Torture

The Advisory Council of Jurists (ACJ) met at the 10th Annual Meeting (2005) to consider a reference on torture. The reference also asked the ACJ to develop a set of minimum standards for interrogation.

The Background Paper to this reference included responses to a Questionnaire provided by APF members, which presented information about issues of concern in each country.

The Final Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the international law, standards and principles that relate to torture. It also contains detailed information about State laws relating to torture, which are assessed against international human rights standards.

The report makes a series of recommendations, including the vital importance of APF member countries ratifying all relevant treaties regarding torture, enacting or amending relevant domestic laws, ensuring allegations of torture are independently investigated, allowing detention facilities to be regularly inspected, and providing education and training for all relevant sectors.

The proposed Minimum Interrogation Standards developed by the ACJ provide an important contribution to the effective prohibition on torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment in the region.