CAT/C/BLR/CO/4 United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Distr.: General 7 December 2011 Original: English Committee against Torture Forty-seventh session 31 October–25 November 2011 Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the Convention Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture Belarus 1. The Committee against Torture considered the fourth periodic report of Belarus (CAT/C/BLR/4) at its 1036th and 1039th meetings, held on 11 and 14 November 2011 (CAT/C/SR.1036 and 1039), and adopted the following concluding observations at its 1053rd meeting (CAT/C/SR.1053). A. Introduction 2. While welcoming the submission of the fourth report of Belarus, the Committee regrets that it was submitted nine years late, which prevented the Committee from conducting an analysis of the implementation of the Convention in the State party following its last review in 2000. 3. The Committee regrets that no representatives of the State party could come from the capital to meet with the members of the Committee during the current session; however, it notes with appreciation the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue covering many areas under the Convention. B. Positive aspects 4. The Committee welcomes the fact that the State party has ratified or acceded to the following international instruments: (a) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (3 February 2004); and (b) Two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (23 January 2002 and 25 January 2006). 5. The Committee notes the ongoing efforts by the State party to reform its legislation, policies and procedures in areas of relevance to the Convention, including: GE.11-47577

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