Combating Torture in Europe

Book excerpt: Set up in 1989, specialist members of the Committee, including doctors and lawyers, have visited places of detention, prison and psychiatric hospitals throughout Europe to monitor the living conditions of those being detained. Following these visits, the committee has published reports suggesting improvements and laying down standards. This book provides a clear and comprehensive insight into the work carried out by one of the Council of Europe's highly influential non-judicial committees. Issues discussed include: the framework of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and the mandate of the Committee; the key terms used and the safeguards the Committee has recommended to be adopted by states; the impact of the Committee's work and possible options for the future. The book also contains the text of the Convention, the Protocols, and explanatory notes.