Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)

Statement

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Minister for Prisons and Probation (Sam Gyimah) has made the following Written Statement.

"The Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), which the UK ratified in December 2003, requires States Parties to establish a “National Preventive Mechanism” (NPM) to carry out visits to places of detention in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The Government established the UK NPM in March 2009 (Hansard 31 March 2009, Vol. 490, Part No. 57, Column 56WS).

I am informing the House that the following is formally designated as an additional member of the UK NPM:

The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (IRTL)"