OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE (OPCAT)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON PREVENTION OF TORTURE

Introduction

What is the SPT?

The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (“SPT”) is a new kind of treaty body in the United Nations human rights system. It has a preventive mandate focused on an innovative, sustained and proactive approach to the prevention of torture and ill treatment. The SPT started its work in February 2007.

More about the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture…

Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

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See the map on ratifications (PDF) of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

HTMLCountry4 Upcoming Events 45th SPT session (from 8 to 12 November 2021)	HTMLCountry5 Recent Events and Developments Protocol for national preventive mechanisms undertaking on-site visits during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (CAT/OP/11) English \| French \| Spanish Follow-up to the first advice of the Subcommittee to States parties and national preventive mechanisms relating to COVID-19 pandemic (CAT/OP/12) English \| French Bangkok Rules anniversary / Invitation to co-sign statement English \| French \| Spanish \| Portuguese 44th SPT online session (from 14 to 18 June 2021) Chairperson's statement to the 75th GA session: 15 October 2020 European and UN anti-torture bodies emphasise the absolute nature of the prohibition of torture and other forms of ill-treatment English \| Français
HTMLCountry6 Latest News Afghanistan: Authorities must prohibit torture in any circumstances - UN torture prevention body 2 September 2021 UN torture prevention body calls for vaccination programmes for people deprived of liberty 30 June 2021 Governments must protect those who help torture victims, say human rights experts 24 June 2021 Governments must do more to prevent slavery and exploitation during COVID-19 pandemic 30 November 2020 UN torture prevention body: COVID-19 shows need to strengthen national preventive mechanisms 2 July 2020	HTMLCountry7 Ratifications Recent Signatures and Ratifications Status of ratification by treaty and by country Declarations and reservations World Maps on Ratifications