OPCAT - 10 years of preventing torture
The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture:
What difference has it made?
The Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture - OPCAT - sends a clear message: the risk of torture and other ill-treatment exists in all situations where persons are deprived of their liberty. Therefore, prevention is needed everywhere and at all times.
 
Today, 10 years after the OPCAT entered into force, more than 80 States have agreed to open up their places of detention to independent oversight by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and National Preventive Mechanisms.

In these first 10 years, the global system of preventing torture has led to important changes in law and practices around the world. This year is an opportunity to highlight some of these positive changes and to encourage further efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment. Visit our special website on the OPCAT - 10 years of preventing torture and join the campaign for rights and dignity in detention!
OPCAT - Stories of Change
What difference does the OPCAT make in the lives of those deprived of their liberty? Throughout this year we will share examples of concrete changes to reduce the risk of abuse, as told by National Preventive Mechanisms and others.