A/HRC/13/42* page 152 Country Response referral mechanism to the Office of Inspector General where the privilege is asserted but there is credible evidence of a violation of law. These standards and procedures were established in order to strike a better balance between open government and the need to protect vital national security information. • The Department of Justice initiated a preliminary criminal investigation into the interrogation of certain detainees. • The Government indicated that these measures cumulatively seek to reaffirm the importance of compliance with the rule of law in U.S. detention practices, to ensure U.S. adherence to its international legal obligations, and to promote accountability and transparency in this important area of national security policy.” The Government also noted that some of the specific information requested in the questionnaire implicates national security issues and that, although considerable amounts of information have been declassified, certain information will not be released for valid security reasons, subject to extensive oversight to ensure compliance with the law. 44. Venezuela • No instances of secret detention in the penitentiary system • No involvement or collaboration in secret detention on the territory of another State. • No further comments on effectiveness of secret detention or other counter-terrorism measures or on past experiences with secret detention. • Venezuela noted that secret detentions are contrary to its domestic legislation and Constitution. Domestic provisions specifically provide for safeguards against such secret detention and further criminalize enforced disappearances and set out criminal sanctions for such an offence.