Convention against Torture

The United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) is an international treaty that mandates an absolute prohibition of torture worldwide and directs for the creation of the Committee Against Torture to monitor the implementation of the treaty globally.

Countries' Obligations

Countries that are parties to the UNCAT must take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture from occurring on their territories. The UNCAT specifies the following measures, among others:

• The prohibition and punishment of all acts of torture through appropriate laws and penalties in domestic criminal law
  
  The full integration of educational information about the prohibition against torture into the training of law enforcement personnel, civil or military, medical personnel, public officials and others who may be involved in the custody, interrogation or treatment of any individual subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment.
  
  The systematic review of interrogation rules, instructions, methods and practices, as well as of arrangements for the custody and treatment of suspects, detainees and prisoners
  
  Guarantees for the prompt and impartial investigation of allegations of torture by competent authorities
  
• The protection of witnesses
  
  The possibility for victims to obtain redress and fair and adequate compensation and rehabilitation

Click here to download UN Convention against Torture