Prevention of Torture
| Name of Organization | |
|---|---|
| Geographical Scope | |
| Purpose |
The European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment established the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) with the purpose of examine, by means of visits, "the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty with a view to strengthening, if necessary, the protection of such persons from torture and from inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." (Article 1 of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment).
The CPT visits places of detention (e.g. prisons and juvenile detention centres, police stations, holding centres for immigration detainees and psychiatric hospitals), to see how persons deprived of their liberty are treated and, if necessary, to recommend improvements to States. The CPT is not a judicial body; however, it has developed a set of standards which it employs during visits to help it to assess existing practices and to encourage States to meet its criteria. |
| Website of initiative | |
| Publications | |
| Cost (specify currency) |
approx. 4 000 000 EUR / year
|
| Funding sources |
Council of Europe Members States
|
| Source of Data |
Own source of data
|
| Type of Data Collection |
Aggregation of multiple indicators using various d... In depth interviews
|
| specifications of type of data collection |
CPT delegations visit Contracting States periodically but may organise additional "ad hoc" visits if necessary (to prisons, police stations etc.). CPT delegations have unlimited access to places of detention and the right to move inside such places without restriction. They interview persons deprived of their liberty in private and communicate freely with anyone who can provide information. |
| Measurement Methods / Tools Generated or Used |
After each visit, the CPT draws up a report setting out its findings and the recommendations which it considers necessary to improve the situation of persons deprived of their liberty. This confidential report is sent to the State concerned. The report includes a request for a written response from the State, setting out measures taken to implement the recommendations made, reactions to comments made and replies to requests for information. This report is the starting point for an ongoing dialogue with the State concerned. |
| List of Indicators |
Over its years of activity in the field, the CPT has developed standards relating to the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. These standards have been published in the brochure "The CPT standards". |
| Main Outcomes (Products) |
|
| Main Users |
Policy makers
|