UN Human Rights Treaties

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL

Distr.
GENERAL
E/CN.4/1314
19 December 1978
ENGLISH
Original; ' ENGLISH/FRENCH/SPANISH
COMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Thirty-fifth session
Item 10 of the provisional agenda
QUESTION OP TEG HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL PERSONS SUBJECTED TO ANY POM OP DETENTION OR IMPRISONMENT,   IN PARTICULARS TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL,   INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT
OR PUNISHMENT
Summary prepared by the Seorotarg"G-engral in accordande with Commission resolution 18   (XXXIV)
CONTENTS
Paragraph    Pages
Introduction    1 -- 8    2
I.    General  remarks    9-22    2
II.    Comments on  the draft articl as    23 - 118    5
GE-79-10110
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 2
INTRODUCTION
1.    In its resolution 32/62 of 8 December 1977, the General Assembly requested the
Commission on Human Rights to draw up a draft convention against torture and other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in the light of the principles-
embodied in the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to    
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
2.    The Commission examined this question at its thirty-fourth session.  In accordance
with Commission resolution 18 (XXXIV), entitled "Draft convention on torture and other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment", the Secretary-General transmitted
all relevant documents of the thirty-fourth session of the Commission concerning the
draft convention to the Governments of States Members of the United Nations or members
of specialized agencies for their comments and prepared this summary of comments
received for submission to the Commission at its thirty-fifth session.
3.    In the same resolution, the Commission recommended to the Economic and Social Council that it authorize the holding of a meeting of a working group open to all members of the Commission for one week immediately before the thirty-fifth session with the task of providing the Commission with concrete drafting proposals for the text of a draft convention on the basis of the relevant' documents of the thirty-fourth session and any comments received from Governments.
4.    The Economic and Social Council approved this recommendation in its decision 1978/24.
5.    In its resolution 18 (XXXIV), the Commission also decided to accord priority to
the consideration of the item at Its thirty-fifth session.
6.    This report summarizes the comments received, as of 12 December 1978, from the
Governments of the following States: Austria, Barbados, Denmark, Prance, German
Democratic Republic, Jordan, Norway, Portugal, Somalia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America.
7.    As a general rule, references to draft articles relate to the draft convention
proposed by Sweden (E/CN.4/1285; articles numbered in Arabic numerals).  When a
reference is to an article in the draft convention proposed by the International
Association of Penal Law (E/CN.4/NGO/213); articles numbered in Roman numerals), the
fact is expressly mentioned.
8.    In this document, the comments of Governments of States Members of the
United Nations or members of specialized agencies are presented State by State in French alphabetical order.
I.  GENERAL REMARKS
9.    The Governments of Barbados, Spain, Jordan, Portugal, the German Demoeratic Republic
Somalia and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics pointed out, for information
purposes, that their Constitution and/or criminal laws contain provisions prohibiting
and punishing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading acts, 1/
1/    The comments in question are made in these Governments' replies, which the Secretariat has on file and which may be consulted by any member of the Commission wishing to do so.
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 3
10.    Several Governments expressed their support for the idea of drawing up an international convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and for the efforts being made by the Commission on Human Rights in that connexion.  Several Governments expressed an interest in the draft convention proposed by Sweden. .
11.    Austria has emphasized its full support for the relevant efforts of the Commission, expressed its appreciation for the draft convention proposed by Sweden and suggested that this draft be used as a basis for the further work of the Commission in this field, Austria believes that combining essential provisions of the Swedish draft convention with certain elements of the draft of the International Association of Penal Law might constitute a practical method in order to elaborate an effective draft legal instrument.
12.    The Danish Government finds it of paramount importance that the progress and momentum so far achieved within the United Nations to outlaw any use of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment be now followed up by adoption of a legally binding instrument such as an international convention against torture.  It states that the Swedish draft convention forms an excellent basis for further negotiation and, eventually, for adoption of a.  convention on the subject.  On the one hand, the proposed text respects the contents and the formulation of the main principles contained in the Declaration on Torture, such as the actual definition of torture in article 1, and on the other hand the proposed draft convention has been given a form which is suitable for a legally binding instrument, for instance in the specific rules on implementation procedures, articles 16-21.
13.    In recognition of the widespread use of torture, the United States supports the development of a convention which will provide a. firm basis for deterring torture and bringing those responsible to fair trial.  The Convention must be both politically acceptable and legally enforceable.  Towards these ends, the United States believes the Convention should be focused primarily on the prevention and suppression of acts clearly identifiable as torture.  Such a focus is necessary in light of the severe penalties, broad jurisdictional provisions, and definitional difficulties embodied in the Convention, and the need for broad international acceptance.  This focus is not intended to denigrate the fact that acts of cruel, imhuman or degrading treatment or punishment not clearly amounting to torture are serious offences.  The United States notes that previous international conventions have addressed both offences simultaneously, as does the unanimously adopted 1975 General Assembly Declaration.
14.    The United States expresses it appreciation to the Government of Sweden for its initiative, supports the Swedish draft Convention with certain modifications and believes it provides the basis for completion of a legally enforceable convention which will attain broad international acceptance.  The United States hopes all countries will actively participate in the development of this convention so that a draft may be presented to the General Assembly for its consideration very soon.
15.    The United States firmly supports the creation of an obligation to prosecute or extradite as one of the most effective means of deterring torturers.  A large number of international conventions have adopted this concept.  The United States notes, however, that the proposed draft Convention contains a jurisdictional basis, nationality of the victim, not widely accepted in international law.  The United States believes this asserted basis of jurisdiction is unnecessary in light of the other bases for jurisdiction in the Convention,
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 4
16.    Norway is strongly in favour of developing the Doclaration on Torture into an international convention.  On this matter close consultations between the Nordic countries have preceded the elaboration of the draft proposed by Sweden.  Norway considers it an important and urgent task for the Commission on Human Rights to terminate the drafting of an international convention against torture and other cruel inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and the Norwegian Government fully supports the Swedish draft as a basis for the further work of the Commission.
17.    The Portuguese Government notes that, with the exception of articles 8, 11 and 14 (in their entirety),, none of the provisions in the Swedish draft convention contains regulations, principles or doctrines that could be regarded as contrary to the principles of Portuguese public order. 2/
18.    The German Democratic Republic associates itself with the humanist concern of the Swedish draft.  It holds, however, that the tasks, the subject and the objectives of
'the proposed convention should be defined more precisely.   I so doing, account should be taken to a greater extent of the experience gained in codifying and enforcing laws by those States whore, on account of their political and socio-economic conditions, 'torture and other typos of cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are ruled' out.
19.. The Government of Somalia has decided to give its firm support to the draft  convention on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
20.    It is the hope of the Swedish Government that the draft convention it has presented to the Commission will be of assistance to the Commission in its further work.  For its part the Swedish Government is prepared to examine any suggestions for improvements of the Swedish draft which may be presented by other Governments.
21.    Noting that, in violation of the rules of international law which unconditionally prohibit acts of torture under all circumstances, the use of torture is becoming.ncreasingly widespread throughout the world, the Swiss Government thinks it necessary and urgent clearly to reaffirm the duty of States to refrain from such acts and to assume greater obligations with regard to the prevention and punishment of torture. The Swiss Government supports the draft convention proposed by Sweden.
21a. However, in preparing the future convention, every effort must be made to ensure that the provisions adopted do not weaken existing international law.  The Swiss Government is referring in particular to provisions prohibiting acts of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 3/ and, for periods of armed conflict, the four Geneva Conventions for the protection of war victims and their two Additional Protocols of 1977ï In humanitarian terms, these rules represent minimum guarantees that should be protected. -
22.    The Government of the USSR considers that any draft convention should be based on
the Declaration on Torture approved unanimously by the States Members of the
Unaited Nations.  It also thinks it necessary to conduct a careful study of the competence of the State with regard to crimes involving the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, since the legislation of many States excludes the possibility of recognizing the competence of a foreign State in respect of crimes committed within their territory, on grounds related to the nationality of the offender or of the victim.
2/  However, see Portugal's comment on article 8.
3/ See also the reservations of the Spanish Government in connexion with article 18 below.
 
E/CN. 4/1314
page 5
II. COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT ARTICLES Article
1,    For the purpose of the present Convention, torture means any act by which
severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted by
or at the instigation of a public official on a, person for such purposes as obtaining
from him or a third person information or confession, punishing him for an act he has
committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating him or other persons,
It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental
to, lawful sanctions to the extent consistent with the Standard Minimum Rules for
the Treatment of Prisoners.
2.    Torture constitutes an aggravated and deliberate form of "cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment.
Comments
23. Several Governments suggest that the definition, of torture should be modified and that the concept of cruel, inhuman or degrading- treatment or punishment should be clarified.
24.    For Barbados, perhaps the Commission could consider expanding the definition of torture to include the use of more sophisticated weapons such as "truth" drugs where no physical or mental suffering is apparent in the complainant.
25.    Spain considers such clarification to be particularly important since, in paragraph 2, torture is defined as constituting "an aggravated and deliberate form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". In this connexion, it may be argued that the difficulties involved in arriving at a legal definition of these concepts make it advisable to limit the scope of the convention exclusively to tortur which, moreover, according to articles 7 and 8 of the draft, is the main concern of the convention.
26.    In. the view of the Spanish Government, the use of the word "penas" in the first sentence of paragraph 1 of the Spanish text for the definition of torture gives rise to ambiguity, because in Spanish law, "pena" is a legal concept referring to a penalty imposed by the competent bodies as a result of the infringement of a provision of criminal or administrative law.  It is not, therefore, a synonym for "sufrimiento" (suffering).  It is interesting to note that the French text uses the expression "une douleur ou des souffrances" - i.e., "dolor o sufrimientos". Moreover, the English text uses the expression "pain or suffering", the Spanish translation of which is the same.  Accordingly, the word "pena", mentioned twice in the article, should be replaced by the word "dolor".
27.  The modifications proposed by the United States are intended to emphasise that torture is the most extreme form of acts of cruel, inhuman' or degrading treatment or punishment. Unfortunately, it is not possible to draw a sharp line between other, lesser forms of acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and torture.  It may be useful to develop negotiating history which indicates that although conduct resulting in permanent impairment of physical or mental faculties is indicative of torture, it is not an essential element of the offence. On the other hand, the negotiating history should also reflect the requisite intensity and severity inherent in torture.
 
E/CN.4/1314 page 6
23.     The United States suggests that the definition of torture state that the act must he deliberate and malicious.     Inclusion of these terras could replace the listing of purposes presently in the Swedish draft.     Since  this listing is only partial    and' meant  to he  indicative  rather than all-inclusive,   the  United States believes it would be more  appropriate  to include discussion of such purposes in the negotiating history.     Article 1 should read;
"1.     For the  purpose  of the  present  Convention,   the  offence  of torture includes  any act by which extremely severe  pain or suffering,  whether physical or mental,   is deliberately and  maliciously inflicted on a person by or with the  consent or acquiescence  of a public official.
2.       Torture does not include pain or suffering arising only from,   inherent in or incidental to sanctions lawfully imposed;    but does include sanctions imposed under colour of law but in flagrant disregard of accepted international standards."
29.     In this definition,   torture is limited to   conduct by or with the consent or acquiescence of a, public official".     The public1 official concept is retained to broaden acceptance of the Convention by dispelling fears of international criminal law attempting to encroach on traditionally domestic concerns.    When there is no public official involvement of any kind it is highly probable that a torturer will be apprehended and punished under national laws.     In this context,   an international convention is unnecessary.     However,   the  United  States proposes  the  concept of "acquiescence"  of a public official rather than "instigation by"  so  that public officials have  a, clear duty to  act  to  prevent  torture.     This duty is further elaborated in the new article   2 proposed by the United States.  1/
30.    The  United States  can accept the  concept embodied in the  Swedish draft that pain or suffering "arising' only from,   inherent in or incidential to  sanctions lawfully imposed"   should be  exempted  from the  definition of torture  since  it would be inappropriate  and politically unacceptable  to use  this Convention as a -means of reaching sanctions practised by one  culture of which another culture may disapprove.
31.'   Prance   considers that the definition of torture should be revised.     Since torture stands to be condemned per se,   the Convention can have no   .justification other than to prohibit torture completely and should not confine itself to particular cases defined in terms of the   status- and motives of the perpetrators of acts of torture.    The definition of torture must therefore be  a definition of the intrinsic nature  of the  act of  torture  itself,   in order to ensure  that  the  Convention affords no means of evading the   commitment of- States Parties  to  prevent or punish all acts of torture  regardless of  the  identity and" goals of the perpetrator.     The definition of the act of torture must enable  a clear distinction to be made between, on the one hand,  penalties affecting the person and honour of the  criminal   (peines afflictives et infamantes)  that can legitimately be imposed as punishment and,  on the  other,   treatment which,  by causing violent physical pain or extreme  mental suffering,   altering the physical capacity of the victim or making the  victim an object of derision or hatred,   torture   the  person to whom it  is  applied.     As France sees it,   cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment involves acts of physical or mental torture.    Ho distinction should be drawn between the two;    on the   contrary,   torture should be defined in such a way as to encompass both.
l/ See the United States proposal under article 7.
E/CN.4/1314
page 7
32.     The French-Government also observes that,   in the French text,   the word "deliberement"   should be replaced by the word "intentionellement".
35.    The Portuguese Government would prefer the  phra.se  "torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading  treatment or punishment",  which is used in several of the draft's provisions,   to-be  replaced by the phrase:     "cruel,   inhuman or degrading torture,   punishment or treatment",     In the phrase  which appears  in the draft,   torture would  seem to be  equated with punishment  through the use  of  the word "or",  when in fact,   as  can be  seen from the  list of purposes  for which it might be used   (article  1, paragraph l),   torture  cannot be  regarded as punishment.
34.    Portugal  considers  that it would perhaps be  useful  to  examine  a question which
is   currently being discussed by certain international bodies,   particularly the
Parliamentary Assembly of the  Council of Furore,   and which concerns  the use  of
psychiatry for political purposes  and  to eliminate dissidence,     This  question, was
referred  to  explicitly in recommendation 810   (1977)  which was  adopted  at  the
Parliamentary Assembly's twenty-ninth regular session and concerns the  situation of
the mentally ill.     The Portuguese Government would therefore suggest that a new
paragraph 3, couched in the following or in similar terms,   should be inserted in
article 1 of the draft:
"3.     For the  purposes of the  present Convention,   the  use  of psychiatry for one of the  objects referred  to  in paragraph 1 or the  abuse  of psychiatry with a view to prolonging the  confinement of any person subjected  to  a measure  or penalty involving deprivation of freedom shall be  regarded  as  tortare."
35.    For the German Democratic Republic,   the wording: act by which severe pain
or suffering, whether physical or mental can be interpreted in many ways.
There is no definition of the   criterion by which "other cruel or degrading treatment
or punishment" is to be   judged.     Nor can these defects be remedied, by listing certain
actions described as torture.     In this connexion it should also be   considered whether
it is reasonable and possible at the moment to list the multiple forms of "other
cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment".     It would therefore be appropriate to confine
the draft convention for the time being to torture.    If such an. approach were taken,
it would  also be  easier to  exactly define  the   subject of the   Convention.
36.     In the  view of the  Swiss Government,   the draft  submitted by the  International Association of Penal Law seems  to  cover only the  act of  torture,   thereby excluding cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,   whereas  the  Swedish draft generally covers both categories.     However,   the   Swedish draft draws a distinction between the two   categories on. the basis of the seriousness of the offence. Since any definition can have the effect of limiting the scope of the concept which it sets out  to define,   it Is essential  to ensure  that  the  definition of torture does not result in any weakening of existing law,  which prohibits  torture  and inhuman treatment unconditionally and  in the  same manner and makes no  distinction as  to  the respective  seriousness  of such acts.     The definition should cover acts of torture and cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, on the same footing.     To this end,   article 1,   paragraph 2, might read as follows;
"2,     The term 'torture'   includes cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
 
E/CN. 4/1314
page 3
37.     The definition should be as 'broad as possible,   in order to cover all forms of
torture and cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment.     In this connexion,   it may not be
enough to base the definition of such acts,   committed consciously raid deliberately
on the motives of the perpetrator of the act. . The  motives  listed in article  1,
paragraph 1,   of the  Swedish draft,   motives preceded by the  expression "for such
purposes  as",   are  not exhaustive.     However,'it is not certain whether this formula
would cover practices such as the   conducting of medical experiments not required by
a person's state of health.     Accordingly,   the following should be inserted after the
first sentence of paragraph I:    
"It the term .torture also means medical or scientific experiments that are not justified, by a person's state of health and serve no therapeutic purpose."
38.     The USSR. thinks  it essential  that  the   concept  of "torture"  and  that of  "cruel, Inhuman or degrading  treatment or punishment"   should be  regarded  as legally distinct. The draft must not allow any imprecision or ambiguity whatsoever as  to  the   specific meaning of the  concept  "cruel,   inhuman or degrading  treatment or punishment",   since the  institution of punishment  is generally part of the  legal  system of all  States and punishment is  legally applicable   to  persons who  have   committed offences.     The problem is  to draw a clear distinction between measures  that  can legitimately be applied  to  offenders  and  forms  of treatment or punishment which,  because  of their cruel,   inhuman or particularly degrading nature,   cannot be  regarded  as acceptable,
39.     Several Governments think that more should be done to penalize   torture as a criminal offence,
40.    Considering that,   in article  1 of the draft  convention  submitted by the International Association of Penal Law,   torture  is defined  as  a crime under international  law,   in accordance  with  certain precedents   (eÑg,   the Genocide Convention)  Austria would,   in principle,  welcome   this  special form of solemnly condemning  torture.     Nevertheless as the same purpose   could be   achieved by adopting the definition of article 1 of the Swedish draft,   Austria would opt for the latter.
41.    For Barbados,   the  insertion of  an  article  declaring torture  an international crime  is  acceptable  as  the Barbados  Constitution recognises  that  the  individual has a right  to be  protected  against  cruel  and unusual punishment.
42.    The  Swiss Government notes that,   in the  penal  system established by the Geneva, Conventions of 12 August 1949  concerning the  protection of war victims,   acts of torture  and  inhuman treatment are   classified  as grave breaches  subject  to  penal sanctions' and under universal  jurisdiction.     At present,   these rules apply only to international armed conflicts.     It might be  appropriate,   on the  occasion of the drawing up of a convention, against  torture,   to, extend  this regime   to  all  situations; this would be  an important development  in international law relating to  criminal penalties.     To  this end,   the  definition of the  act of torture  and  cruel,   inhuman or degrading, treatment or punishment  should be  accompanied  by a. provision regarding the  treatment of such acts  as  criminal offences.     Moreover,  even if,   in general, ' the   severity of the  penalty,   as determined by the  gravity of  the  offence   committed, will  still be determined by national  legislation,   the  proposed new provision should reflect the  contents of article  7,  paragraph 2,  which obliges  States Parties  to punish such offences with severe  penalties:
"1.     The acts defined in article are serious offences subject to penal sanctions,
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 9
2.   In this connexion, States Parties undertake to adopt all appropriate legislative measures to deal with persons who commit any such offence or order or allow it to be committed.  They undertake to ensure that such offences are punished by severe penalties."
This new provision is intended to replace article 7 and article 11, paragraph 2. It could be inserted in the text of the future convention either immediately after the article on definitions or after the provisions deeding with the prevention of offences.  It would be followed by all the rules concerning penal sanctions, including the rule on participation, complicity and incitement (article 7, paragraph l).
43. With regard to the concept of "public official", the Austrian Government believes that this concept could be expanded, for example by using the words "persons, acting in an official capacity".
44. The Spanish Government observes that the words ''functionario pub1ico ", used in the Spanish text to translate the words "public official"; involve a very vague concept in Spanish law and the concept of "functionario" must be distinguished from that of "autoridad".  It Is proposed to amend, the Spanish text as follows be entendera por tortura todo acto por el cual una, autoridad O functionario publico, uotra persona a instigation suya This amendment would also serve to bring the text of article 1 into line with that of article 2, paragraph 3, and articles 9 and 10.  In articles 9 and 10, the words "autoridados competentes" ("competent authorities") should be replaced by the words "autoridades .judiciales competentes1' ("competent judicial authorities").
45. The United States proposes that the term "public official" be defined in article 2 in order to clarify the breadth of the concept and to make clear that both civil and military officials are included, Any person vested with exercise of some official power of the State may well have sufficient authority to coerce another individual, and could escape prosecution under national law because of his public office. "Paragraph 2 of article 2 would be basically a. restatement of article 7 of the Swedish draft defining the scope of responsibility for committing an offence under the Convention.  Article 2 would read;
"1. A public official is any person vested with exorcise of some official power of the state, either civil or military.
'2. Any public official who (a) consents to an act of torture, (b) assists, Incites, solicits, commands, or conspires with others to commit torture, or (c) fails to take appropriate measures to prevent or suppress torture when such person has knowledge or should have knowledge that torture has or is being committed and has the authority or is in a position to take such measures, also commits the offence of torture within the meaning of this Convention."
46.  Several Governments proposed the deletion of the reference to the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
47.  In the opinion of the Banish Government, in article 1, second sentence, the reference to the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which do not at present have the status of a legally binding convention, might be changed to read:  "... to the extent consistent with international rules for the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty".
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 11
53, The United States proposes a new article, very similar to articles 2(2) and 2(3), which would provide that there is no justification for an act of torture. This article would he limited to torture because there is no precise definition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The United States believes that "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" is a more relative terms international standards are more difficult to achieve and what might constitute cruel treatment in times of peace might not rise to that level during emergency conditions, The United States also notes that although orders from a superior officer cannot justify torture, it is a factor that should be considered in mitigation of punishment. This new article, which would be numbered article 4, would read;
"1. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state or threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency may be invoked as a justification for torture.
2, An order from a superior officer or a public authority may not be invoiced as a justification for torture."
54. France proposes that the words "within its jurisdiction" should be replaced by "in its territory" throughout the draft.  The expression "internal political instability" in paragraph 2 does not correspond to any clear legal concept and could be deleted.
55.    In connexion with paragraph 2, which provides that the convention is applicable
in all circumstances, whether in time of peace or during a period of armed conflict,
and the analagous provision contained in article VI (Non-derogation) of the draft
submitted by the International Association of Penal Law, Switzerland notes that this
rule is consistent with existing international law, which prohibits acts of torture
and inhuman treatment at all times.  In view of its very general material scope,
the future convention will be superimposed on two complementary but distinct legal systems - human rights regulations and the law of armed conflicts - the characteristics of which vary according to the specific situation in which they are applied.  The draft conventions against torture are more closely related to human rights regulations - particularly with regard to the machinery for monitoring the application of the instruments - than, to international humanitarian law applicable in armed conflicts.  Care should therefore be taken to ensure that the future convention does not restrict the application of the latter in any way.
56.    To this end, the Swiss Government proposes the introduction into the Convention
of a safeguard clause which, combined with paragraph 2, could constitute a separate
article concerning the material scope of this instruments
"1. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a  state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoiced as a justification of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
2.The foregoing is without prejudice to the provisions of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for the protection of war victims, as well as the Additional Protocol relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, of 10 June 1977, and the Additional Protocol relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts, of 10 June 1977."
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 12
Article 33/
Each State Party shall, in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention, take legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment from being practised within its jurisdiction.
Comments
57ï The United States believes it may be appropriate to address cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in this article since a  virtually identical obligation is already imposed under the Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and the nature of the obligation to be imposed is not likely to deter many States from ratifying the Convention.
53. A paragraph 2 should incorporate article 7(2) of the SWedish draft requiring that torture be punished by severe penalties.
59ï France considers that the phrase "in accordance With the provisions of the present Convention", is unclear in scope and should be deleted.
Article 4
No State Party may expel or extradite a person to a State where there are reasonable grounds to believe that he may be in danger of being subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Comments
60.    Austria thinks it useful  to  include  a. further article,   according to which States Parties  should re-examine  extradition treaties  already  in force  to determine whether they are  in conformity with the  provisions of article  4.
61.    For Spain,   article  4 raises  the  question of the  existence  of an extradition treaty with a State  that is "suspected"  of practising or tolerating torture  and is not a party to the  Convention,   since  it would necessarily prevent mandatory extradition under the extradition treaty.
62.    Prance  considers that this  article   could  reads     "Ho  State  may in any way expel, turn back or extradite  a person to  a State where  there  are  serious grounds for believing that he may be  in danger of being subjected  to  torture".
63.    Switzerland is of the  opinion that,   in the  context of a convention against torture,   the  provisions  relating to  extradition should be  subject  to  special requirements based on the  motives   Cor the  practice  of torture,   as well as  the circumstances in which acts of torture  are   carried out.    Extradition is inconceivable unless  the  requested State  believes  that the  person extradited will be  given a proper trial by a court affording guarantees of fair  judgement  and  that he will be detained in humane  conditions.    Frequently,   recourse to torture occurs in situations of domestic turmoil,   in which the fate of individuals becomes very uncertain, particularly as a result of the suspension of constitutional rights and freedoms. Since  the  aim of the  future   convention is not to  create  now categories of victims but to ensure  the  equitable  punishment of the  perpetrators of acts of torture,   steps must be  taken to  prevent the  alleged offenders from being subjected  to  the  rigours of summary justice  as  a, result of extradition.     That is why the Swiss Government thinks that article 4/ should be retained.
3/ See   the Austrian proposal under article   2.
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 13
Article   5
1.    Each State Party shall ensure that education and information regarding the prohibition against torture and other cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are fully included in the curricula of the training of law enforcement personnel and of other public officials as well as medical personnel who may be responsible for persons deprived of their liberty.
2.    Each State Party shall include this prohibition in the general rules or instructions issued in regard to the duties and functions of anyone who may be involved in the custody or treatment of persons deprived of their liberty.
Comments
64. Spain proposes that the word "adiestramiento" in article 5 should be replaced by the words "formacion profesional".  (In English the amendment would read the curricula of the vocational training of law enforcement personnel)
65.  The United States proposed a redraft of article 5 which would read;
"Each State Party shall insure that education and information regarding the prohibition against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment -or punishment:
1.    is fully included in the curricula, of the training of medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, and other public officials who may be involved in the custody or treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, and
2.    is included in the instructions issued in regard to the duties of anyone who may be involved in the custody or treatment of persons deprived of their liberty."
Article 6
Each State Party shall keep under systematic review interrogation methods and practices as well as arrangements for the custody and treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in its territory, with a view to preventing any cases of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Comment
66.     The United States proposed a redraft of article 6 which would reads
"Each State Party shall keep under systematic, periodic review interrogation practices, and arrangements for the custody and treatment of persons deprived of their liberty within its jurisdiction with a view towrards preventing cases of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 14
Article 74/
1.    Each State Party shall ensure that all acts of torture as defined in article 1 are offences under its criminal law. The same shall apply in regard to acts which constitute participation in, complicity in, incitement to or an attempt -to commit torture,
2.    Each State Party undertakes to make the offences referred to in paragraph 1 of this article punishable by severe penalties.
Comments
67. Spain observes that article 7 attempts to deal with the offence of torture in its various forms and covers acts of participation and enforcement arrangements. Regarding acts of participation, reference should be made not only to accomplices but also, to accessories after the fact, and the word "incitacion" ("incitement") could be replaced by the term used in article 3 of  the Spanish Criminal Code, namely "proposicion o provocacion" ("proposal or provocation").  In paragraph 2 of the same article the expression "penas severas" should be replaced by the more technical term "penas graves".
68.    Prance suggests that, in paragraph 1, the word "delits" should be replaced by the word "infractions" and the word "incitation" should be replaced by "provocation". Paragraph 2 could be made into a separate article and, in so far as the concept of "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" is maintained in the convention, such treatment or punishment should also be considered as an offence punishable by severe penalties.
Article 8
1.    Each State Party shall take such measure's as may be necessary to establish
its jurisdiction over the offences referred to in article 7 in the following cases:
(a)    when the offences are committed in the territory of that State or on board a ship or aircraft registered in. thai State ;
(b)    when the alleged offender is a national, of that State;
(c)    when the victim is a national of that State.

2.    Each State Party shall likewise take such measures as may be necessary to establish its jurisdiction over these offences in cases where the alleged offender is present in its territory and it does not extradite him pursuant to article 14 to any of the States mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article.
3.    This Convention does not exclude any criminal jurisdiction exercised in accordance with internal law.
4/ See the amendments proposed by Switzerland under article 1.
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 15
Comments
69. The international community has conferred broad jurisdictional bases in the Hijacking, Sabotage and Protection of Diplomats Conventions, among others. Torture is an offence of special international concern and should have similarly broad jurisdictional bases. For this reason, the United States believes in addition to jurisdiction based on territoriality and nationality (of the offender), universeal jurisdiction should exist for acts of torture.  (Universal jurisdiction is appropriate since torture, like piracy, may well be considered an "offence against the law of nations".)
70.    The United States does not support jurisdiction based on the nationality of the victim as an independent ground of jurisdiction, and thus proposes deletion of subparagraph (c) of paragraph 1. However, although States would not be required to establish nationality of the victim as a basis for jurisdiction, such jurisdiction could be exercised under article 8(3) if in accordance with the internal law of the relevant State Party.
71.    Prance considers that the expression "to establish its jurisdiction" should be replaced by "to establish its competence to deal, with offences
72.    It would be better to delete the reference to ships and aircraft in paragraph 1 (a);  firstly, the proposed text is badly worded and would in any event have to be amended to read "or on board' an aircraft registered in that State or a ship flying the flag of that State" ;  secondly, this wording does not cover all possible cases (continental shelf, etc.) and it would therefore be better to keep to the single concept of "territory", clarified as necessary by the legislation of each particular State.
73. As far as establishment of competence by States Parties is concerned, only the cases referred to in paragraph 1 should be retained in view of the difficulties involved in establishing the facts in the case referred to in. paragraph 2.
74. The competence provided for in article 8 does not coincide with the general rule governing the territorial scope of Portuguese' criminal law (article 53 of the Criminal Code). However, this would not be an obstacle to acceptance, since that rule establishes an exception in the case' of a "conflicting treaty".  Portugal suggests that the last part of paragraph 2 should be drafted as follows: does not extradite him to another State Party which is competent under paragraph 1 of this article".
Article 9 5/
Each State Party shall guarantee to any individual who alleges to have been subjected within its jurisdiction to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by or at the instigation of its public officials, the right to complain to and to have his case impartially examined by its competent authorities without threat of further torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
5/ See the amendment proposed by Spain under article 1 (para. 44).
 
3/CN.4/1314 page 16
Comments
75.     It is suggested by Austria to replace the words "the right to complain to" by "the right to an effective remedy "before a national authority".     It is suggested by Austria and Denmanx that the words "without threat  ...  punishment" be deleted,   since they give, Denmark added,   a, false connotation to the effect that other forms of throat than torture might be used.
76,    The United States proposes a new article which would incorporate the concepts contained in articles 9 and 10 and would reads
"If there is reasonable basis for belief that an act of torture or other cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment how been or is being committed within a State Party's jurisdiction,   its competent authorities shall initiate and carry out an impartial,   spoecly end effective investigation."
77.     The United States believes it may be appropriate for the obligation to conduct a speedy,   impartial,   and effective investigation to apply to both acts of torture and cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment if there is reasonable basis for belief that an offence has been committed.
Article 10 6/
Each State  Party shall ensure  that,  even if there has been no formal  complaint, its competent authorities proceed to  an impartial,   speedy and effective investigation, wherever there  is reasonable ground to believe  that an act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has been committed  within its jurisdiction,
Comraents
70.    France considers that the words "reasonable ground" ("de bonnes raisons") should be replaced, by "serious ground"   ("des raisons serieuses").
Article, 11 7 /
1.    Each State Party shall,  except in the  ocses referred to in article  14) ensure that criminal proceedings are  instituted in accordance with its national law against an alleged offender who is present in its   territory,   if its competent authorities establish that an  act of torture  as defined  in article  1 appears  to have been committed and   if that State Party has  jurisdiction over the offence  in accordance with article 0.
2.    Each State  Party shall ensure  that an alleged, offender is  subject to criminal,  disciplinary or other appropriate proceedings, when en allegation of other forms of cruel,   inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment within its  jurisdiction is  considered  to be  well founded.
6/ Same amendment as in foot-note 5 applies. See also the amendment proposed by the United States under article 9 (para.76).
7/ See the comments of Portugal in paras.  17 and 74
.
E/CN.4/1314 page 17
Comments
79.    The United States does not believe that the Convention does or should express a,
preference for prosecution or extradition but notes the obligation of a State Party
to institute criminal proceedings against an alleged offender (under articles 1 and 2
as redrafted by the United States; see paras. 28 and 45) unless such offender is
extradited. The United States submitted the following redraft;
"The State Party in whose territory there is present a person who is alleged to have committed an offence under article 1 or article 2 shall, if it does not extradite him, submit the case to its competent authorities without exception whatsoever and without undue delay, for the purpose of prosecution through criminal proceedings in accordance with the laws of that State."
80.    The United States could accept that, as in article 1l(2) of the Swedish draft,
a State Party should have an obligation to institute "criminal, disciplinary or
other appropriate proceedings" in alleged cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment. The broader range of permissible proceedings reflects the
broader range of condemned behaviour inherent in cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment as opposed to torture. The United States submitted the following text;
"Each State Party shall take such measures as may be necessary to assure that criminal, disciplinary or other appropriate proceedings are instituted in accordance with its national law if its competent authorities have a reasonable basis for belief that an act or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has been committed."
81.    Prance considers it essential to retain the principle of the advisability of instituting proceedings. Accordingly, in paragraph 1, the words "ensure that criminal proceedings are instituted" should be replaced by the phrase "submit the case to its competent authorities for the institution of criminal proceedings".
82.    In Switzerland's view, paragraph 1 could be strengthened if it were specified that proceedings should be instituted without exception or undue delay;
"Other than in the case of extradition under article, each State Party undertakes to ensure that criminal proceedings are instituted without exception and without undue delay, in accordance with its national law, against an alleged offender who is present in its territory, if its competent authorities establish that an act of torture as defined in article 1 appears to have been committed and if that State Party has jurisdiction over the offence in accordance with article
Article 12
Each State Party shall guarantee an enforceable right to compensation to the victim of an act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment committed by or at the instigation of its public officials. In the event of the death of the victim, his relatives or other successors shall be entitled to enforce this right to compensation.
 
S/CN.4/1314
page 18
Comments
83,    For Austria, the right to compensation pursuant to this article should be as
comprehensive as nossible.  In the event of death of the victim an enforceable right
of any relatives to compensation with respect to alimony should be limited to cases
where the victim was legally obliged to pay such alimony; all other forms of claims
for compensation - with the exception of those of a purely personal nature - should
be open to his heirs as successors.
84.    The United States proposes that the text of article 12 should be redrafted as
follows:
"Bach State Party shall take such measures as may be necessary to assure an enforceable right to compensation to the victim of an act of torture committed by or with the consent or acquiescence of its public officials, In the event of the death of the victim, his heirs, dependents or successors shall be entitled to enforce this right."
This would clarify the group of people who may enforce the victim's right to compensation in the event of his death by substituting "heirs, dependents, or successors" for "relatives or other successors".  The United States believes the right to compensation should be limited to victims of torture,
Article 13
Each State Party shall ensure that any statement which is established to have been made as a result of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment shall not be invoked as evidence against the person concerned or against any other person in any proceedings.
Comments
05. According to Austria, it would seem preferable to substitute article VII of the draft submitted by the International Assoc ation of Penal La for article 13 of the Swedish draft, since article 13 could be interpreted in a manner which would prohibit the prosecution of a person accused of having inflicted torture.
86. The United States proposes that the deterrent effect of the article prohibiting the use as evidence of statements obtained by torture be maximized by providing an exception (as was done in the draft prepared by the International Association of Penal Law) .allowing such statements to be used against the alleged torturer. The United States proposes the following redrafts
"Each State Party shall take such measures as may be necessary to assure that any statement which is established to have been made as a result of torture shall not be invoked as evidence against any person in any proceeding except that it may be invoked in evidence against a person accused of having obtained such statement by torture,"
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 19
Article 14 8/
Instead of instituting criminal proceedings in accordance with paragraph 1 of article 11, a State Parts'" may if requested, extradite the alleged offender to another State Party which has jurisdiction over the offence in accordance with article 8.
Comments
87.    Austria considers that article 14 and article X, paragraph 2, of the International Association of Penal Law draft are complementary and might accordingly he combined. Also, the wording ("may ... extradite") should be reconsidered.  In case of an already existing extradition treaty an obligation to extradite should not be superseded by the optional possibility of extraditing as provided in article 14. Rather, a more stringent obligation might be created, e.g. by replacing the word "may" "by "shall" in that article.
88.    The United States proposes that the "prosecute or extradite" provision be modelled on the language used in the Protection of Diplomats Convention.
89.  In the opinion of France, the words "if requested" should be replaced by the words "at the request of another State Party", and the words "in accordance with its legislation" should be added after the word "extradite", With regard, to extradition, the principle of non-extradition for political offences should be maintained. Article 14 is acceptable because of its flexibility. 9/
90.    Switzerland fears that the motives for the acts of torture might be such as to
permit the torturers to invoke the political nature of their actions as an
argument against their extradition.  It also fears that a State of refuge might be
able, for the same reasons, to refuse the extradition of a person charged, with
torture.  The Swiss Government considers, therefore, that it would be advisable to
include in the draft convention a provision similar to that proposed by the
International Association of Penal Law in its article XII, to the effect that acts
of torture shall net be considered political offences.  That provision might be
included in article 14 in the form of an additional paragraph readings
"For the purposes of this Convention, the acts defined in article shall not be deemed to be offences of a political nature."
91.    Finally, the Swiss Government proposed that the provisions on extradition
contained in the Swedish Government's draft should be supplemented and strengthened
by an additional article which would, essentially restate the rules set out in
article 8 of the Hague Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of
Aircraft, of the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against
the Safety of Civil Aviation, and of the Hew York Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including
Diplomatic Agents.
8/  See the comments of Portugal in paragraphs 17 and. 74. 9/ Same comment as with regard, to article 8 (para. 71).
 
E/CN.4/1314
page   20
New article
92.    The United States proposes the following text of a new articles
"1. Upon being satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, a State Party in whose territory an alleged offender under article 1 or article 2 is present shall take the appropriate measures under its internal law so as to ensure his presence for the purpose of prosecution or extradition.  Such measures shall he notified directly or through the Secretary-General of the United Nations to:
(a)    the States referred, to in article 8(l)(a) and (b);  and
(b)    all other States concerned,
2.    Any person regarding whom the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this
article are being taken shall be entitled;
(a)    to communicate without delay with the nearest appropriate representative of the State of which he is a national or which is otherwise entitled to protect his rights or, if he is a stateless person, which he requests' and which is willing to protect his rights;,     and
(b)    to be visited by a. representative of that State.
3.    The State Party in whose territory the alleged offender is present shall
immediately make a preliminary inquiry into the facts and promptly report to
the States specified in article 3(l)(a) and (b) these facts and whether it
intends to exercise jurisdiction."
Comments
93.    The United States suggests addition of this article which would establish
procedural safeguards during the preliminary investigation phase. This article would
require the apprehending State to notify other concerned States of the results of its
preliminary investigation, and its intention regarding prosecution/extradition as
well as guaranteeing the accused the right to communicate with the State entitled to
protect his rights. This provision is based, on similar articles in the Hijacking,
Sabotage and Protection of Diplomats Conventions.
New article
94. The United States proposes the following text of a new articles
"1. To the extent that the offences set forth in articles 1 and 2 are not listed as extraditable offences in any extradition treaty existing between States Parties, they shall be deemed to be included as such therein.  States Parties undertake to include those crimes as extraditable offences in every future extradition treaty to be concluded between them.
2.   If a State Party which makes extradition conditional on the existence of a treaty receives a request for extradition from another State Party with which it has no extradition treaty, it may, at its option, consider this Convention as the legal basis for extradition in respect of those crimes, Extradition shall be subject to the procedural provisions and the other conditions of the law of the requested State.
 
E/CN.4/1514
page 21
3.  States Parties which do not make extradition conditional on the existence of a treaty shall recognize those offences as extraditable offences between themselves subject to the procedural provisions and the other conditions of the law of the requested State.
4.  Each offence under article 1 or article 2 shall be treated, for the purpose of extradition between States Parties, as if it had been committed not only in the place in which it occurred but also in the territories of the States required to establish their jurisdiction in accordance with article 10, paragraph 1."
Comments
95.    The United States believes it would be desirable to include an article
establishing1 a legal basis under this Convention for treating torture as an
extraditable offence, and detailing the relationship between this Convention and
present or future extradition treaties. This provision is analogous to articles in
the Hijacking, Sabotage, and Protection of Diplomats Conventions.
Article 15
1,    States Parties shall afford one another the greatest measure of assistance
in connexion with proceedings referred to in article 11, including the supply of all
evidence at their disposal necessary for the proceedings.
2.    The provisions of paragraph 1 of this article shall not affect obligations
concerning mutual judicial assistance embodied in any other treaty.
Comments
96.    The United States suggests specifying, as has been done in other recent
international conventions, that when supplying evidence, the law of the State
requested shall apply. Article 15, as redrafted, would read:
"1,  Each State Party shall, consistent with its own laws, afford the greatest measure of assistance in connexion with proceedings brought under this Convention in any other State Party, including the supply of all evidence at its disposal necessary for the proceeding.  The law of the State requested shall apply in all cases.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 of this article shall not affect obligations under any other treaty, bilateral or multilateral, which governs or will govern, in whole or in part, mutual assistance in criminal matters."
97.    France considers that the phrase "the greatest measure of assistance in
connexion with proceedings" should be replaced by the phrase "the greatest measure
of assistance in all criminal proceedings". Paragraph 2 of the article should
follow the lines of the relevant provisions of the Hague Convention (article 10,
para. 2) and the Montreal Convention (article 11, para. 2).
Hew article
98.    The United States suggests the addition of a new article in order to safeguard
the rights of the accused;
 
E/CN.4/1314.
page 22
"Any person regarding whom proceedings are being carried out in connexion with any of the offences set forth in this Convention shall be guaranteed fair treatment at all stages of the proceedings,"
Article 16 10/
States Parties undertake to submit to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, when so requested by the Human Rights Committee established in accordance with article 28 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (hereafter referred to in the present Convention as the Human Righto Committee), reports or other information on measures taken to suppress and punish torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  Such reports or information shall be considered by the Human Rights Committee in accordance with the procedures set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Committee.
Comments
99. Austria welcomes the reporting system which would be established by virtue of this article, that is, a system where reports would be submitted upon, special request only.  It would seem undesirable to establish yet another obligation of submitting regularly periodic reports, the number of such reports to be submitted in accordance with other international conventions having sharply risen over the past years.
100. Referring to articles 16, 18, 19, 20 and 21, the United States believes that an effective implementation mechanism is an essential feature of this Convention. The United States believes that the Human Rights Committee is particularly well qualified to administer the provisions of this Convention. The Committee already has certain responsibilities to review charges of torture under the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (and Optional Protocol). Moreover, the Covenant and Optional Protocol establish certain procedures for reporting, and considering communications about violations of a State Party's obligations which appear readily adaptable to the present Convention. The United States supports the procedure (established in the Swedish draft) whereby State Parties are given the option of making a declaration recognizing the competence of the Human Rights Committee to consider such communications, and notes the precedent on  this point in the Civil and Political Covenant.
Since the preceding articles of this Convention are tailored to reflect the distinction between torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the United States believes it may be appropriate to have implementation provisions on both subjects.
A legal question does exist, however, as to the appropriate legal method for conferring the requisite additional competence on the Human Rights Committee. On this issue the United States would like to solicit the opinion of the United. Nations Legal Counsel.
10/ See, in paragraph 12, the comment of Denmark concerning articles 16 to 21.
 
E/CN. 4/1314
page 23
101.    France notes that article 16 and succeeding' articles confer on the Human Rights Committee established in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights competence to monitor the application of the convention.  It' considers that arrangement to be legally unsatisfactory, since the two instruments concerned are distinct from one  another and the parties to them will not necessarily be the same Prance believes that it would be better to establish an individual system for the monitoring of the convention, even if that system is based on  the system created by the Covenant.
102.    Switzerland thinks that, in order to ensure its effectiveness against torture, the convention must be accompanied by machinery for the monitoring' of its amplication which is capable of exerting real influence on the conduct of States Parties, In choosing a solution to the problem of monitoring, account must also be taken of the need to ensure as far as possible the acceptance by the entire international community of the text adopted by the United Nations.  In the light of those two requirements - for a universal convention and for monitoring machinery of adequate strength - the Swiss Government is of the opinion that article 16 and the succeeding articles of the draft convention submitted by the Government of Sweden represent a good basis for discussion and are, therefore, worthy of support.
103.    Switzerland shares the view that it would be advisable to choose the Human Rights Committee established by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as the monitoring organ If that was done, the problems inherent in the establishment of a new body and the conflicts of authority that might result therefrom would be avoided and uniformity of jurisprudence would be ensured.
Article 17
If the Human Rights Committee receives Information that torture is being systematically practised in a certain State Party, the Committee may designate one or more of its members to carry out an inquiry and to report to the Committee urgently.  The inquiry may include a visit to the State concerned, provided that the Government of that State gives its consent.
Comments
104.    For Austria, article 17 would add a very helpful new competence to the existing" ones of the Human Rights Committee.
105.    The United States proposes a redraft of article 17 which would reads
"1. A State Party may at any time declare under this article that it recognizes the competence of the Human Rights Committee to carry out an inquiry under procedures it shall establish if the Human Rights Committee receives information that torture is being consistently practised within the jurisdiction of that State Party.  The Committee, may designate one or more of its members to carry out such an inquiry and report to the Committee urgently. The inquiry may include a visit to the State concerned.
2. The results of the inquiry conducted, under paragraph 1 of this article shall be communicated in confidence to the Human Rights Committee, which shall make an appropriate confidential report and/or recommendation to the State Party concerned."
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 24
The United States believes that a State Party should have the option of declaring whether it recognizes the competence of the Human Rights Committee to investigate allegations of the consistent practice of torture within its jurisdiction. The United States has substituted "consistent for "systematic" practice because the former term is already used in various international conventions. Once exercising this option, however, the State Party would have committed itself to allowing a visit by the Human Rights Committee to facilitate its inquiry. Paragraph 2 would empower the Human Rights Committee to make appropriate recommendations to the State Party concerned, in confidence.
106.    France considers this article, which empowers the Committee to decide of its own accord to examine the situation in a State and to carry out an inquiry (even though the making of an on-the-spot inquiry would be subject to the consent of the State concerned), to be unacceptable.
107.    The German Democratic Republic states that the mandate of the Committee is circumscribed by the tasks deriving from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that have been approved by the parties to that Covenant It appears impossible, therefore, to assign further responsibilities to that Committee.
108.    Switzerland considers this draft article particularly important.  It represents a minimal step forward in a direction in which progress must be encouraged. The Swiss Government feels that the provision should be strengthened by making it possible for the inquiry which the Committee may undertake on its own initiative to include a visit to the State concerned unless the Government of that State objects to the visit:
"If the Human Rights Committee receives information that torture is being systematically practised in a State Party, the Committee may designate one or more of its members to carry out an inquiry and to report to the Committee urgently.  The inquiry may include a visit to the State concerned, unless the Government of that State objects thereto."
Article 18
1.    A State Party may at any time declare under this article that it recognizes the competence of the Human Rights Committee to receive and consider communications to the effect that a State Party claims that another State Party is not fulfilling its obligations under the present Convention. Communications under this article may be received and considered only if submitted by a State Party which has made a declaration recognizing in regard to itself the competence of the Human Rights Committee.  Ho communication shall be received by the Human Rights Committee if it concerns a State Party which has not made such a declaration.
2.    Communications received under this article shall be dealt with in accordance with the procedure provided for in article 41 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Committee.
Comments
109.    As regards the possibility of having communications received by the Human
Rights Committee (articles 18 and. 20) Austria emphasizes its readiness to support
those provisions.  However, with regard to the possibility that individual
complaints are dealt with by the Committee, Austria wants to point out that that
 
E/CN.4/1314
page   25
would be tantamount to obligations voluntarily assumed by States being controlled by persons whose nominating States have not assumed the same obligations.  In order to avoid any such iniquity or at least reduce it to a minimum extent, one might envisage to refer individual complaints to a sub-group (or chambers) of the Committee composed! of nationals of States which have made the declaration under article 20.
110. Spain observes that the draft convention represents a development of article 7 of the International Covenant on: Civil and Political Rights, which expressly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading1 treatment or punishment and thereby supplements the protection basically offered by domestic law Spain also' remarks that the international protection machinery proposed in the draft corresponds to that which is outlined in the Covenant.  In both the draft convention and the Covenant, it is the United Nations Human Eights Committee which has competence to monitor the compliance of States Parties with their obligations under those instruments. Both article 41 of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol to that instrument' provide for the recognition by States Parties of the competence of the Human Sights Committee to consider claims by other States Parties regarding1 failure to fulfil obligations under the Covenant (Covenant, article 41) or communications from individuals who claim to be victims of a violation of the rights set forth in the Covenant (Optional Protocol, article l).  In each case, recognition of the Committee's competence is to be signified by a separate declaration.
111. The draft convention reproduces virtually word for word the system of guarantees found in the Covenant article 18 of the draft repeats article 41, paragraph 1, of the Covenant and then refers expressly, in its own paragraph 2, to article 41 of the Covenant.  However, article 18 of the draft does not admit of the possibility that States Parties to the convention may recognize the competence of the Human Rights Committee to consider complaints from individuals.
112. The fact that the rules safeguarding the application of the convention and. the corresponding rules in the Covenant are basically identical will result in the duplication of instruments, organs and procedures, -and Spain is unable to see what practical benefits the poroposed. convention may offer as a means of combating tortures there Is no doubt that, in the case of States Parties to the Covenant which have made the declaration mentioned in article 41 of that instrument and which have signed the Optional Protocol to it, the Covenant offers greater guarantees, in that it enables the Human Eights Committee to consider claims from individuals in addition to those from States On the other hand, it is hardly likely that States which have not signed the Optional Protocol will recognize the competence of the Human Eights Committee raider article 18 of the draft convention or, indeed, that they will give the consent referred to in article 17 of that text.
113. The United States submitted the following modifications:  in paragraph 1, first sentence, delete the words "to receive";  in the second sentence, delete the words "received and", and after the words "in regard to itself", replace "the" by "such";  in the third sentence, replace the word "received" by  the word
"considered"; in paragraph 2, replace the words "dealt with" by the words "acted upon".
Article 19
If a matter referred to the Human. Eights Committee in accordance with article 18 is not resolved to the satisfaction of the States Parties concerned, the Committee may, with the prior consent of the States Parties concerned, appoint
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 26
an ad hoc Conciliation Commission. The procedures governing this Commission shall be the same as those provided for in article 42 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Committee.
(No comment received concerning specifically article 19.)
Article 20 11/
1.    A State Party may at any time declare under this article that it recognizes the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals subject to its jurisdiction who claim to have been subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in contravention of the obligations of that State Party under the present Convention. No communication shall be received by the Committee if it concerns a State Party ïwhich has not made such a declaration.
2.    Communications received under this article shall be dealt with in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Committee.
Comments
114.    The United States submitted the following modifications; in paragraph 1,
first sentence, replace the words "Committee ... consider" by the words "Human
Rights Committee to consider and act upon"; replace the words "its jurisdiction"
by the words "the jurisdiction of that State Party"; in the second sentence,
replace the words "received by the Committee" by the words "considered by the
Human Rights Committee"; in paragraph 2, replace the words "dealt with" by the
words "acted upon".
Article 21
The Human Rights Committee shall include in its annual report to the General Assembly a summary of its activities under articles 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the present Convention.
(No comment received concerning specifically article 21.)
New article.
115.    The United States proposes the following text of a new article:
"Obligations assumed by each State Party to this Convention are in addition to those obligations assumed under the Geneva Conventions for the protection of War Victims."
ll/ See the comment of Austria in paragraph 109.
 
E/CN.4/1314
page 27
Comments
116.    The United States believes this article should be added so as to eliminate any
doubt that the requirements of this Convention are in addition to rather than in
lieu of the requirements of the 1949 Geneva Conventions for the Protection of War
Victims, The United States supports and commends the activities of the
International Committee of the Red Cross in this connexion, and notes its belief
that this Convention should not be read as superseding activities presently being
carried out by the Red Cross.
New article
117.    The United States proposes the following text of a new articles
"1. Any dispute between two or more States Parties concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention which cannot be settled through negotiation, shall, at the request of one of them, be submitted to arbitration.  If within six months from the date of the request for arbitration the Parties are unable to agree on the organization of the arbitration, any one of those Parties may refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice by request in conformity with the Statute of the Court,
2.    Each State Party may, at the time of signature or ratification of this Convention or accession thereto, declare that it does not consider itself bound by the preceding paragraph. The other States Parties shall not be bound by the preceding paragraph with respect to any State Party having made such a reservation.
3.    Any State Party having made a.  reservation in accordance with the preceding paragraph may at any time withdraw this reservation by notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations."
Comments
113. Recognizing that the Swedish draft left the final clauses to be elaborated subsequently, the United States would like to urge adoption, of an article providing for submission of disputes to the International Court of Justice if a State Party to the dispute so requests. There are similar provisions in the Hijacking, Sabotage and Protection of Diplomats Conventions.
119. The Swiss Government also proposes that the machinery for monitoring the application of the future convention should be supplemented by an article concerning the settlement of disputes with respect to the interpretation and application of the instrument.