Engaging with the Committee against Torture supports States in strengthening justice systems, reforming detention conditions, and improving law enforcement practices. The reporting process is an ongoing one, as implementing the Convention can take time. It involves periodic dialogue with the Committee’s independent experts and can include opportunities for States to consult and engage with a wide range of relevant national stakeholders.
As part of the process, States submit a report which is discussed with the Committee over two half day meetings, held either face-to-face in Geneva or virtually. During this oral review the Committee will:
The reporting cycle: Want to learn more? Read our tool on reporting here.
State party prepares and submits its report
The Committee presents list of issues to the State party
Opportunity for input from civil society, National HR institutions and UN system
State Party submits written replies to list of issues
Constructive dialogue between the Committee and State party delegation during session of the Committee
Opportunity for input from civil society, National HR institutions and UN system
The Committee issues its concluding observations on the report, including recommendations
Procedure to follow up on implementation of the Committee's recommendations
Opportunity for input from civil society, National HR institutions and UN system
To assist States parties, the Committee has introduced a shortened procedure for initial reports that are more than 10 years overdue. It transmits to these States a “List of Issues Prior to Reporting” (LOIPR), which is normally only issued for subsequent periodic reports. States then only need to respond to the Committee on those issues instead of preparing a full report.
"The Convention against Torture and the regular reviews by the Committee are useful to States parties in identifying effective measures to prevent torture. Many provisions of the Convention are very specific preventive measures, for instance, the obligation to regularly review the arrangements and procedures for arrest and custody. And the independent experts in the Committee can pinpoint where a particular State party needs to focus."
H.E. Jens Modvig, former Chairperson of the UN Committee against Torture
States may find it useful to establish national bodies or committees to assist in the preparation of reports, track recommendations received and monitor progress on their implementation. These bodies can:
During the reporting and implementing process, States need to consult across government departments and can also benefit from engaging stakeholders such as human rights institutions, national preventive mechanisms (NPMs) and NGOs to help:
The Committee’s “concluding observations” can help State parties inform domestic strategies. It could be helpful for States to:
While resource constraints are a concern, especially for developing States, support is available from partners including other States, OHCHR, UNDP, and civil society, through either financial or technical assistance. Establishing permanent mechanisms like NMRIFs also helps States avoid the burden of creating and resourcing ad hoc bodies or hiring external consultants, thereby lowering long-term costs. Reporting on and implementing international and regional treaties are also best viewed as integral components of government functionality.
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 police and law enforcement, legislative review and reform, policy drafting, prison reform, complaints, investigations and prosecutions, and redress for victims. We have advised many governments and supported them in taking action on torture prevention, eradication and redress.
Contact us at info@cti.international.