Committee against Torture (CAT)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

South Africa is a State Party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Convention makes provision for the establishment of a 10-member Committee, which monitors the implementation of the Convention and examines obligatory treaty reports lodged by States Parties. The members of the Committee are experts nominated by States Parties, but serve in their personal capacity for a term of four years. As a State Party to the Covenant, South Africa is entitled to vote for candidates presented by other States Parties. South Africa currently has no representation on the Committee. South Africa will participate in the CAT elections that will take place in Geneva on 30 November 2005. Voting for five vacancies will take place by secret ballot.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.