CAT/C/CR/32/3
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(b)
The entry into force in February 2004, of the new Law on Foreigners which
includes a provision prohibiting the deportation of individuals who could face torture if returned
to their own country;
(c)
The entry into force in January 2001 of the Law on the Police Force, which
regulates the use of coercive measures, including the use of firearms;
(d)
The entry into force in 2001 of the Law on the Execution of Penalties of
Imprisonment which regulates the treatment and the rights of inmates.
4.
The Committee welcomes:
(a)
The signing of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in
September 2003 and the assurances given by the State party’s representative that ratification is
envisaged;
(b)
May 2001.
The ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in
5.
The Committee takes note with satisfaction of the assurances given by the State party’s
representative that the 1996 Amnesty Act has not been applied to acts of torture.
6.
The Committee also takes note with satisfaction of the assurances given by the
State party’s representative that each prison inmate is given a minimum of 4 m2 of living space.
7.
The Committee expresses its satisfaction at the fact that the State party has extended a
standing invitation to the special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights to visit the
country.
C. Subjects of concern
8.
The Committee is concerned about the following:
(a)
In connection with torture and ill-treatment which reportedly occurred during
the 1991-1995 armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia:
(i)
The reported failure of the State party to carry out prompt, impartial and
full investigations, to prosecute the perpetrators and to provide fair and
adequate compensation to the victims;
(ii)
Allegations that double standards were applied at all stages of the
proceedings against Serb defendants and in favour of Croat defendants in
war crime trials;
(iii)
The reported harassment, intimidation and threats faced by witnesses and
victims testifying in proceedings and the lack of adequate protection from
the State party;