UN’s Universal declaration of human rights – article 5 concerning torture
In 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In article 5 also torture is banished.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 8)
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
The Convention against Torture was adopted by the General Assembly by the resolution 39/46, in December 1984, entry into force in 1987. In honour of the Convention, june 26th is now recognized as the International Day in Support of Torture Victims.As of june 2010, there are 146 nations parties to the treaty.Here you can find the up-to-date status.
Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law
Recalling the adoption of the Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law by the Commission on Human Rights in its resolution 2005/35 of 19 April 2005 and by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 2005/30 of 25 July 2005, in which the Council recommended to the General Assembly that it adopt the Basic Principles and Guidelines.
Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture(OPCAT)
This Optional Protocol represents an important addition to UN Convention against Torture from 1984. In this protocol there is established an international inspection system for places of detention. The OPCAT was adopted by the General Assembly in 2002, entered into force in 2006. As of june 2010, 51 nations are parties to that treaty, 13 more have signed but not ratified.Here you can find the up-to-date status.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – article 7 concerning torture
The Covenant is a multilateral treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966, entry into force in 1976. It represents a part of the International Bill of Human Rights. The Covenant is monitored by the Human Rights Committee.
United Nations Fact Sheet No. 4 – Methods of Combating Torture
The United Nations have edited a series of quite useful Fact Sheets. This one targeting combating torture covers lists of pertinent international instruments, treaty monitoring bodies, special rapporteurs, as well as mentions the UN voluntary fond for victims of torture and selected (special) issues. Annex with complaint forms and guidelines.
The European Convention on Human Rights
This convention was drafted in 1950, entry into force in 1953. It established the European Court of Human Rights. This international treaty, ratified by all Council of Europe member states, is to protect human rights and fundamental freedom in Europe. Article #3 No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
The Convention was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1987. It has been completed by two additional protocols, entry into force in 2002.
European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Article 13)
Everyone whose rights and freedoms as set forth in this Convention are violated shall have an effective remedy before a national authority notwithstanding that the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity.
American Convention on Human Rights (Article 25)
Right to Judicial Protection
1. Everyone has the right to simple and prompt recourse, or any other effective recourse, to a competent court or tribunal for protection against acts that violate his fundamental rights recognized by the constitution or laws of the state concerned or by this Convention, even though such violation may have been committed by persons acting in the course of their official duties.
African [Banjul] Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted June 27, 1981,
Entered into force Oct. 21, 1986.
Article 7 Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: a) the right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; b) the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal.
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Article 68)
Protection of the victims and witnesses and their participation in the proceedings
The Court shall take appropriate measures to protect the safety, physical and psychological well-being, dignity and privacy of victims and witnesses. In so doing, the Court shall have regard to all relevant factors, including age, gender as defined in article 7, paragraph 3, and health, and the nature of the crime, in particular, but not limited to, where the crime involves sexual or gender violence or violence against children. The Prosecutor shall take such measures particularly during the investigation and prosecution of such crimes. These measures shall not be prejudicial to or inconsistent with the rights of the accused and a fair and impartial trial.