for officials of State Parties. In partnership with others, the Commission has organised conferences, workshops and seminars to raise the problems and offer solutions to such problems in critical areas such as prison conditions in Africa. But it does not have the means to train such officials as prison guards. Thought is, however, being given to how the Commission can help States Parties to concretely tackle the problems confronting them in the treatment of offenders. A start has been made in its espousal of Community Service as an alternative to imprisonment in appropriate cases, with gratitude to its partner Penal Reform International which has raised considerable sums of money from donors to initiate Community Service, with beneficial result towards humane treatment of prisoners, in Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso and other African countries. c) Almost all prisoners will give all they have to regain their freedom. We are not out to make hotels out of prisons, but deprived of their liberty, we consider it necessary that conditions of imprisonment should be made humane. It is towards this end that we are working. conditions, and supplied food and medicine to prisoners. Additionally, it has visited prisons. In 1998, for instance, prisons in three provinces and ten detention centres in each province were visited by the Commission. Funding The Benin Commission receives no subvention from the government, and relies on donors, specialized agencies and individuals for its operations. Mn Joseph H. Gnonlonfoun, Minister of Justice, Legislation and Human Rights T he minister welcomed the visit and noted the value of the comments of outsiders such as the SR on prisons in Benin. He acknowledged the need for improvement in prison conditions in Benin, especially in the areas of feeding and overcrowding. In reply the SR congratulated Benin for being a model of democracy in Africa, having held two elections where there was smooth and peaceful transfer of power from one head of state to another. Hopefully, the report on Prisons in Benin would contribute to the improvement of prison conditions in that country. Benin Commission on Human Rights R A e presenting the above Commission at the meeting were Dominique djahouinou, Acting President and also a Magistrate, and two other members Antonin Moussouvikpo and Clement Adjognon. Membership of the Commission is drawn from the bench (magistrates); the Bar; the medical profession; NGOs and members of the general public. This Commission was established first by Decree and later by National Assembly law to avoid dictation and interference by government in 1989 just before the national conference, by Parliament. It was a period when there was clamour for respect of human rights. It is concerned with the promotion and protection of human rights. Under the first objective, the Benin Commission has organised seminars and encouraged its government to ratify human rights instruments. With regard to the latter mandate, it has mediated between government and individuals. It also carries out investigations and collaborates with the public prosecutor to ensure speedy trial. For the latter purpose, members of the Commission have limited immunity, and the Supreme Court has to lift it before action may be taken against the members. The Benin Commission has also campaigned for improvement in prison Police Headquarters (Commissariat General de Police) M r. Anki Dosso Osseni Maiga, Superintendent of Police (Commissaire de Police) answered my questions. Detention without trial Generally no one should be detained without trial beyond 48 hours. But, at the request of the Prosecutor, the period of detention may be extended as far as it is necessary. Problems facing the Police Shortage of staff: it was operating at 25% of the required strength or number. Lack of material resources, especially vehicles. Police Misconduct Although violence against suspects by the police is prohibited by law, it occurs. When it is serious, disciplinary action is taken against the offending police officers. It may take the form of isolation, detention for up to 60 days, suspension