthen professional
training in both social-protection institutions for persons with mental
disability and in psychiatric hospitals; and
(b)
Investigate reports of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment of persons with disability in institutions.
Ethnic minorities, especially Roma
17. The Committee, while noting the measures undertaken by the State party, including
bringing criminal charges against persons on charges of ethnically motivated violence
towards ethnic minorities and the Action Plan for Roma Education Improvement (2005),
expresses concern at the failure to protect minorities, especially when political events
indicate that they may be at heightened risk of violence (arts. 10, 12 and 16).
The State party should take all appropriate preventive measures to protect
individuals belonging to minority communities from attacks especially when
political events indicate that they may be at heightened risk of violence and
ensure that the relevant existing legal and administrative measures are strictly
observed. The State party should also ensure greater ethnic diversity in the
police force to facilitate communication and contacts with all communities in