UNITED
NATIONS
CAT
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
Distr.
GENERAL
CAT/C/CHN/CO/4
12 December 2008
Original: ENGLISH
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Forty-first session
Geneva, 3-21 November 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
CHINA
1.
The Committee considered the fourth periodic report of China (CAT/C/CHN/4) at its
844th and 846th meetings, held on 7 and 10 November 2008 (CAT/C/SR.844 and846), and
adopted, at its 864th meeting, on 21 November 2008 (CAT/C/SR.864), the concluding
observations as set out below.
A. Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the fourth periodic report of China, which, while generally
following the Committee’s guidelines for reporting, lacks adequate statistical data and practical
information on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention.
3.
The Committee notes with appreciation the extensive written response provided to the list
of issues (CAT/C/CHN/Q/4). The Committee also appreciates the size and diverse expertise of
the State party delegation, the comprehensive detailed responses to many oral questions and the
additional information provided by representatives of the State party to questions raised during
the consideration of the report.
B. Positive aspects
4.
The Committee welcomes the ongoing reform of the State party’s legal framework with
the adoption of the following acts:
(a)
GE.08-45710
The 2001 Marriage Law explicitly prohibiting domestic violence;