Kaleidoscope
Abstract
The European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (`the Convention') adds a new approach to the promotion and protection of human rights.2 According to Article 1 of the Convention, a European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (`the Committee') shall be established in order to examine, by means of visits, the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty with a view to strengthening, if necessary, their protection from torture and from inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The Convention was opened for signature to Member States of the Council of Europe on 26 November 1987.3 It entered into force on 1 February 1989 upon the ratification of 7 states. As of January 1991, 20 Member States of the Council of Europe had ratified the Convention.4 The Committee started to operate in November 1989. It adopted its Rules of Procedure on 16 November 1989.5 The first list of states to be visited in 1990, established by the Committee by drawing lots, includes Austria, Denmark, Spain, Malta and the United Kingdom. The first country to receive `a periodic visit'6 by the Committee was Austria.