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; GE.05-42513 (E) 240605

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