CAT/OP/MNG/1
(d)
Effective procedures for the independent scrutiny of decisions to detain
persons at the detention centre for those addicted to drugs or alcohol be put in place,
as well as appropriate complaint mechanisms and appeal procedures that can be
effectively accessed by the detainees.
Forced treatment
109. Although the Subcommittee did not receive complaints of ill-treatment from
detainees, it was clear that admission to the detention centre for those addicted to drugs or
alcohol entailed forced treatment against addiction without consent.
110. The Subcommittee recommends that all those admitted to the detention centre
for those addicted to drugs or alcohol be medically screened and examined, including
their mental health. A proper case-management and confidential medical records
system should be established and maintained for all patients The medical file should
contain details of any free and informed consent for medical treatment that has been
given.
Sanitary conditions
111. The Subcommittee is concerned at the appalling conditions of the toilets, which
comprised an open pit and were located outside at a considerable distance from the living
quarters. Shower facilities were even further away, in an old and dilapidated state and
appearing to be barely usable.
112. The Subcommittee recommends that the sanitary arrangements for detainees
at the Centre be radically improved as a matter of urgency and that renovations be
conducted to install proper indoor sanitation with sufficient lighting and adequate
ventilation in close proximity to the living quarters.
VII. National Centre for Mental Health
113. The delegation visited the National Centre for Mental Health, which accommodates
both persons whose confinement has been ordered in connection with criminal proceedings
and patients deprived of their liberty as a result of civil proceedings or who have been
admitted voluntarily. The Subcommittee took note of the recent renovation work carried out
to improve material conditions in the Centre. The delegation also took note of the steps
taken towards the establishment of a system of community care. The delegation did not
receive allegations of ill-treatment in the institution it visited.
114. The Subcommittee notes, however, that the mental health system in Mongolia is
largely hospital-based and that there is a need for community mental health facilities to be
adequately funded, in order to facilitate the move from hospital-based to community-based
care and to promote mental health in the community.
115. The Subcommittee recommends that adequate human and financial resources
be allocated to the area of mental health. National legislation should be reviewed in
order to guarantee the rights of so-called “voluntary” patients and to ensure the
proper functioning of review procedures.
116. The Subcommittee recommends that additional measures be taken to support
the establishment of community-based services, in order to aid in the discharge of
patients who are only in long-term hospital care because of their lack of access to
community care.
117. The Subcommittee further recommends that health professionals be provided
with adequate training on international human rights standards, in particular the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, the number of
psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers should
be increased. Multidisciplinary care should be provided to the patients, and
rehabilitation, occupational or recreational activities should be proposed.
18
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents