CAT/C/USA/CO/3-5
proportionality and should be inadmissible in the equipment of custodial staff in
prisons or any other place of deprivation of liberty. The Committee urges the State
party to provide more stringent instructions to law enforcement personnel authorized
to use electric discharge weapons, and to strictly monitor and supervise their use
through mandatory reporting and review of each use.
Training
28.
The Committee notes the information that it has received regarding training in
lawful interrogation methods and internal reporting mechanisms. It is concerned, however,
by the lack of information on the impact of the training provided to law enforcement
officials, intelligence and security officials, military personnel and prison staff, and how
effective the training programmes have been in reducing incidents of torture and illtreatment (art. 10).
The State party should:
(a)
Further develop mandatory training programmes to ensure that all
public servants — law enforcement officers, military officers, intelligence officials,
prison staff and medical personnel employed in prisons and psychiatric hospitals —
are well acquainted with the provisions of the Convention and are fully aware that
violations will not be tolerated and will be investigated, and that those responsible will
be prosecuted;
(b)
Ensure that all relevant staff, including medical personnel, are
specifically trained to identify cases of torture and ill-treatment, in accordance with
the Manual on Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul Protocol);
(c)
Develop and apply a methodology for assessing how effective training
programmes are in reducing the number of cases of torture and ill-treatment.
Redress, including compensation and rehabilitation
29.
While noting the State party’s assertion that its legislation provides a wide range of
civil remedies for seeking redress in cases of torture at the federal and state levels, the
Committee regrets that the delegation only provided limited information about
rehabilitation programmes for both domestic and third-country victims and the resources
allocated to support such programmes. The Committee is further concerned about the
situation of certain individuals and groups who have been made vulnerable by
discrimination or marginalization and who face specific obstacles that impede the
enjoyment of their right to redress (art. 14).
The State party should ensure that appropriate rehabilitation programmes are
provided to all victims of torture and ill-treatment, including medical and
psychological assistance. It should also enhance its support and funding for torture
rehabilitation programmes in the State party.
The Committee urges the State party to take immediate legal and other measures to
ensure that all victims of torture and ill-treatment obtain redress and have an
enforceable right to fair and adequate compensation, including the means for as full
rehabilitation as possible, in particular victims of police brutality, terror suspects
claiming abuse, victims of gender violence, asylum seekers, refugees and others under
international protection
The Committee draws the State party’s attention to its general comment No. 3 (2012)
on the implementation of article 14 by State parties, in particular paragraphs 3, 4, 1115, 19, 32 and 39, in which it elaborates on the nature and scope of State parties’
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