E/CN.4/2002/77/Add.2 page 9 Parliamentarians, in Geneva; and to consider any matters referred to it by the Amir, to whom the Committee reports directly every year. Among the recommendations and opinions brought to the Committee’s attention, the delegation dwelt in particular on an opinion relating to a bill that would do away with the requirement for prior authorization from the husband before a wife could be issued a passport, and a recommendation concerning the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Committee also has powers similar to those of an ombudsman. At the time of the delegation’s visit it was officially dealing with some sixty applications for reinstatement at work and a further ten or so requesting the return of a passport. (c) Strengthening the independence of the judiciary (Charter, chap. II, para. 6) by the establishment of a Constitutional Court and a Higher Judicial Council, and by making the State prosecution service a part of the Ministry of Justice, rather than the Ministry of the Interior; (d) Establishing a committee to give effect to the National Charter, under the chairmanship of the Crown Prince, to supervise the implementation and follow-up of the reforms called for in the Charter during the transitional period. B. Repeal of emergency legislation 17. These reforms consist in the repeal of the emergency laws of 1975 and abolition of the State Security Court, and the associated positive effects of releasing prisoners and allowing exiles to return by means of an amnesty. The delegation also considered the question of the compensation due to victims of human rights violations and the role of civil society. 1. Repeal of emergency legislation and courts 18. The Working Group has been especially pleased to learn of the repeals of two crucial pieces of legislation, since they have put an end to the violations that have been brought to its attention in recent years. They amount to a major political shift in favour of human rights. (a) Abolition of the State Security Court: the delegation took care to see for itself and take official note that the premises in which the Court formerly sat are now closed; (b) Repeal of the emergency legislation referred to in paragraphs 8 and 9 above, rejected by the National Assembly before its dissolution in 1975, adopted at that time by legislative decree, then amended in 1982 and 1996 to enlarge its scope; it was this legislation that gave rise to most of the cases of detention that the Working Group ruled arbitrary. 19. It will also be noted that Bahrain has, as it promised the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, withdrawn its reservation to article 20 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment calling for an inquiry if the Committee against Torture receives information indicating that torture is being systematically practised in the territory of a State party.