UN body asks govt to probe abuse in prisons

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has asked the Namibian government to consider establishing an independent body to investigate violations of rights in prisons and places of detention and acts of police brutality in general. The UN committee periodically examines reports submitted by member states on their efforts to implement the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Government representatives introduce the reports and respond to oral and written questions from UNHRC members. The committee released its final recommendations on Namibia last week and expressed concern over the high number of unregistered customary marriages in Namibia, which deprive women and children of their rights to inheritances and land ownership. The UN committee "regretted that, despite wide prevalence of domestic violence, so far only 62 persons have been prosecuted and no victims have been compensated". UNHRC also urged the Namibian authorities to take appropriate steps to prevent "threats to and harassment" of media personnel and journalists. The UN body recommended that Namibia strengthen the implementation of a legal aid scheme; establish an appropriate juvenile criminal justice system; encourage further use by police of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act; and set up additional special shelters for domestic violence victims. Responding to questions on allegations of torture, Namibian representatives appearing before the committee last month pointed out that the country was a signatory to the Convention against Torture and that its constitution prohibited all acts of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. However, the delegation acknowledged that there were cases where compensation had been awarded to aggrieved persons. The UN committee periodically examines reports submitted by member states on their efforts to implement the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Government representatives introduce the reports and respond to oral and written questions from UNHRC members. The committee released its final recommendations on Namibia last week and expressed concern over the high number of unregistered customary marriages in Namibia, which deprive women and children of their rights to inheritances and land ownership. The UN committee "regretted that, despite wide prevalence of domestic violence, so far only 62 persons have been prosecuted and no victims have been compensated". UNHRC also urged the Namibian authorities to take appropriate steps to prevent "threats to and harassment" of media personnel and journalists. The UN body recommended that Namibia strengthen the implementation of a legal aid scheme; establish an appropriate juvenile criminal justice system; encourage further use by police of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act; and set up additional special shelters for domestic violence victims. Responding to questions on allegations of torture, Namibian representatives appearing before the committee last month pointed out that the country was a signatory to the Convention against Torture and that its constitution prohibited all acts of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. However, the delegation acknowledged that there were cases where compensation had been awarded to aggrieved persons.