(d) Strengthen its efforts to implement a gender sensitive approach for the training of those involved in the custody, interrogation or treatment of any individual subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment. Article 11 (15) The Committee, while noting the extensive reform planned for the penitentiary system, including the construction of new facilities and the renovation of the existing ones, is concerned about the current material conditions of detention and the problems of overcrowding in the places of deprivation of liberty. The State party should ensure the urgent implementation of the penitentiary system reform, including the duly establishment of a new network of penitentiary institutions as envisaged in the Law on Execution of Sanctions. The State party should also improve the material conditions of detention in places of deprivation of liberty, in particular with respect to hygienic conditions and medical care. Articles 12, 13 and 14 (16) The Committee is concerned about allegations of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment committed by law enforcement personnel and notes with concern a lack of prompt and effective investigations and prosecutions in this respect (see also paragraph 5 above). In particular, the Committee is concerned at allegations reporting that the most serious abuses would be committed by a special unit of the police named “Alfi”, mandated to counter urban crimes and work in plain clothes. In this respect, the Committee takes note of the information received by the delegation that the “Alfi” unit is going to terminate its activities soon. The State party should ensure that: (a) All allegations of acts of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment committed by law enforcement officials, - including those committed by members of the “Alfi” unit, are investigated promptly, independently and impartially and, when appropriate, prosecuted and punished; (b) Laws and the regulations relating to the use of force and weapons by law enforcement officials are consistent with internationally recognized standards; (c) Victims of torture or ill-treatment have the right to obtain redress and fair and adequate compensation, as provided for in article 14 of the Convention. (17) The Committee notes with concern the State party’s assertion that there are no services available in the State party to deal specifically with the treatment of trauma and other forms of rehabilitation for torture victims. The State party should ensure that appropriate services are available for the rehabilitation of victims of torture. Article 15 (18) The Committee is concerned that the State party lacks clear legislation totally excluding admission of evidence obtained as a result of torture. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned over reports indicating that in practice evidence obtained under ill-treatment has been used in criminal proceedings. The State party should prohibit, in the legislation as well as in practice, admissibility and use in criminal proceedings of any evidence obtained as a result of torture or ill-treatment, in compliance with article 15 of the Convention. 82

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