CAT/C/GBR/CO/6
(b)
Take measures to ensure that all instances of death in custody are
promptly and impartially investigated by an independent entity;
(c)
Compile detailed data on suicides among persons deprived of their
liberty and assess the effectiveness of prevention and risk identification strategies and
programmes.
Training
26.
The Committee acknowledges the efforts made by the State party to develop and
implement human rights training programmes for law enforcement officials, military
personnel, prison staff and border guards that include modules on the prohibition of torture
and ill-treatment, the proportional use of force and the lawful use of restraints. Nonetheless,
it is concerned by the lack of information on evaluations of the impact of those programmes,
as well as the lack of specific training on the content of the Convention. The Committee
takes note of the training provided on the identification and appropriate management of
victims of torture organized by National Health Service England with staff from the Home
Office and clinical staff working in immigration removal centres (CAT/C/GBR/6 and
Corr.1, para. 100). It regrets, however, the limited information available on training
provided on how to detect and document the physical and psychological sequelae of torture
and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. With regard to the State
party’s training programme for the Libyan Coast Guard, the Committee understands that
the programme is kept under continual review, although it is not clear whether the periodic
assessments take into account available information on serious human rights violations (see
CAT/C/ITA/CO/5-6, paras. 22–23) (art. 10).
27.
The State party should:
(a)
Further develop mandatory training programmes to ensure that all
public officials are well acquainted with the provisions of the Convention;
(b)
Ensure that all relevant staff, including medical personnel, are
specifically trained to identify cases of torture and ill-treatment, in accordance with
the Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment (Istanbul Protocol);
(c)
Develop a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of training
programmes in reducing the number of cases of torture and ill-treatment and in
ensuring the identification, documentation and investigation of these acts, as well as
the prosecution of those responsible;
(d)
Ensure that any cooperation and/or support that the State party may
provide under bilateral or regional migration agreements is consistent with the
purposes of the Convention. The State party should also consider establishing an
effective mechanism for monitoring the implementation of cooperation projects in
Libya.
Electrical discharge weapons
28.
While appreciating the information provided by the State party on the regulations
governing the use of electrical discharge weapons (tasers) and related specific training for
law enforcement officials, the Committee is concerned about the reported increase in their
use, including on children and young people, and their disproportionate use against
members of minority groups. The use of tasers in drive stun mode, where the weapon is
placed directly on the body, is also a matter of concern (art. 16).
29.
The Committee considers that the State party should ensure that the use of
electrical discharge weapons is strictly compliant with the principles of necessity,
subsidiarity, proportionality, advance warning (where feasible) and precaution. The
State party should provide clear presumptions against the use of tasers on vulnerable
groups, such as children and young people, investigate the causes for their
disproportionate use against members of minorities and prohibit their use in drive
stun mode. The Committee is of the view that electric discharge weapons should not
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