A/HRC/8/45
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asked about measures taken to combat impunity and to ensure fundamental legal safeguards of all
detained suspects.
48.
Cameroon noted measures taken to combat all forms of discrimination, whether racial,
social or economic, and bringing legislation regarding judicial procedure in line with standards set
forth by the Council of Europe, particular in relation to investigations, as well as proceeding to a
reform of the penitentiary system and combating torture at all levels in the judicial process. With
reference to recommendations made by treaty bodies, Cameroon encouraged Ukraine to combat
violations of rights of minorities, refugees and foreigners.
49.
In response to questions regarding practical measures taken to combat xenophobia and
violence, in particular in law enforcement bodies, the delegation indicated that measures are being
taken to preserve national and inter-religious harmony. In 2007, the Ministry of Interior and the
security services have established a separate unit to combat xenophobic acts and incidents of racist
and other related nature. The interagency commission to combat racism and xenophobia is
developing a set of recommendations for the Government to combat these phenomena, which
include public awareness and education against racism, also with schools and higher education
institutions, to foster tolerance among young people. More information is needed, including TV
spots and leaflets/brochures. Churches as well take part in these efforts.
50.
Regarding the treatment of detainees in pre-trial detention facilities, efforts have been made
to improve medical and sanitation services and to offer education in pre-trial facilities. As pointed
out by WHO, the mortality rate, in the SIZO (sledstvennyi isolator) facilities for detention on
remand has been cut by half thanks to better food and medical care as a result of cooperation with
other ministries. Another issue is the need to renew the infrastructure, since 28 out of the 32 SIZOs
need to be replaced. Regarding information on the deportation of eleven persons from Sri Lanka,
Ukraine indicated that in February 2008 the regional court had ordered their deportation as illegal
immigrants, in line with article 256 of the Code of Administrative Procedure. Their request for
refugee status was refused based on article 9 of the Refugee Law as the obligation to immediately
contact the authorities to ask for refugee status upon arrival had not been fulfilled. The Ministry of
Interior established a working group, which included inter alia representatives of the Community
Council, human rights organizations like Amnesty International and the Renaissance Foundation,
and UNHCR to examine the legality of the actions regarding their case.
51.
Preventing journalists from carrying out their activities is an offence covered by the
Criminal Code, and in 2007 and 2008, six cases were brought before the courts. In 2008, the Appeal
Court of Kyiv upheld life sentences against three police officers for the murder of journalist
Georgiy Gongazde.
52.
Regarding the activities of the Ombudsman concerning discrimination against Crimean
Tatars, the Ombudsman carried out comprehensive monitoring on the observance of human rights
in Crimea, as a result of which the authorities retained 15 proposals; in this context, measures have
been taken regarding, inter alia, water and gas supplies and the development of transport links.
Parliamentary hearings on the exercise of human rights were held by the Parliament of the
Autonomous Republic, and the Ombudsman prepared the report thereon. The Government has
prepared a draft law on the restoration of rights of persons formerly deported on the basis of ethnic
origin, which is now going through public consideration. It also provides major financial support to
the Crimean Tatar people; over the years of independence, more than one billion UAH has been
allocated for their social, economic and cultural needs.
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