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119. The Complainants have also adequately demonstrated that the Victim's health,
given his medical history and incommunicado detention, is a risk of rapid
deterioration, if he does not receive adequate medical attention from qualified
doctors. The medical attention required by the Victim, is specialized and in scarce
supply, in the Respondent State.
120. The Commission notes that the Complainants' allegations about the victim
condition of detention are confirmed by the First Report of the UN Commission of
Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea which describe,$1,th,e conditions of detention in
the Respondent State prison as
extremely harsh, and the lack of access to sufficient food, water and medical care while
in detention is found to debilitate prisoners and to lead to short- and long- term health
complications, and sometimes death. The practice of keeping detainees in
incommunicado detention and/or in isolation with total disregard for international
standards is widespread. The mental and physical health of prisonrrs is thus unduly
and unnecessarily affected.54
121. The Commission considers that the conditions of the victim's detention, as
described by the complainants and confirmed by the UN above-mentioned
report, and the impossibility of pursuing appropriate treatment abroad, are
likely to lead to a serious deterioration of the victim's state of health and,
therefore, jeopardise his life.
122. The Commission therefore finds based on the above, that there is a violation of
Articles 4 and 16(1)of the African Charter.
On the allegation of torture, cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment
123.
Article 5 of the African Charter provides that:
Every individual shall have the right to the respect of the dignih} inherent in a human
being and to the recognition of his legal status. All forms of expLoitation and
degradation of man, particularly sLavery, sLave trade, torture, cru;~ 1'[}~Hl':!,~~or
degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited.
cf lOT fI."".)" v
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First Report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea, A/HR : 2fl;/ 2,4 June 201
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para. 73.
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