CAT/C/BGR/CO/4-5
United Nations
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
Distr.: General
14 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
Bulgaria
1.
The Committee against Torture considered the combined fourth and fifth periodic
reports of Bulgaria (CAT/C/BGR/4-5) at its 1032nd and 1035th meetings, on 9 and 10
November 2011, (CAT/C/SR.1032 and 1035), and adopted concluding observations at its
1054th meeting (CAT/C/SR.1054) on 24 November 2011.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the submission of the fourth and fifth combined periodic
reports of Bulgaria, submitted in accordance with its reporting guidelines, regrettably two
years late, and the replies to the list of issues (CAT/C/BGR/Q/4-5).
3.
The Committee appreciated the open and constructive dialogue with the State
party’s high-level diverse delegation and thanks the delegation for its clear, frank and
detailed answers to the questions raised by Committee members.
B.
Positive aspects
4.
The Committee welcomes that since the consideration of the third periodic report,
the State party has ratified or acceded to the following international instruments:
(a)
Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, in 2011; and
(b)
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, in 2006.
5.
The Committee welcomes the signing of the bilateral agreement on cooperation
concluded in June 2010 between Bulgaria and Greece to combat organized crime, including
smuggling, human trafficking and drugs.
GE.11- 47788