The benefits of effective domestic implementation of UNCAT are clear: it underpins fair systems of justice, builds safe and rules-based communities, and reduces allegations of abuses and the consequent financial, reputational and other pressures that work against stable and transparent governance. Through processes of capacity building, consultation and transparency, public trust in institutions and authorities is enhanced.
While these may seem ambitious aims for many under-resourced States, the requirements of implementation are:
because the Convention does not prescribehow its various articles are to be implemented, each State party is free to develop laws, policies, practices and mechanisms that reflect and respond to their own unique national context and character.
the Convention allows for fulfilment of its obligations as an ongoing process, one that may take years to achieve. States are encouraged to be realistic and practical in setting achievable goals.
CTI supports States in turning their commitments under UNCAT into practical, long-lasting reforms.
Effective implementation starts with understanding the political, economic, legal, cultural and social conditions that allow torture and ill-treatment to persist. We work with States to identify these and to put in place preventive mechanisms and safeguards.
States are encouraged to develop national torture prevention strategies (or action plans) with short, medium and long term goals tailored to their specific contexts.Â
These strategies may be standalone or incorporated within broader human rights or national development action plans, such as meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In federal or other decentralised States, strategies may be developed at a federal or sub-national level. At a practical level, torture prevention has been incorporated into operational plans of specific departments or services.
Some of the first steps to be undertaken include:
Read more advice on developing national strategies for UNCAT implementation here.
A national roadmap to prevent torture may include, for each responsible department or agency:
Sectors for review, and to form part of implementation bodies, could include:
States can review and update their laws to align with UNCAT either before or after ratification.
CTI provides tools and technical assistance for this process through:
Learn more about developing anti-torture legislative frameworks here.
While there are costs involved—such as in training, legal reform, and victim compensation—many States find these manageable, especially when incorporated into broader justice or development reforms or budgeted gradually over time. UNCAT membership and implementation also bring long-term benefits like improved security, making the State a more attractive investment and trading partner, which may significantly reduce the overall long-term costs.
Implementing UNCAT helps advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, whose aims are supported by torture prevention strategies aimed at promoting rule of law and access to justice, reducing all forms of violence, tackling corruption and bribery, and developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions.
Likewise, other UN recommendations – such as those received during the Universal Periodic Review or treaty body reviews – can be streamlined with UNCAT implementation strategies with the help of many tools that group related recommendations together. This often significantly reduces the total number of recommendations, giving a clearer strategic picture of where changes may be required.
For more detailed guidance and resources, visit our Resource hub.
CTI’s expert team responds confidentially to governments and national institutions, offering one-to-one technical support on a wide range of issues relevant to the implementation of UNCAT – such as policing and law enforcement, anti-torture legislative and policy review and reform, cabinet paper drafting, and prison reform. We have advised many governments and supported them in taking action on torture prevention and response.
Contact us at info@cti.international.