Mr President,
Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to Secretary of State Pedro Lourtie and Secretary of State José Conde Rodrigues for taking an active part in our dialogue today. We welcome the information of new measures that have been taken by the government since the submission of the national report. Sweden would like to comment on two issues:
First, We share the concern, expressed by The Committee Against Torture about the conditions in Portuguese prisons. We appreciate that this issue, which we had also submitted in advance, was addressed in the presentation, and welcome the delegation’s assurance that more prisons will be built.
Regarding the government’s efforts to improve prison conditions, Sweden would recommend (1) to provide better health provisions in prisons, and (2) to continue and strengthen the efforts of the government to ensure that law enforcement officials and prison guards do not use excessive force or mistreat inmates, by conducting thorough investigations into all such allegations, and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Secondly, we welcome that the presentation outlined measures the government have taken concerning violence against women and children. The CEDAW Committee has expressed concern about the high number of deaths among women due to such violence. Also, the CRC Committee has stated that corporal punishment continues to be practiced within the family.
We welcome the information on new legislation in this regard and recommend (3) to strengthen the efforts to ensure that the laws prohibiting violence against women and children are enforced. Sweden also recommends (4) to facilitate prosecution of domestic violence and to implement improved measures for protection of victims.
Thank you, Mr President