The Committee Against Torture (CAT) is composed of 10 independent experts who are elected for a term of four years. It monitors the implementation of the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
Members serve in their personal capacity and may be re-elected if nominated. The Committee Against Torture normally convenes twice year for sessions of three weeks' duration, normally in May and November in Geneva.
Definition of torture in the CAT
Schematic state report procedure
The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 39/46 of 10 December 1984.
Entry into force: 26 June 1987, in accordance with Article 27, paragraph 1.
Link: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cat.htm
Optional Protocol to the
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Adopted on 18 December 2002 at the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly of the United Nations by Resolution A/RES/57/199.
Entry into force: 22 June 2006, in accordance with Article 28, paragraph 1.
Link: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cat-one.htm
The Optional Protocol allows in-country inspections of places of detention to be undertaken in collaboration with national institutions. As of 26 January 2010, the following African States have ratified the Optional Protocol:
Last change: 27.01.10 - 12:24