Events

MINSK, 2 May (BelTA) – A Belarusian delegation led by Yuri Ambrazevich, Permanent Representative of Belarus in Geneva, took part in the dialogue with the Committee against Torture on 27-30 April 2018, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion was based on the fifth periodic report of Belarus on implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. When presenting the report, the head of the Belarusian delegation noted that the fundamental law of the county – the Constitution – guarantees freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The protection against torture is ensured by administrative and judiciary authorities in accordance with the national legislation. The committee was updated about the amendments to the national legislation introduced since the previous dialogue to strengthen the measures against torture and cruel treatment. Yuri Ambrazevich underlined that Belarus believes that the dialogue with the Committee against Torture is an important mechanism for identifying priorities in the work on the human rights issues in the country.

The Belarusian delegation included representatives of the Interior Ministry, the Healthcare Ministry, the National Center of Legislation and Legal Research. The committee and the delegation had a detailed discussion of the specific matters regarding the fulfillment of the convention.

The UN Committee against Torture was established in accordance with the The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and is composed of 10 experts from different regions of the world. The main function of the committee is to consider periodic reports of states parties on the legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures to implement its provisions. Following the discussions with the state party, the committee submits its recommendations for further work on the implementation of the convention.