A/HRC/31/78 B. 1. Prison conditions The worrisome situation in correctional facilities 51. The situation in the prisons of Côte d’Ivoire remains a cause of concern, and the Ivorian authorities are well aware of this. The current state of affairs is the outcome, among other factors, of the prolonged period during which the country was plagued by violent conflict — conflict that inevitably had an impact on public infrastructure, including the country’s prisons. The Ivorian authorities are aware that prison conditions are poor, and their willingness to rectify this situation with all due haste deserves the firm support of the international community. 52. The Independent Expert wishes to reiterate the observations and recommendations concerning the country’s prisons that he made in his preceding report (A/HRC/29/49). He would also add that the Government must put an end to the tyranny exercised by certain prison bosses over the rest of the prison population. One example is the so-called “Chinaman”, who is incarcerated in the Abidjan Detention and Correctional Centre. 53. In this report the Independent Expert would like to place particular emphasis on the situation of minors in conflict with the law. When dealing with juvenile offenders, the vulnerability of these children should be taken into consideration, and they should be given a genuine opportunity for rehabilitation. 2. Situation of minors in conflict with the law 54. The juvenile justice system in Côte d’Ivoire suffers from serious shortcomings that have not escaped the attention of the authorities. In order to rectify these problems, a well-designed reform programme and sufficient material and human resources will have to be put in place. In 2012, a national policy for the protection of all children was adopted and, with support from UNOCI and a number of donors, the steps to be taken to restructure the juvenile justice system have been under discussion since 2013. This restructuring programme will encompass the entire legal framework within which the juvenile justice system operates. More specifically, it includes plans for the creation of legal protection services specificall y for juveniles within the court system. Initially, these services will be piloted in two districts of Abidjan, Plateau and Yopougon, and in the cities of Bouaké and Man. The order authorizing the establishment of these services is pending, and it is strongly recommended that it be issued soon. 55. The Ivorian authorities are working to renovate the country’s prisons and to build new ones. Since 2013, plans have been put in place for the construction of nine prisons and for the renovation of existing facilities (decision of the Council of Ministers of 25 July 2013). These construction projects should be aligned with international standards regarding the detention of minors. It is regrettable that, in most of the country’s prisons, minors subject to a provisional custody order are not held separately from adults. 56. There are only three observation centres for minors in the country. These centres are located in Abidjan, Bouaké and Man. 3. Abidjan Juvenile Observation Centre 57. At the time that the Independent Expert visited the Abidjan Juvenile Observation Centre, it housed 61 children in very unhealthful conditions. This facility has the regrettable distinction of being located within the Abidjan Detention and Correctional Centre and is therefore within a prison environment that is totally at odds with its GE.16-00901 15/23