DOC/OS(XXXIII)/324c/I
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council with a regional governor at its head. The Head of State and of the
government is the President, who shares executive power with the Council of
Ministers. The Council has 23 members including the Head of State (President), the
Prime Minister and the Attorney General. The National Assembly exercises
legislative power.
The judiciary includes the Supreme Court, the High Court and the lower
jurisdictions. The independence and impartiality of the judiciary are guaranteed in
the Constitution. The High Court has unlimited competence whilst the Supreme
Court is a court of appeal. The Attorney General can also request the Supreme
Court to determine the constitutionality of an Act or law. The magistrate's courts deal
with offences that are punishable with a fine of up to NAD 20,000 (100 NAD = 1
USD approx.) or up to 5 years of prison. Regional courts deal with cases that are
punishable with a fine of up to NAD 100,000 or up to 20 years of prison. These two
jurisdictions are called Lower Courts. Any convicted person may appeal to the High
Court.
The Constitution contains a Declaration of Rights within a legal framework of
promotion and protection of human rights.
Unfolding of the mission
Prisons and police stations visited
Maximum Security Prison and central police station of Windhoek
Wanaheda central police station and police station
Maximum Security Prison and central police station of Walvis Bay
Swakopmund prison (short visit)
Omaruru Prison and police station
Oluno Maximum Security Prison and Ondangwa police station,
Grootfontein Prison and police station;
Elisabeth Nepemba Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre
Rundu police station
Maximum Security Prison and central police station of Hardap;
Consultations undertaken by the delegation
The Special Rapporteur and her delegation held talks with:
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma
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The Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Jerry Ekandjo MP
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The Minister of Justice, the Honourable Dr. Ngarikutuke Tjiriange MP
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The Minister of Prisons and Correctional Services, the Honourable Marco
Hausiku MP