CAT
UNITED
NATIONS
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
Distr.
GENERAL
CAT/C/CR/34/FIN
21 June 2005
Original: ENGLISH
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Thirty-fourth session
2-20 May 2005
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION
Conclusions and recommendations of the Committee against Torture
FINLAND
1.
The Committee considered the fourth periodic report of Finland (CAT/C/67/Add.1) at
its 647th and 650th meetings (CAT/C/SR.647 and 650), held on 9 and 10 May 2005, and
adopted, at its 661st meeting (CAT/C/SR.661), the following conclusions and recommendations.
A. Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the fourth periodic report of Finland, which was prepared in
accordance with the Committee’s guidelines and submitted on time. The Committee appreciates
the constructive dialogue with the delegation and commends the comprehensive written
responses provided to the list of issues, as well as the detailed responses provided to the
members’ oral questions.
B. Positive aspects
3.
Amongst the many positive developments, the Committee notes in particular:
(a)
The inclusion of a prohibition of torture and other treatment violating human
dignity in section 7 of the new Constitution of Finland;
(b)
Oral assurances by the representatives of the State party that the Government
would consider the issue of the inclusion of a definition of torture in accordance with article 1 of
the Convention in the Penal Code bearing in mind the concerns of the Committee;
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