CAT
UNITED
NATIONS
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
Distr.
GENERAL
CAT/C/CR/34/CHE
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
SWITZERLAND
1.
The Committee considered the fourth periodic report of Switzerland (CAT/C/55/Add.9)
at its 645th and 648th meetings, held on 6 and 9 May 2005 (CAT/C/SR.645 and 648), 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 Switzerland, which was prepared
in accordance with the Committee’s guidelines. It notes, however, that the report was submitted
with a two-year delay. 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
meticulous responses provided to all oral questions posed.
B. Positive aspects
3.
The Committee notes the following positive aspects:
(a)
The ban, proposed by the draft federal law regulating the use of force by police
during deportations and during the transport of detainees ordered by a federal authority, on all
restraint methods which restrict breathing as well as on the use of irritant or incapacitating
sprays;
(b)
The elaboration of “guidelines relating to forcible deportations by air” (directives
relatives aux rapratriements sous constrainte par voie aérienne), which include a provision that
medication can be forcibly administered exclusively for medical reasons. It also notes that the
Swiss Academy for Medical Sciences (Académie suisse pour les sciences médicales) was
consulted in the process of their elaboration;
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