The UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) is the key global treaty prohibiting torture and recognising its absolute and non-derogable character.
The full text of the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol are available here in Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
This is an easy-to-read summary of the UN Convention against Torture’s obligations, drafted in bullet point-style to simplify the take-away message of each provision and making them more easily understandable.Â
The summary divides the provisions contained in UNCAT into its three segments:
This tool is for both States parties and non-States-parties to UNCAT, to support domestic efforts to prevent and respond to torture and ill-treatment.
The “UNCAT Explainer” is a guide for States as they take stock ahead of ratification/accession and devise plans for implementing the Convention. The main areas of Conventional responsibility are grouped under 8 practical areas of implementation:Â
The document has been used by non-States-parties in preparing Cabinet submissions or other documentation for ratification or accession to UNCAT. For States parties, it will support implementation plans, policies and strategies, by identifying the main areas where reforms or changes may be needed.
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.Â
Contact us at info@cti.international.