A/HRC/30/59 building, sometimes in different cells. At times, juvenile prisoners are kept with adults, while persons in pretrial detention are held with convicted prisoners. 98. Prisoners do not have reasonable access to visitors. Despite having the right to submit complaints in the event of ill-treatment, victims would be hesitant to do so because the complaint submission mechanism does not function as it should and no remedial measures are available. 99. In June 2015, the Independent Expert visited Ngaragba central prison in Bangu i, where two-thirds of the 636 detainees were in pretrial detention. At least 10 of them were minors, and several inmates had been seriously injured, apparently before their detention. The majority of persons accused of serious crimes are held in this pris on. Although efforts have been made, security, overcrowding, health and nutrition remain major challenges. The Independent Expert was able to meet at least eight sick prisoners who did not have access to proper health care. She also went to the Bimbo prison for women, which housed 17 inmates. The duration of pretrial detention can be anything from 6 weeks to a year. 100. MINUSCA and United Nations specialized agencies and their partners have implemented projects to rehabilitate the central prison and are wo rking with the authorities on a national strategy for reopening judicial and penal institutions and deploying magistrates and prison personnel to locations outside Bangui where security conditions have improved. MINUSCA has deployed 20 corrections officers to support the reform of the national prison system and offers regular training. 101. The Independent Expert was also informed that several assessment missions have been organized with the Department of Prison Administration regarding the situations in the prisons of Bouar, Bossangoa, Bossembélé, Bria and Berbérati, with a view to funding and supporting their rehabilitation. 102. Prison security remains problematic. The Independent Expert was informed of the escape of Eugène Ngaïkosset, known as “The Butcher of Paoua” because of the atrocities he is alleged to have committed in the north-west of the country. The former soldier managed to escape on the night of 17 May 2015 from the investigation unit in Bangui. He had been arrested a few days earlier and transferred from Brazzaville to Bangui prison. His escape gives rise to numerous questions. V. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 103. The Central African Republic has a unique opportunity to move decisively toward peace, national reconciliation and justice. Although one major political and military faction refused to participate in the Bangui Forum, in recent months the country has shown its determination, which has materialized in the form of a reasonable, far-reaching and consensual agreement. Effective follow-up and implementation of the recommendations of the Bangui Forum will be essential for the authorities to demonstrate to the population and the international community that they are truly committed to peace and reconciliation. 104. The coming months will be crucial. The authorities have announced an ambitious electoral calendar, with registration for the electoral roll in July, a referendum on a new Constitution in early October and legislative and presidential elections set for mid-October. However, many challenges remain. The ineligibility clauses of members of the transitional Government must be respected in accordance with the peace agreements. It will also be necessary to find solutions to enable displaced persons — both within and outside the country’s GE.15-12489 19/22