In this briefing Amnesty International expresses its concern regarding the continued practice of torture and other ill-treatment which is occurring in official places of detention. Unfair prosecutions of children under the age of 18 under anti-terrorism legislation highlight weaknesses in the protection of the rights of children. The continued failure to conduct prompt, impartial and effective investigations into alleged human rights violations by law enforcement officials means that strengthened laws against torture and other treatment still do not represent an effective deterrent.