CAT/OP/PAN/1 years to 12 (2007); the extension of the maximum periods of pretrial detention from 2 months to 9 (2007), a period that may be extended indefinitely in homicide cases (2010); additions to the list of offences punishable by imprisonment (2002, 2004 and 2007); the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years (2010); and the lowering from 21 to 18 years of the age at which minors serving a sentence in a juvenile facility can be admitted to the prison system (2007). 108. The Committee recommends that the State party draw on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines), the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty (the Havana Rules) and general comment No. 10 (2007) of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on children’s rights in juvenile justice to bring its legislation on juvenile criminal justice into line with international standards. 109. The Subcommittee visited two juvenile detention centres: the centre for male adolescents in Pacora and the centre for male adolescents in Tocumen (Arco Iris). 110. The Subcommittee found that the Pacora facility is relatively new and that at some of the stages through which the detainees may progress the material conditions are acceptable, whereas in others (stage 1A and the maximum-security cells in particular) they replicate the conditions found in the prison system for adults. 111. The facility operates under a progressive system whereby detained minors, who on admission are placed in stage 1, in which conditions are fairly basic, can gain advantages and move on to the next stage if their behaviour is satisfactory. If they behave badly or pose disciplinary problems, they are moved back to earlier stages or placed in the maximumsecurity cells to “reflect” for a period of time (no more than 29 days). 112. New arrivals, who tend to be the facility’s youngest charges and are thus more vulnerable, are confined to stage 1 cells from 3 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning every day of the week. The Subcommittee found that the material conditions of detention during the initial stages were worse than those during the final stages (4 and 5). The cells used in the initial stages were cells typical of a prison rather than anything remotely like a home or institution for the re-education and rehabilitation of young people, which, according to the superintendent, is the aim of these facilities. 113. According to reports, the young people in the facility attend school only once or twice a week. Those who do not attend school or participate in workshops are locked in their cells the whole day, with the exception of time for sports on weekends. Vocational training appears to be well developed, but it takes months for new arrivals to be included in the training programme. 114. The Subcommittee noted with concern that the minors wear shackles – which leave visible marks – when they go to school or receive visits. The Subcommittee observed that the facility provides adequate food and water and that there are psychologists, social workers and doctors, whom the young people believe they can rely on. 115. The Subcommittee was informed that the centre in Tocumen will be closed and that the minors detained there will be transferred to a facility in Pacora that has not yet been built. 116. The Subcommittee found that the material conditions there, particularly in the cells for new arrivals and the maximum-security cells, which resembled prison cells, were inadequate. The new arrivals slept on mattresses on the floor, in a very poorly ventilated space with insects and limited access to water. The six maximum-security cells were dark and dirty, smelled very bad and were very poorly ventilated. It was difficult for the young people to gain access to adult guards. 117. According to reports, the young people in the facility go to school every day and some participate in workshops. Young people in maximum security and new arrivals were entitled to attend school. 118. The Subcommittee recommends that a juvenile justice system that focuses more closely on the comprehensive rehabilitation of minors be developed and that the GE.18-12640 15