Decision of the Committee Against Torture at the United Nations English

The Committee Against Torture is a United Nations body established under the Convention Against Torture in 1984. This committee aims to promote human rights and protect individuals from torture and ill-treatment. Here are some key points about the committee:

Core Functions:

1. Monitoring Compliance: The committee monitors how member states implement the convention, requiring each country to submit periodic reports on their progress in the field of human rights.

2. Individual Complaints: The committee receives complaints from individuals who allege they have been subjected to torture or cruel treatment by their governments.

3. Focus on Torture: The committee specifically investigates complaints related to torture and inhumane treatment.

4. Visit Mechanism: The committee has the right to conduct visits to member states to assess human rights conditions and ensure that torture practices do not exist.

5. Prevention Focus: The committee promotes awareness and education programs to prevent torture and enhance human rights.

Membership: The committee consists of 10 independent experts elected by the member states of the United Nations. These experts must have experience in human rights and law.

State Reports: The committee requires member states to submit periodic reports every four years on how they are implementing the convention. After submitting the report, a session is held to discuss it, allowing committee members to ask questions and make recommendations.

Complaint Procedures: Under the optional protocol, individuals can submit complaints regarding human rights violations, allowing the committee to intervene in specific cases.

Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations: The committee encourages collaboration with local and international human rights organizations to gather information and provide support to victims.

Training and Education: The committee works to promote awareness of human rights through training programs and workshops to assist governments and civil society in fulfilling their obligations.

Public Reports: The committee publishes general reports that include its recommendations and analyses regarding the human rights situation in member states.

For more information about the Committee Against Torture, you can refer to official sources such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights or reports from human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch.