CAT/C/SVK/CO/2
United Nations
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
Distr.: General
17 December 2009
Original: English
Committee against Torture
Forty-third session
Geneva, 2–20 November 2009
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under
article 19 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
Slovakia
1.
The Committee against Torture considered the second periodic report of Slovakia
(CAT/C/SVK/2) at its 899th and 901st meetings (CAT/C/SR.899 and 901) held on 3 and 4
November 2009, and adopted, at its 916th meeting (CAT/C/SR.916), held on 16 November
2009, the concluding observations as set out below.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of Slovakia,
which covered the period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2006 and was in
compliance with the reporting guidelines, as well as the replies to the list of issues
(CAT/C/SVK/Q/2/Add.1), which provided additional information on the measures taken by
the State party to implement the Convention. The Committee also notes with satisfaction
the constructive dialogue held with the high-level delegation of the State party.
B.
Positive aspects
3.
The Committee notes with appreciation:
(a)
That international treaties take precedence over the laws of Slovakia;
(b)
The ratification of the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of
the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, in 2004, and on
the involvement of children in armed conflict, in 2006;
(c)
The ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, on
11 April 2002;
(d)
The reviews of legislation aimed at improving the fulfilment of the State
party’s commitments under the Convention, such as the new Criminal Code No. 300/2005,
GE.09-46819 (E)
221209