United Nations
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
CAT/C/GTM/CO/5-6
Distr.: General
21 June 2013
English
Original: Spanish
Committee against Torture
Concluding observations on the combined fifth and sixth
periodic reports of Guatemala, adopted by the Committee at
its fiftieth session (6–31 May 2013)
1.
The Committee against Torture considered the combined fifth and sixth periodic
reports of Guatemala (CAT/C/GTM/5-6) at its 1142nd and 1145th meetings
(CAT/C/SR.1142 and SR.1145), held on 13 and 14 May 2013. At its 1161st and 1162nd
meetings (CAT/C/SR.1161 and SR.1162), held on 27 and 28 May 2013, the Committee
adopted the following concluding observations.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee expresses its appreciation for the submission by Guatemala of its
combined fifth and sixth periodic reports in response to the list of issues prior to reporting
(CAT/C/GTM/Q/6). The Committee would like to thank the State party for following the
optional reporting procedure, as this makes for closer cooperation between the State party
and the Committee, and for a more focused consideration of the report and dialogue with
the delegation.
3.
The Committee also appreciates the frank dialogue with the State party’s high-level
delegation, as well as the additional information provided.
B.
Positive aspects
4.
The Committee notes with satisfaction that the State party has ratified or acceded to
the following international instruments since the Committee’s consideration of its fourth
periodic report:
(a)
The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (June 2008);
(b)
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional
Protocol thereto (April 2009);
(c)
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (April 2012).
5.
The Committee welcomes the measures taken by the State party to amend its
legislation on matters related to the Convention, particularly:
(a)
GE.13-44736 (E)
The adoption of the Prisons Act (Legislative Decree No. 33-2006);
280613 010713