Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture
The Midwest Coalition for Human Rights is engaged in a campaign pressuring the United States to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). A U.S. commitment to OPCAT could provide protection to detained individuals in the following ways:
- The Optional Protocol created a Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to conduct country visits to assess the situation of detainees in each state that is party to the Protocol. This committee has access to all detainees and places detainees are housed. The Committee then writes a confidential report based on their findings to be shared with the state party.
- The Optional Protocol also calls for National Preventative Mechanisms, government mechanisms within state parties whose specific mandate is to monitor the treatment of detainees. These mechanisms also have access to all detainees and places of detainment.
- The Optional Protocol provides independent oversight regarding the treatment of detainees and is an essential tool in ensuring the elimination of torture in the United States and throughout the world.
Status of Country Signatories and Ratification of OPCAT
OPCAT entered into force on June 22, 2006 and currently has 67 signatories and 57 state parties. This is a list of those nations, including the date they and/or ratified OPCAT, along with declarations and reservations.
Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture
The Subcommittee and has the ability to visit any and all detention facilities in nations party to OPCAT to assess the treatment of detainee. Subsequent to visiting detention facilities, the Subcommittee makes recommendations to the government on how to improve detention conditions and practices. The Subcommittee began its work in 2007 and is made up of 10 impartial experts from various nations.
More information about the Subcommittee
Existing National Preventative Mechanisms
Many nations party to OPCAT have functioning National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM) that monitor the situation of detainees within their borders.
NRCAT Factsheet on OPCAT
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) provides a one-page, compreshensive document describing why it is important that the U.S. sign and ratify OPCAT.
Background on OPCAT
This document provided by NRCAT provides information on the background and relevance of OPCAT. It additionally describes the process for U.S. ratification of OPCAT.
NRCAT: Advocating for U.S Policies and Practices that Help End Torture by Other Governments
This document describes how U.S polices regarding torture impact the policies of other nations. It also documents engagement in torture by foreign parties, discusses torture in U.S law, and gives accounts of international efforts to end torture.
Just Detention International Factsheet on OPCAT
Just Detention International: Rape is not part of the Penalty is advocating for the ratification of OPCAT. In this Factsheet, JDI describes and provides background on OPCAT.
Human Rights Watch Report on OPCAT
This Human Rights Watch report provides background on OPCAT and highlights key points.
Stay tuned for further resources and opportunities to get involved in the OPCAT campaign
