F. Senegal 102. The Committee considered the second periodic report of Senegal (CAT/C/17/Add.14) at its 247th and 248th meetings, on 1 May 1996 (CAT/C/SR.247 and 248), and has adopted the following conclusions and recommendations: 1. Introduction 103. The Committee welcomes the submission by Senegal of its second periodic report and its core document (HRI/CORE/1/Add.51) and thanks the delegation for its oral introduction and for its frank collaboration, as demonstrated by its constructive dialogue with the Committee. 2. Positive aspects 104. The Committee notes with great satisfaction Senegal’s firm commitment to the defence of human rights, demonstrated, inter alia, by its ratification of a series of international treaties concerning the protection of human rights, and the modernization of legislation on the subject which is now in progress. In addition, the State party’s frank collaboration with the Committee shows its willingness to fulfil the obligations it assumed when ratifying the Convention. 105. The Committee notes as a positive aspect that the status accorded by the Senegalese Constitution to international treaties ratified by Senegal is higher than that of domestic law. 106. The Committee also regards as very positive recent developments in the field of human rights in Senegal as set forth in the joint communiqué by a delegation of the Government and non-governmental organizations of 13 March 1996, announcing the establishment of a periodic dialogue and the establishment of a human rights unit. 107. The Committee also welcomes the fact that the Senegalese delegation, on behalf of the authorities of the State party, has undertaken to ensure that measures are taken to provide for the training of personnel performing the functions listed in article 10 of the Convention, particularly medical personnel, and to complete the procedure regarding the declaration provided for under article 22 of the Convention. 3. Factors and difficulties impeding the application of the provisions of the Convention 108. At the normative level, the Committee notes the absence of regulations to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention. 109. The Committee notes that the conflict in Casamance sometimes impedes effective implementation of the Convention. 4. Subjects of concern 110. The Committee is disturbed by the numerous cases of torture that have been brought to its attention by non-governmental organizations of established -19-