Norway signs Optional Protocol to UN Convention against Torture

Today Foreign Minister Jan Petersen is signing the Optional Protocol of 18 December 2002 to the UN Convention against Torture.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited and constitute a serious violation of human rights. The UN Convention against Torture obliges each State Party to take effective measures to prevent such acts, but in spite of this, torture continues to be a widespread phenomenon that causes untold suffering.

The Optional Protocol establishes a system of regular visits to be undertaken by independent international and national bodies to places where people are deprived of their liberty. In this connection a Subcommittee of the UN Committee against Torture is to be established. In addition, each State Party is to set up, designate or maintain one or more visiting bodies at the domestic level.

"I am convinced that the Optional Protocol will help to prevent torture in all parts of the world, and call upon other states to consider signing the Protocol as soon as possible," says the Foreign Minister.

The Optional Protocol was opened for signature on 4 February this year, and as of 19 September had been signed by seven countries. The Protocol will enter into force after having been ratified or acceded to by 20 states.