One would hope that protections against torture in detention in the ACT could be rigorously pursued administratively by a Government.
(i.e. Stop torturing people)
But Simon Corbell has announced he’s legislating to that effect:
“The Monitoring Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Bill 2013 will implement the ACT’s obligations under the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), in anticipation of Australia’s ratification of the Protocol,” Mr Corbell said.
“The aim of the Protocol is to establish an independent system of regular visits by independent international and national bodies to places where people are detained, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. “
The OPCAT was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 and it entered into force on 22 June 2006. The Protocol currently has 72 signatories, including Australia. 67 parties have ratified the Protocol.
Once the Protocol is ratified within Australia, this legislation will allow inspection of a range of places of detention by the United Nations Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture.
At least once this is in place our hotels can enjoy visits from the UN delegation.
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