(f) China should consider cooperating in the rehabilitation of torture victims by supporting the establishment of a Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims in Beijing or some other large cities of the country; (g) China should continue with its most welcome reforms to its criminal penal law, and continue to train its law enforcement personnel, procurators, judges and medical doctors to become professionals of the highest standing; (h) China is invited to consider withdrawing its reservations to article 20 and declaring in favour of articles 21 and 22 of the Convention; (i) An independent judiciary, as defined in international instruments, is so important for ensuring the objectives of the Convention against Torture, that the Committee recommends that appropriate measures be taken to ensure the autonomy/independence of the judiciary in China. I. Croatia 151. The Committee considered the initial report of Croatia (CAT/C/16/Add.6) at its 253rd and 254th meetings, on 6 May 1996 (CAT/C/SR.253 and 254), and has adopted the following conclusions and recommendations: 1. Introduction 152. The Committee welcomes the report of the Government of Croatia as well as its core document (HRI/CORE/1/Add.32). The initial report of Croatia dated 4 January 1996 was due on 7 October 1992, but the events of insecurity in Croatia from 1991 explain why this report is late. 153. The initial report of Croatia and the core document follow the Committee’s guidelines and meet them satisfactorily. 154. The Committee also thanks the representatives of the State party for their introductory remarks. 2. Positive aspects 155. The constitutional and other legal safeguards against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are particularly well-developed. 156. The commitment of Croatia to human rights is reflected in the State party’s adherence to various international human rights treaties. It is particularly noteworthy that Croatia has not expressed reservation to article 20 and has declared in favour of articles 21 and 22 of the Convention. 157. The fact that the Government of Croatia has undertaken investigation and prosecution in cases of alleged torture and maltreatment arising out of the events of 1995 and its aftermath is noted with satisfaction. 158. The support of Croatia for the rehabilitation of the victims of the violence that took place there between 1991 and the end of 1995 is another matter of satisfaction to the Committee. -25-