CAT/C/ISL/CO/3
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11. While noting the information provided in relation to investigations in the framework of the
Council of Europe and alleged rendition flights in Europe, the Committee remains concerned
about the reported rendition flights through Iceland and the inadequate response to the
allegations by the authorities (arts. 3 and 4).
The State party should provide further information in its next periodic report on
measures taken to investigate allegations of rendition flights on Icelandic territory or
in its airspace, including outcomes of such measures or investigations.
Education and information
12. The Committee notes that basic police training and training of prison warders include
elements of human rights and the international obligations of Iceland. Furthermore, the
Committee notes that the new Coast Guard Act No. 52/2006 states that coast guards should
comply with the Police Act and the Criminal Procedure Code. The Committee is, however,
concerned that, in some instances, at police stations and airports, police officers and border
guards have not handled all incidents with the respect due to the human rights of the individual
(art. 10).
The State party should ensure that all law enforcement personnel receive adequate
and regular training on the international obligations of Iceland, in particular with
respect to its obligations under the Convention against Torture. In addition, the State
party should introduce formal training in human rights and humanitarian law for
peacekeepers and other personnel assigned to international monitoring missions with
the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.
Evidence in accordance with article 15
13. The Committee, while noting the information provided in the State party report and during
the dialogue, remains concerned that evidence that might have been obtained through torture
may still be used in judicial proceedings (art. 15).
The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation, namely that the State party
should bring its domestic criminal legislation into line with the provisions of article 15
of the Convention so as to exclude explicitly any evidence obtained as a result of
torture.
The State party should also review its practices with regard to video and tape
recordings of interrogation procedures with a view to primarily protecting the
defendant.
Trafficking in human beings
14. The Committee notes the developments in the legal and policy frameworks with respect to
trafficking in human beings, in particular the new draft bill currently under consideration by the
Parliament and the preparations for a national plan of action against trafficking in human beings.