United Nations CAT/OP/BEN/1/Add.1 Distr.: General Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 28 March 2011 English Original: French Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture Replies of the Republic of Benin to the recommendations and requests for information made by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in its report on its first periodic visit to Benin (CAT/OP/BEN/1 ) * , ** , *** Contents Paragraphs Page I.Recommendations2–53 A.National preventive mechanism23 B.Legal and institutional framework3–43 C.Recommendations on deprivation of liberty by the police and gendarmerieand all other recommendations of the Subcommittee53 II.Replies to requests for information6–814 A.National preventive mechanism6–124 B.Legal and institutional framework13–534 C.Gendarmeries and police stations54–6010 D.Prisons61–7410 E.Cooperation75–8112 1.The Government of Benin welcomes the dialogue established with the Subcommittee since its visit of 17–26 May 2008 through the ensuing recommendations and requests for information. This cooperation will help improve the conditions of detention of persons deprived of their liberty and strengthen the legal and institutional framework. I.Recommendations A.National preventive mechanism 2.The authorities of Benin take due note of all the relevant recommendations by the Subcommittee regarding, among other matters: The membership of the national preventive mechanism, which should also include practising legal or medical professionals The incompatibility of membership of the national preventive mechanism with any other function that could affect its independence or impartiality The autonomous management by the national preventive mechanism of its budget and its financial reporting to the accounting chamber of the Supreme Court The modalities of work of the national preventive mechanism, which need to be more clearly defined in the relevant draft legislation The recommendations that the national preventive mechanism should make to the authorities regarding the treatment, including the conditions, of persons deprived of their liberty The direct contact to be maintained with the Subcommittee to facilitate the exchange of information and thus follow up on the recommendations made B.Legal and institutional framework 3.The State party accepts the three recommendations made by the Subcommittee. In October 2009, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic experts and members of the judiciary were incorporated in the review of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which

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