A/HRC/7/10/Add.4
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various problems has been isolated and fragmented, aside from the Zaire situation.
She looks forward to further cooperation from the Government of Angola and
UNICEF. In addition, she emphasizes that further human rights education is
required, together with a strengthening of the criminal justice system and revisions
to the Penal Code, to bring to justice those who abuse children. As regards
accusations of witchcraft she notes that the Angolan Penal Code does not prohibit
defamation, slander and insult of children, whilst it does so in relation to adults
although violence and abandonment are prohibited. The Special Rapporteur
welcomes that the proposed new Penal Code classifies forms of violence against
children as crimes of a public nature, which would allow prosecutors to bring
charges in the face of the passivity of the family. She notes that the absence of
Juvenile Justice Courts is one of the constraints on the functioning of the Protection
Committees.
Closure of mosques and restrictions of other religious communities
53.
The closure of four mosques in January 2006 amounted to an unlawful
interference with the right to freedom of worship. The Special Rapporteur
recommends that the Government takes greater steps to implement the
Constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion or belief which includes ensuring
that all branches of Government understand and respect their obligations to uphold
this particular right as duty bearers. This may be achieved in part by issuing
guidance and instructions to all civil servants and the provision of greater human
rights education.
Persons under any form of detention
54.
There is an urgent need for consular access to detainees being held at Viana
immigration detention centre, as well as access for UNHCR and the International
Organization for Migration. Periods of immigration detention should be reduced
and conditions of detention at Viana improved. The Special Rapporteur recognizes
current Government efforts to construct improved detention facilities.
Relations between the Government and OHCHR
55.
Finally the Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government sign a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights with a view to establish an office with a full mandate of the High
Commissioner, that is promotion and protection of human rights.
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