Guide to the UN Convention against torture in South Africa

Abstract

This publication is a guide to the UN Convention against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) for the South African context. The guide is furthermore aimed at civil society organisations and those interested in human rights. Such a guide is necessary in order to give CAT meaning and significance in the local context. It is not only a guide, but also a reflection on the growing body of work done by stakeholders in South Africa over the past five years in preventing and combating torture. This publication aims to provide guidance on how the CAT can be used as a resource in South Africa to eradicate torture and ill-treatment. To achieve this objective, three stakeholders need to cooperate with this common purpose in mind. These are government, the national human rights institutions (NHRI) and civil society organisations.