E/CN.4/1999/63/Add.2
page 3
Introduction
Mandate and objective of the mission
1.
The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention visited Peru from 26 January
to 6 February 1998, at the invitation of the Peruvian Government. The
delegation was composed of the Vice-Chairman of the Working Group,
Louis Joinet (head of delegation), and Roberto Garretón. The Working Group
was interested in visiting Peru because it lacked information on the laws and
practices used to combat terrorism, which has been plaguing Peru since 1980,
and had therefore been unable to state its opinions on the subject.
2.
The visit was scheduled for 1997 but was postponed because of the
hostage crisis at the Japanese Ambassador's residence.
3.
The cooperation of the Peruvian authorities was exemplary and
characterized by complete transparency. The delegation spoke in private with
detainees whose names appeared on lists made available at the prisons and with
other prisoners chosen at random. The prison directors cooperated willingly
as they had received written instructions to do so. The Working Group
obtained all the information it requested.
4.
The Working Group would like to thank the Peruvian authorities for their
warm welcome and cooperation. It also thanks public officials, private
individuals, organizations, lawyers, families, and all those who provided it
with useful information in Lima, Juliaca, Puno and Chiclayo.
5.
Special thanks go to Ms. Kim Bolduc, United Nations Resident
Coordinator, and her staff, who efficiently coordinated the logistics of
the programme. The Committee would also like to thank the head of the
United Nations Information Office, Ms. Rosario Sheen.
Mission programme
6.
In Lima, the Working Group met with the Minister of Justice and the
Minister for Foreign Affairs. It also met with the Director of the National
Prisons Institute and with the Secretary of the Executive Commission for Human
Rights. The meeting with the Minister of the Interior was cancelled because
of the natural disasters caused by El Niño.
7.
The Working Group also held meetings with the President and members of
the Government and the opposition; the Commission on Human Rights and
Pacification of the National Congress; the Vice-President and members of the
Parliamentary Justice Committee; the President and four members of the Supreme
Court; the Attorney-General of the Nation; the Ombudsman and lawyers from his
office; two members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Pardons; Fr. Hubert Lanssiers;
the President of the Supreme Council of Military Justice; the Secretary of the
Executive Committee of the Judiciary and his advisors; the President of the
Bar Association, Dr. Delia Revoredo; the President of the Human Rights
Commission of the Bar Association, Mr. Heriberto Benítez; the President of the
Lima High Court, Dr. Marco Ibazeta Marino; and the Director-General of the