34.The State party should:

(a)Ensure the right to a fair trial without undue delay, in accordance with article 14 of the Covenant and the Committee’s general comment No. 32 (2007);

(b)Ensure that all detainees including juveniles have unhindered, prompt and adequate access to a lawyer of their choice or free legal aid from the outset of the detention; and guarantee the confidentiality of the communications between the counsel and the accused; and

(c) Take immediate steps to protect the full independence and impartiality of the judiciary; guarantee that it is free to operate without interference; and ensure transparent and impartial processes for appointments to the judiciary and security of tenure.

Juvenile Justice

35.The Committee is concerned about reports that allege: a) application of sanctions against juvenile offenders without allowing them to benefit from the presumption of innocence and without their guilt being proven beyond reasonable doubt; b) the placement of juveniles in temporary isolation rooms as a form of disciplinary sanction or for diagnostic purposes upon their arrival to correctional facilities; and c) pre-trial detention of juveniles which exceeds three months. (articles 9, 10, 14 and 24).

36.The State party should review its laws and practices relating to the juvenile justice system with a view to bringing them in conformity with its obligations under articles 9, 10, 14 and 24 of the Covenant.