A/HRC/33/50
3.
Follow-up to country visits
43.
During the reporting period, the Working Group conducted a follow-up visit to
Malta from 23 to 25 June 2015 at the invitation of the Government. Throughout the visit,
the Working Group enjoyed the fullest cooperation of the Government and was able to hold
confidential interviews with prisoners and detainees in Corradino Correctional Facility, the
main prison in the country; the Young Offenders Unit Rehabilitation Services; the Safi
detention centre in Safi Barracks; Hal Far open centre; the Forensic Unit at the Mount
Carmel Hospital and the newly established initial reception centre for children. Detailed
information about the visit is provided in an addendum to the present report
(A/HRC/33/50/Add.1).
44.
In 2014, the Working Group requested information from the Government of El
Salvador, which it had visited in 2012. On 19 May 2015, the Government provided detailed
information about the measures it had taken to follow up on the recommendations made by
the Working Group. This information is included in an addendum to the report. The
Working Group would like to thank the Government of El Salvador for the information
received and will send it a comprehensive response.
III. Conclusions
45.
With respect to the activities of the Working Group, 2015 has been a
productive year. The Working Group has renewed its composition, with one new
member appointed in 2015 in addition to the three members appointed in 2014; the
terms of all four new members have already been extended to 2020. This has created a
special dynamic within the Working Group, which has translated into specific action.
46.
First, the Working Group has conducted a thorough assessment of its
procedure and made some changes in its methods of work. Some changes did not
warrant any amendment of the methods of work, representing instead improvements
to internal procedures. For instance, the Working Group has decided to make better
use of its digital tools to allow better access to the materials for the session. This has
led to the members of the Working Group working more during the intersessional
periods. The Working Group has also been working to streamline the process for
receipt of and response to communications, always keeping in mind the need to work
as effectively and promptly as possible and to keep all parties informed.
47.
Second, the Working Group has decided to embark on the design of a business
plan to better alert the Member States about its workload and commitments while
identifying the resources needed for success. Member States will be provided with
appropriate information in the near future when the plan is finalized.
48.
Third, the new dynamic has already translated into more opinions being issued
each session. The Working Group plans to increase further its productivity if
resources permit. This will certainly serve the need and uphold the trust of victims,
who are increasingly seeking the assistance of the Working Group to remedy
violations of their right to liberty.
49.
Finally, the Working Group has decided to propose the establishment of an
international day against arbitrary detention. Such a day would allow everyone to
remember the victims of arbitrary detention, but would also be a day of celebration
for those victims who have been released and who are often forgotten. Furthermore, it
would be a day of worldwide mobilization against arbitrary detention. Having
reviewed the current list of international days, the Working Group noticed that 5
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