The prevention of torture and other cruel inhuman

The prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment Seoul, 14. 11. 06

1. Prevention? 2. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment?

Prevention ? 1. Protecting and reinforcing international standards and mechanisms 2. Promoting visits to places of detention 3. Empowering national actors

Protecting and reinforcing international standards and mechanisms n n n A constant vigilance Reiterating the absolute nature of the prohibition of torture and other forms of ill-treatment Improving the implementation of existing norms Monitoring international and regional mechanisms Assisting national NGOs Towards a better implementation of the recommendations

Promoting visits to places of detention : basic principles n n n Cooperative approach Regular and unannouced visits to places of deprivation of liberty Deterrent effect – – Preventive function Direct protection Documentation Basis for dialogue with the detaining authorities

Promoting visits to places of detention : various actors n n n n International Committee of the Red Cross European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) National NGOs National Human Rights Institutions Lay visiting mechanisms Ombudspersons Parliamentarians

Empowering national actors NGOs n National Human Rights Institutions n Judges and Lawyers n Police officers n Domestic visiting mechanisms n

Torture?

Article 1 UNCAT 1 - Severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental 2 - Purposive element : information, confession, punishment, discrimination… 3 - Public agent directly or indirectly involved

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment? 1. 2. Pain or suffering, whether physical or mental Public agent directly or indirectly involved

Powerlessness Deprivation of personal liberty n Protecting personal integrity and dignity n Conditions of detention n