T O O L
CTI/UNCAT Implementation Tool 3/2017
REPORTING TO THE UN
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Reporting to the Committee against Torture (the Committee, or CAT) is a constructive process of dialogue
(Article 19, UNCAT). Through this dialogue the Committee acknowledges positive action to implement the
Convention and offers informed advice on areas where further reforms are recommended. The dialogue and
any resulting recommendations can support efforts by States to review, adjust or confirm their national laws,
policies and practices, or to develop or update national anti-torture strategies and action plans.
The reporting process also gives an opportunity to the State to put its own views on the public record about its
practices and procedures to prevent torture and other ill-treatment and to provide redress to victims.
For the reporting process to have the most practical benefit for States it is best approached as an ongoing
process of implementation, reporting and follow-up, including as an opportunity to consult and engage with
relevant national stakeholders.
THE REPORTING CYCLE
State party prepares
and submits its report
Procedure to follow
up on implementation
of the Committee's
recommentations
Opportunity for
input from civil
society, National HR
institutions and UN
system
The Commitee
presents list of issues
to the State party
01
REPORT
02
06
LIST OF
ISSUES
FOLLOW-UP
05
The Committee
issues its concluding
observations on the
report, including
recommendations
03
CONCLUDING
OBSERVATIONS
WRITTEN
REPLIES
DIALOGUE
04
Opportunity for input from civil
society, National HR institutions
and UN system
State Party submits
written replies
to list of issues
Constructive dialogue between
the Committee and State party
delegation during session of
the Committee
Opportunity for input from civil
society, National HR institutions
and UN system
The CTI ‘UNCAT Implementation Tools’ are a series of practical tools designed to share good practices among States on the
implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).
They offer thematic guidance and ideas for State practitioners and policy-makers as they develop or revise context-specific strategies,
mechanisms and procedures to prevent torture and other forms of ill-treatment or punishment, and provide remedies for victims.
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