Overview

The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) is a multilateral human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly on December 10, 1984 and entering into force on June 26, 1987. It declares an absolute prohibition on torture and requires states parties to prevent, investigate and punish acts of torture carried out by or with the acquiescence of state agents. For the full text and authoritative materials see the treaty collection treaty text and related documents compilations.

Key provisions and obligations

CAT establishes several core obligations for states parties: to criminalize torture in domestic law, to investigate credible allegations, to prosecute or extradite perpetrators, and to provide redress and rehabilitation to victims. The Convention also affirms non-refoulement in cases where there are substantial grounds for believing a person would face torture if returned to another state. States are required to submit regular reports to the monitoring body, the Committee Against Torture, which reviews implementation and issues recommendations (Committee information).

Characteristics and scope

Torture is defined by CAT as the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering by or at the instigation of public officials for purposes such as obtaining information, punishment or intimidation. The prohibition is non-derogable — it applies in times of emergency, armed conflict or public crisis. The Convention covers both physical and mental suffering and applies to all individuals under a state's jurisdiction. For interpretive guidance and general comments see interpretive resources and relevant jurisprudence case studies.

History, adoption and ratification

CAT was negotiated as part of the post-World War II human rights framework and complements other instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The General Assembly adopted the Convention on December 10, 1984. By April 2022, 173 states had ratified the Convention; ratification obliges states to align domestic law and practice with CAT's provisions. Historical notes and accession information are available through official treaty records accession records and chronological summaries timeline resources.

Monitoring, enforcement and the Optional Protocol

The principal supervisory body under the Convention is the Committee Against Torture, which examines state reports and receives individual communications where a state has accepted that procedure. An Optional Protocol to CAT (OPCAT) establishes a system of regular visits by independent international and national bodies to places of detention to prevent torture. As of April 2022, 91 states had ratified the Optional Protocol. For procedures and country reports consult reporting procedures and the Optional Protocol materials OPCAT resources.

CAT is central to international efforts to eradicate torture and provides a legal basis for accountability and reform. Implementation challenges persist, including gaps in domestic legislation, limited investigation capacity, impunity, and difficulties ensuring effective remedies and rehabilitation. CAT interacts with regional human rights systems and other treaties; further guidance and technical assistance are available from specialized agencies and NGOs technical assistance. For training materials and prevention strategies see training resources and practical tools prevention tools.

  • Adoption: 10 December 1984.
  • Entry into force: 26 June 1987.
  • Supervisory body: Committee Against Torture.
  • Optional Protocol: establishes inspection and prevention mechanisms.