UN CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE - EXPLAINER The UNCAT Explainer summarises the main basic obligations of UNCAT. It may be used by non-State-parties in preparing Cabinet submissions or other documentation necessary for taking the decision to ratify or accede to UNCAT. It can be read in conjunction with CTI’s Ratification Tool. For States party to the Convention, this document may be used to support plans for implementing the Convention and identifying areas where reforms or changes may be needed. DEFINITION OF TORTURE The definition in Article 1.1 of UNCAT contains 4 elements for an act to constitute “torture”: • Severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental; • Intentionally inflicted; • For a particular purpose (for example, obtaining information or a confession, punishment, intimidation or coercion, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind); • Inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity The term “torture” does not include any pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions. This UNCAT definition of torture is without prejudice to any international instrument or national legislation which does or may contain provisions of wider application (Article 1.2). prevention cooperation redress on extradition review of procedures UNCAT training reporting punishment prohibition The UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) is the key global treaty guiding States on how to effectively prohibit and prevent such practices, as well as investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators, and provide redress for victims. UNCAT was adopted 10 December 1984 and entered into force on 26 June 1987. The Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) was launched in March 2014 by the Governments of Chile, Denmark, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco. Its aim is to secure the universal ratification and implementation of the UN Convention against Torture by 2024 through constructive engagement and sharing experiences between States. For more information on the CTI, including how to join the CTI Group of Friends, visit www.cti2024.org UN CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE IN BRIEF 1/5 Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

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