18 almost all other personnel were men. The female section was locked, and only members of the administration could enter it. 29 August 1997 Meeting with NGOs working in the areas of detention or prevention of crime. Ms. Camara, a social worker at Bamako central prison who had worked in that capacity for five years outlined her duties as follows: reception of detainees, re-establishment and preservation of family links, follow up of court files, protection against violence and corporal punishment, welfare of juveniles, workshops and co-operation with NGOS. ENDA Tiers Monde Representative of this NGO recounted their activities as including organising training workshops for juveniles who had been released from prison. They also collaborate with the international Catholic office for children. Subjects of study at their workshops have been carpentry, metal works, shoe repair and indigo dyeing. ADEP They organise training sessions for street children to enable them stay off the streets. APDF The representative stated that their organisation works towards the promotion and defence of women and girls' rights. They fight against all forms of degrading treatment of females. In 1992 they conducted a survey in the women's section of Bamako central prison. Cases of rape, bad treatment and poor conditions of detention cropped up. The organisation plans to launch a basic education programme. The meeting was informed that the association has branches in Segou, Mopti, Dire and Kidal. AMDH Mr. Amadou Diarra, a lawyer and member of the above organisation observed that there was a gap between regulations and practice as far as detention was concerned. lie also noted that in practice common prisoners and political detainees were separated but there was no legal provision which sanctioned this practice. I 19 Commission for the promotion of women and children, Ms. Fatoumata Diarra of the above Commission gave the year of its establishment as 1996. It has visited Bamako central prison and Bolle rehabilitation centre. Following these visits, seminars were organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, and various recommendations werc made to the Ministry as regards the welfare of women in prison. A sports field was being planned and external assistance would be solicited for the project. Clinique juridique Demeso. Speaking for his organisation, Jean Dembele stated that they undertook a one year study of prisons, and issued a report with recommendations. These were discussed with officials from the Ministry of Justice. The organisation has also set up a legal aid scheme for detainees. It intends to focus more attention on the social rehabilitation of offenders. In conclusion, the Special Rapporteur suggested to the NGOs that they should co-ordinate their activities for maximum effect. Meeting with Tiebile Drame, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Arid and semiarid zones. Ile is also a leading member of PAREMA one of the parties in coalition with President Alpha Oumar Konare. From the above gentleman I had a refreshing and instructive perspective of the penal regime in Mali. My only regret is that our meeting took place at the end instead of the beginning of my mission.