Type of Mechanism

Reporting and Monitoring

Scope of the Procedure

The rights enumerated in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Who Can Submit a Report

NGOs

Role of Advocates

NGOs can submit "shadow" or alternative reports to the Committee.  NGOs with UN accreditation can also monitor the Committee proceedings during State reporting periods.

Available Remedies

No remedies for individual rights violations. 

How to Submit a Report

There is no single format for shadow reports, but the report should be organized according to the articles of the Convention, as a commentary on the State party report.  A shadow report should analyze a particular problem rather than merely describe it. 

More information on writing shadow reports, using shadow reports strategically and sample NGO reports can be found in the Human Rights Investigation and Documentation section of this website.

Where to Send Communications

The Committee against Torture
c/o Center for Human Rights
United Nations Office
8-14 avenue de la Paix
1211 Genève 10
Switzerland

Tel: + 41 22 917 9288

Fax: + 41 22 917 9022

Email: crueda.hchr@unog.ch

How the Reporting Procedure Works

After ratifying the Convention, State parties are required to submit an initial report on compliance.  States must then submit periodic reports every four years.

The Committee meets regularly twice a year to review the periodic reports.  A country will not be reviewed until it has submitted a report. 

There are no deadlines for submitting shadow reports, but NGO submissions are most useful to the Committee at the time that a specific State is reporting.  NGOs should allow Committee members enough time to review the submission, ideally a few months before the session date. 

The Committee can invite specialized agencies, United Nations bodies, intergovernmental organizations and NGOs with consultative status with the Economic and Social Council to submit information, reports and written statements relevant to the Committee's work.

During the session, NGOs may attend as observers, but not participate in the formal proceedings. 

Once the Committee has reviewed the reports, it issues comments and recommendations.

Advantages/ Disadvantages

NGOs have used shadow reports effectively to advocate for change.  Periodic State reporting has put pressure on national governments to amend legislation and policies to bring them into compliance with the Convention.  Individuals cannot submit information to the Committee.  There are no enforcement mechanisms applicable to States that do not submit periodic reports.