EU welcomes ratification of convention vs torture

MANILA, Philippines - The European Union (EU) welcomed yesterday the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) by the Philippines last April 17.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Commission Vice President Catherine Ashton said it further reinforced the commitment to the complete eradication of torture.

“With this accession, the Philippines has further reinforced their commitment to the complete eradication of torture,” her spokesperson said in a statement.

“This comes a few months after the accession to the Rome Statute (Aug. 30, 2011) – a step that demonstrated the Philippine government’s strong commitment in favor of promoting human rights.”

By acceding to the OPCAT, it would allow close international monitoring of the Philippines’ detention centers and prisons.

The Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman Degrading Treatment or Punishment covers physical, emotional, psychological and mentally abusive acts.

When committed by agents of the state for the purposes of coercion, it is called torture.

Such acts, committed by all other persons, and for any motive, fall under the latter broader term “Cruel, Inhuman Treatment or Punishment.”

The Optional Protocol to the Convention’s objective is to establish a system of regular visits undertaken by independent international and national bodies to places where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

It also requires state parties to establish independent National Prevention Mechanisms or measures to prevent torture.