CAT/C/KHM/CO/2
witness protection, forensic methods and evidence gathering. Furthermore, the Committee
is concerned at the lack of information on targeted training for all relevant personnel, such
as forensic doctors and medical personnel dealing with detained persons, including methods
to document physical and psychological sequelae of torture, as well as methods to ensure
health-related and legal responses. The Committee is further concerned at the lack of
information as to whether professional codes of ethics form part of such trainings, and if
these include prohibition of torture etc. (art. 10)
The State party should further develop and strengthen educational
programmes, including in cooperation with NGOs, to ensure that all officials,
including law enforcement and penitentiary personnel, are fully aware of the
provisions of the Convention, that reported breaches, including cases of sexual
violence, will not be tolerated and will be investigated, and that offenders will
be prosecuted. Furthermore, police and other relevant officials should receive
training in witness interviewing, witness protection, forensic methods and
evidence gathering and all relevant personnel should receive specific training
on how to identify signs of torture and ill-treatment, including those officials
who will investigate and document these cases. Such training should include the
use of the Manual on Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul
Protocol). In addition, the State party should ensure that related professional
codes of ethics and the importance of respecting such codes be made an integral
part of training activities. Furthermore, the State party should assess the
effectiveness and impact of its training/educational programmes.
Redress, including compensation and rehabilitation
26.
While noting that article 39 of the Constitution entitles citizens to claim for damage
caused by State organs, social organs, and the staff of these concerned organs, the
Committee is concerned at the lack of information and data on fair and adequate
compensation awarded to victims of torture. The Committee is also concerned at the lack of
information on the provision of treatment and social rehabilitation services, including
medical and psychosocial rehabilitation, to all victims of torture. (art. 14)
The Committee underlines that it is the responsibility of the State to provide for
redress to victims of torture and their families. To this end, the State party
should strengthen its efforts to provide these victims with redress, including
fair and adequate compensation and as full rehabilitation as possible. The State
party should further strengthen its efforts to improve the access to medical and
psychological services for victims of torture, especially during and after
imprisonment, and assure that they receive effective and prompt rehabilitation
services; raise awareness on the consequences of torture and the need for
rehabilitation for victims of torture among health and social welfare
professionals in order to increase referrals of these victims from the primary
health-care system to specialized services; and increase the capacity of national
health agencies in providing specialized rehabilitation services, based on
recommended international standards, to victims of torture, including their
family members, specifically in the field of mental health.
27.
The Committee notes with concern that the Internal Rules of the ECCC only provide
for moral and collective reparation, precluding individual financial compensation. While
noting the existence of the Victims Support Section, the Committee is concerned that
rehabilitation and psychosocial support to those testifying in the ECCC is largely provide
by NGOs, with limited support from the State, and it regrets the very limited information
provided on treatment and social rehabilitation services, including medical and
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