UN Convention Against Torture and other Forms of Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)

The UK ratified CAT in 1988 and so agreed to take all necessary steps to prohibit torture and all forms of cruel or inhumane treatment, in all settings.  This includes a prohibition against torture and ill-treatment both at home and overseas, and in settings such as prisons and detention centres, in policing and the criminal justice system, in health facilities, schools and care settings.  The ill-treatment of children, such as the use of isolation and seclusion, unnecessary restraint, and use of tasers are all prohibited by CAT.

In 2019, CRAE and 80 other civil society organisations submitted evidence to the UN Committee Against Torture, highlighting wide-ranging failures by the UK government to prevent torture and ill-treatment and meet its obligations under CAT.