WEDNESDAY 25 AUGUST 1999 Ministry of Interior M r. Godfried Johnson, Chief of Cabinet deputised for the Minister of Interior. With him to meet us was his Assistant, Mr. Marc Guinikoukou. Mr. Johnson heartily welcomed us to his office, inquired of the objectives of the mission and what he could do to facilitate them. The response was as follows: a) Visit places of detention in Benin. This objective was already being realised, and there was every indication that it would be fully realised by the end of the visit. b) Relatedly, to see the extent to which Benin is complying with her obligations under the Charter, especially with the standard of treatment of detainees. c) Find out the difficulties, if any, Benin is encountering in complying with his undertaking under the Charter, and how the Commission can help to overcome these difficulties. Mr. Johnson expressed satisfaction at the objectives of the mission and with the fact that they were already being met. He noted that the Ministry of Interior is not directly involved in the administration and management of prisons. This is the responsibility of the Ministries of Justice and Defence. The work of the Ministry of Interior arises before imprisonment: inquiry and investigation, detention in police and gendarmerie cells. The important thing is to observe the 48 hour detention rule. Shortage of staff and equipment affects negatively the respect of the 48 hour rule. The time is not long enough for the police to complete inquiry into allegations of commission of offences. Training for staff, increase in their number as well as equipment are urgent needs. Delays in trial, which result from the noted shortages, produce congestion in cells. The low figure of magistrates is a contributory factor in the delays. A separate body trained to look after prisoners is needed. Attention should also be paid to how the prisons are organised. The laws and regulations governing prisons need to be updated. 16 17