In its findings on the initial report of Venezuela, considered in April and May 1999, the Committee welcomed the fact that the Government intended to submit for approval by the legislature a bill to prevent and punish torture and cruel or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in order to give effect to the provisions of the Convention in domestic law. Noted among subjects of concern were reports that a high number of cases of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment had occurred since the Convention’s entry into force; and the failure of the competent organs of the State to fulfil their duty to investigate complaints and punish those responsible, who generally enjoyed impunity. The Committee recommended that, among other things, the State party strengthen legal conditions for the protection of personal security and integrity and for the prevention of practices that violated such security and integrity. It also recommended that Venezuela repeal the rules providing for exemption from criminal responsibility on the grounds that the person concerned was acting in due obedience to a superior.

Estonia is presenting its initial report, and thus the Committee has not previously offered any conclusions and recommendations on the situation in the country.