CAT/OP/CRI/ROSP/1 V. Training and labour conditions for prison personnel 101. The Subcommittee noted that the prisons visited had insufficient personnel, be it police officers or technical experts (lawyers, psychologists, social workers and guidance counsellors). The Subcommittee repeatedly received complaints from inmates, sometimes corroborated by prison personnel, that they were unable to keep medical appointments or to attend school or participate in recreational activities, owing to a shortage of guards. 102. The Subcommittee takes note of the initial training given to prison police in the Training School for Prison Officers. It was, however, informed by the police officers interviewed that the training is insufficient. Furthermore, there were few opportunities for continuous learning and such opportunities were not available to all personnel on an equal basis. In particular, the Subcommittee noted that prison police working with minors, young people and women had not received specialized training. In addition, according to the information provided by the State party, the basic police course does not include training on the Convention against Torture and the Optional Protocol thereto. 103. On a positive note, the Subcommittee wishes to highlight that, as of 25 years ago, the prison police force is a separate public law enforcement unit that is governed by its own legal framework and reports to the Ministry of Justice. The Subcommittee is therefore deeply concerned that, according to information it has received, the training of prison police may in future be given by the National Police Academy, which reports to the Ministry of Public Security. The work of prison personnel is inherently different to that of the national police, as the former is focused on prisoners’ rehabilitation. Therefore, it is not advisable for both types of training to be provided by the same institution. 104. As for the working conditions of the prison personnel, the dormitories and bathrooms were found to be in a derelict state and, in some cases, there was overcrowding, which could increase stress on personnel. The Subcommittee recalls that it is important to provide prison personnel with the resources and facilities necessary for them to carry out their duties under the appropriate conditions and to ensure that they enjoy decent living conditions and the necessary basic services. 105. The Subcommittee underlines that, in order to prevent torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, it is crucial to provide the appropriate training in human rights, in general, and in the prevention of torture, in particular. The Subcommittee recalls that, under the Convention against Torture, the State party has the obligation to ensure that rigorous training in the prohibition of torture and illtreatment is included in the training of personnel. The Subcommittee recommends that the State party strengthen the Training School for Prison Officers and that it include human rights in the training of all prison personnel, and not only that of police officers. To that effect, the authorities are recommended to request the support of international organizations in reviewing and modifying training programmes. The Subcommittee further recommends that continuous education become compulsory for both prison police officers and technical personnel. The Subcommittee recommends that special training be given regularly to persons who work with children and adolescents in conflict with the law. VI. Next steps 106. The Subcommittee requests that a reply to the present report be provided within six months from the date of its transmission to the State party. The reply should respond directly to all the recommendations and requests for further information made in the report, giving a full account of action that has already been taken or is planned (including timescales to implement the recommendations). It should include details GE.21-00153 17