sufficient account of the fact that this is an unconditional requirement of the Covenant. It is the
Committee’s opinion that, as is clear from the text of the Covenant, deviation from States parties’
obligations under subparagraph 2 (b) cannot be justified by any consideration whatsoever.
3.
In a number of cases, the information appearing in reports with respect to paragraph 3 of
the article has contained no concrete mention either of legislative or administrative measures or of
practical steps to promote the reformation and social rehabilitation of prisoners, by, for example,
education, vocational training and useful work. Allowing visits, in particular by family members, is
normally also such a measure which is required for reasons of humanity. There are also similar
lacunae in the reports of certain States with respect to information concerning juvenile offenders,
who must be segregated from adults and given treatment appropriate to their age and legal status.
4.
The Committee further notes that the principles of humane treatment and respect for
human dignity set out in paragraph 1 are the basis for the more specific and limited obligations of
States in the field of criminal justice set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of article 10. The segregation of
accused persons from convicted ones is required in order to emphasize their status as unconvicted
persons who are at the same time protected by the presumption of innocence stated in article 14,
paragraph 2. The aim of these provisions is to protect the groups mentioned, and the requirements
contained therein should be seen in that light. Thus, for example, the segregation and treatment of
juvenile offenders should be provided for in such a way that it promotes their reformation and social
rehabilitation.
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