New York, Spt 23, 2012 (SPS) - Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Juan E. Mendez, will carry out 15 to 22 September in Morocco and Western Sahara, the UN said Wednesday. The independent expert will be in Al-yun (Western Sahara) on 17 and 18 September, said the same source.
In Morocco, the Special Rapporteur intends to travel to Rabat, Salé, Casablanca, Meknes and Skhirat-Temara.
According to him, the stake is to "help the Moroccan authorities to respect the rule of law, encourage taking responsibility for past abuses and allegations of torture and ill-treatment, fulfill the right to compensation of victims of torture and ill-treatment, and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions under international law."
During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with representatives of the authorities, the judiciary, civil society, the National human rights institution, United Nations agencies, as well as victims.
Mendez will present his preliminary observations and recommendations at a press conference on September 22 before a final report the Human Rights Council next year.(SPS)
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