Justice in Iraq: review of Iraq’s measures to combat torture

The year 2021 marked the 10th anniversary of Iraq’s accession to the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) – a historic step. By doing so, Iraq re-confirmed its commitment to combat torture. UNCAT is a key global treaty, setting out a legal framework to guide States on how to effectively prohibit and prevent such practices, as well as investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators, and provide redress for victims.

In order to make a difference in the life of people, these commitments need to be put in practice. Next year, Iraq will undergo its second examination of how the UN Convention against Torture is implemented by the State authorities. During its 73rd session (scheduled from 19 April – 13 May 2022), the Committee against Torture, consisting of 10 independent experts, will hold a dialogue with representatives from the Iraqi Government to discuss the legal and practical measures and steps taken to combat torture. These sessions will be live-streamed.

The dialogue will cover a range of issues including criminalization of torture, confessions, impunity for acts of torture, procedural safeguards, deaths in custody, conditions of detention and remedies for victims. The Committee against Torture also receives information from non-governmental organizations in the different stages of the process.

At the end of the review, the Committee against Torture will make recommendations to Iraq, outlining positive developments but also what they need to do to improve their human rights record in this area.

To find out more about the UN Convention against Torture and UN treaty bodies, see: OHCHR | TreatyBodies

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