CAT/C/GBR/CO/5 United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Distr.: General 24 June 2013 Original: English Committee against Torture Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, adopted by the Committee at its fiftieth session (6-31 May 2013) 1. The Committee against Torture considered the fifth periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (CAT/C/GBR/5) at its 1136th and 1139th meetings, held on 7 and 8 May 2013 (CAT/C/SR.1136 and 1139), and adopted at its 1160th and 1161st meeting (CAT/C/SR.1160 and 1161), held on 27 May 2013, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the fifth periodic report of the United Kingdom, which generally followed the reporting guidelines. The Committee appreciated the State party’s detailed written replies to the list of issues (CAT/C/GBR/Q/5/Add.1 and annexes). 3. The Committee appreciates the positive and constructive engagement of the State party’s high-level delegation during the dialogue, as well as its efforts to provide comprehensive responses to the issues raised by Committee members. B. Positive aspects 4. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the State party has ratified the following international human rights instruments: (a) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in 2009; (b) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, in 2009. 5. The Committee welcomes the judicial developments and the State party’s ongoing efforts to revise its legislation in order to give effect to the Committee’s recommendations and to enhance the implementation of the Convention, including: (a) Amendment of the International Criminal Court Act 2001 by section 70 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 which extends the jurisdiction ratione personae and ratione temporis of United Kingdom courts over genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity to United Kingdom residents and to acts committed abroad after 1 January 1991; GE.13-44743

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