United Nations Convention Against Torture

United Nations Convention Against Torture
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  states parties
  states that have signed, but not ratified
  states that have not signed
TypeHuman rights convention
Drafted10 December 1984[1]
Signed4 February 1985[2]
LocationNew York
Effective26 June 1987[1]
Condition20 ratifications[3]
Signatories83[1]
Parties174[1]
DepositaryUN Secretary-General[4]
LanguagesArabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish[5]
Full text
Convention against Torture at Wikisource

The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (commonly known as the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)) is an international human rights treaty under the review of the United Nations that aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world.

The Convention requires member states to take effective measures to prevent torture in any territory under their jurisdiction, and forbids member states to transport people to any country where there is reason to believe they will be tortured.

The text of the convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1984[1] and, following ratification by the 20th state party,[3] it came into force on 26 June 1987.[1] 26 June is now recognized as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, in honor of the convention. Since the convention's entry was enforced, the absolute prohibition against torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment has become accepted as a principle of customary international law.[6] As of April 2024, the convention has 174 state parties.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g United Nations Treaty Collection: Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Retrieved on 26 June 2018.
  2. ^ General Assembly resolution 40/128 (13 December 1985), Status of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, A/RES/40/128, under 2.
  3. ^ a b Convention Against Torture Archived 9 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Article 27. Retrieved on 30 December 2008.
  4. ^ Convention Against Torture Archived 9 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Article 25. Retrieved on 30 December 2008.
  5. ^ Convention Against Torture Archived 9 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Article 33. Retrieved on 30 December 2008.
  6. ^ "CAT General Comment No. 2: Implementation of Article 2 by States Parties" (PDF). Committee Against Torture. 23 November 2007. p. 2. Retrieved 16 June 2008.