Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment (OPCAT)
5 April 2006
The Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading
Treatment of Punishment (CAT) was the first major international instrument
enshrining and elaborating the commitment by states to eliminate torture. The
Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) was adopted by the
General Assembly of United Nations on 9 January 2003.
The primary objective of the OPCAT is to âestablish a system of regular
visits undertaken by independent international and national bodies to places
where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and
other inhuman treatment or punishmentâ.
The South African Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the
Swiss-based Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) will host the
above-mentioned Roundtable Discussion on 25 April 2006. The objectives of the
Roundtable will be to:
* share information on OPCAT among relevant interested stakeholders
* assess the process of ratification by the South Africa government
* examine the implications in South Africa of the OPCAT ratification, and
* consider and reflect on the future implementation of the Protocol in South
Africa.
The South African Human Rights Commission and the Association for the
Prevention of Torture cordially invite you to participate in the seminar
scheduled to place:
Time: 8h30 â 15h30
Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2006
Venue: South African Human Rights Commission Offices, Head Offices,
Johannesburg.
For further information regarding the seminar and to confirm your
attendance, please contact:
Victoria Maloka
Tel: (011) 484 8300
Fax: (011) 484 7149
E-mail: vmaloka@sahrc.org.za
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
5 April 2006
