A- Institutional and legal frameworks The Government and Parliament of Congo pay particular attention to the respect of human rights. In addition to the National Human Rights Commission, there is a Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. A General Directorate for Human Rights and Fundamental freedoms was established within the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. It is an advisory body for the Government in the area of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms. Thus the Ministry has been able to carry out the following activities: 1. A seminar on HIV/AIDS and human rights, in partnership with UNDP; 2. Updating the register of NGOs and Associations involved in the promotion of human rights; 3. Establishment of a network of trainers in the area of human rights in partnership with the UNDP; 4. Monitoring and implementation of the Justice and Human Rights Project. In the same vein, from the 25th to 28th April, 2003, the first conference of Government Institutions responsible for human rights in the Francophone zone was held at the ‘Brazzaville Palais du Parlement’, under the patronage of the President of the Republic. The organisation of Congolese Institutions provides for a bicameral Parliament: a National Assembly and a Senate, which pass laws and also deal with national human rights policies. There is also provision for monitoring mechanisms i.e. tribunals and courts, on the one hand, and the Constitutional Court, on the other. To ensure the promotion of fundamental liberties, legal institutions provide equal access to justice for all Congolese citizens. The State provides legal aid for the poorest. Furthermore, there is a High Court in each county seat, as well as four Appeal Courts and a Supreme Court Congo has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to human rights in the area of prisons by ratifying the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Punishment of Treatment on 30th July, 2003. With regard to Prisons, respect for human rights presupposes that prison conditions are improved and that there is provision for the reintegration of delinquents. To the extent possible, prisons staff (social workers, reintegration and probation officers etc.) try to make prison conditions more dignified for delinquents and more bearable. Recreational and leisure activities are organised (sports, walks, etc) meals, medical care, visits to family members, and permission for outings, etc. 11