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Treaty

Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Treaty

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

This United Nations Convention was designed to safeguard the human rights of citizens by protecting them from torture. It came into force June 26, 1987 and established the UN Committee Against Torture, which monitors implementation of the Convention in each State. Although the United States ratified the Convention it took a reservation to Article 16, the definition of torture, and instead looks to the 8th Amendment of the US Constitution for legal guidance.

Additional protocol regarding an international inspection system of detention locations went into force on June 22, 2006. Additional related documents are available in the UN Audiovisual Library of International Law on the topic.