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