62.
The Committee once again emphasizes that the State party should return jurisdiction from military
courts to civil courts in all matters concerning civilians.
63.
Finally, the Committee calls upon the State party to consider making the declarations under articles 21
and 22 of the Convention.
E. Azerbaijan
64.
The Committee considered the initial report of Azerbaijan (CAT/C/37/Add.3) at its 401st, 404th and
406th meetings on 15, 16 and 17 November 1999 (CAT/SR.401, 404 and 406) and adopted the following
conclusions and recommendations.
1.
Introduction
65.
The Committee welcomes the initial report of Azerbaijan, which, submitted nearly on time, is in full
conformity with the Committee's guidelines for the preparation of initial reports. The Committee also
welcomes the open dialogue between the highly qualified representatives of the State party and itself.
2.
66.
Positive aspects
The Committee notes with satisfaction the following:
(a)
The ongoing efforts to establish a legal framework based on universal human values to
safeguard fundamental human rights, including freedom from torture;
(b)
The important efforts made to establish relevant selection criteria and methods for the training
and education of law enforcement and medical personnel on the prohibition of torture;
(c)
The noticeable decrease in the number of persons arrested in recent years;
(d)
The efforts to improve the conditions in prisons;
(e)
The information given by the delegation of the State party on the right of access to legal
counsel from the moment of arrest, and the empowerment of the Courts to sanction arrests;
(f)
The State party's willingness to cooperate closely with international and regional bodies, such
as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Council of Europe and the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, as well as with international and national nongovernmental organizations.
3.
Factors and difficulties impeding the application of the provisions of the Convention
67.
The Committee takes note of the transitional problems currently faced by the State party, as well as of
the difficult political situation prevailing in parts of its territory.
4.
68.
Subjects of concern
The Committee expresses its concern about the following:
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