UNITED NATIONS CAT Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Distr. GENERAL CAT/C/PHL/CO/2 29 May 2009 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE Forty-second session Geneva, 27 April-15 May 2009 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture THE PHILIPPINES 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of the Philippines (CAT/C/PHL/2) at its 868th and 871st meetings (CAT/C/SR.868 and 871), held on 28 and 29 April 2009, and adopted, at its 887th and 888th meetings (CAT/C/SR.887 and 888), the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of the Philippines, which, while generally following the Committee’s guidelines for reporting, lacks statistical information and practical information on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and relevant domestic legislation. The Committee regrets that the report was submitted 16 years late. 3. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the extensive written responses to its list of issues (CAT/C/PHL/Q/2/Add.1), which provided important additional information. The Committee also appreciates the comprehensive and fruitful dialogue conducted with the highlevel delegation and the additional oral information provided by representatives of the State party during the consideration of the report. B. Positive aspects 4. The Committee welcomes that in the period since the consideration of the latest periodic report, the State party has ratified or acceded to the following international instruments: (a) GE.09-42720 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in 2008;

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