The findings highlighted the positive aspects of each country’s performance Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as concerns and recommendations.
Botswana and the death penalty
The Committee has raised serious concerns about excessive force and inhumanity related to the use of the death penalty in Botswana.
One aspect of Botswanan policy deemed inconsistent with the Convention was the failure to give advance notice of execution to individuals on death row or their families.
The commission also warned that hangers were used in executions and that the deceased should not be handed over to their families for burial.
The Commission calls on Botswana to reduce all death sentences and establish a moratorium on the execution of the death penalty, in order to abolish it, while ensuring that the conditions of detention for convicted prisoners are not is cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Furthermore, the Committee expressed particular concern that Botswana had not yet defined torture as a specific offence, and recommended establishing a definition consistent with the convention’s guidelines.
Nicaragua’s Treatment of Detainees
The commission became concerned about the use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests, acts of torture and ill-treatment of protesters in Nicaragua, the commission said in a press release. , particularly highlighting the forced disappearances of the National Guard, plainclothes agents, and other actors.
The Commission has urged Nicaragua to conduct prompt and independent investigations into these acts and provide an appropriate settlement to the victims in order to comply with international safeguards.
It also asks Nicaragua to ensure legal protections for all detainees, to cease all repression and political violence against human rights defenders, journalists and opposition leaders. politics, and at the same time releasing those arbitrarily detained.
Allegedly torturing Palestinian detainees
The Committee condemns the causes caused by the excessive use of force in Palestine. In particular, they condemn the use of lethal weapons by security forces and unidentified armed elements.
One particularly notable case highlighted is the arrest, beating and murder, allegedly by Hebron preventive security forces, in Nizar Banat, in June 2021.
In light of Mr. Banat’s case, the Commission requested that the State of Palestine effectively investigate all allegations related to the excessive use of force and ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted and victims are full compensation.
It also recommends that States parties ensure that all officers can be effectively identified at all times, to ensure individual accountability.
UAE Abuse Abroad
With regard to the UAE’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen and its counter-terrorism efforts, the Committee expressed concern over allegations of torture and ill-treatment by the armed forces. official websites of Member States, state security agencies and relevant non-State organizations. armed groups.
The Commission attaches special importance to the investigation and prosecution of crimes of torture and ill-treatment in these situations, and calls for a possible path for victims to seek justice, redress and rehabilitation. .
The Commission is also concerned about the continued practice of female genital mutilation in the UAE and the lack of legislation criminalizing it.
It calls on States parties to intensify efforts to prevent gender-based violence and harmful practices by introducing new legislation and awareness campaigns.
The findings above, formally known as Concluding Observations, are now available online on session page.
The Commission will hold its next session from 31 October to 25 November to consider Australia, Chad, El Salvador, Malawi, Somalia and Uganda.
