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Press Release

European Committee for the Prevention of Torture: 
Publication of report on visit to France and of the French Government's response

STRASBOURG 19.1.93 - The French authorities have decided to make public the report of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture on its visit to France in October/November 1991. The report is published together with the French Government's response.

Under Article 11 of the European Convention for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the information gathered by the Committee in relation to a visit, its report and its consultations with the State concerned are confidential. However, the Committee shall publish its report, together with any comments of the State concerned, whenever requested to do so by that State.

Following the visit, an ongoing dialogue has been established between the Committee and the French authorities.

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture was set up under the Council of Europe's 1987 Convention and is in force between Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The Committee is composed of persons from a variety of backgrounds: lawyers, medical doctors, penitentiary experts, persons with parliamentary experience, etc.

The Committee's task is to examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. For this purpose, it is entitled to visit any place where such persons are held by a public authority. It may formulate recommendations to strengthen, if necessary, their protection against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The Committee organises periodic visits as well as any other visits which appear to it to be required in the circumstances.

The Committee's report on its visit to France and the French Government's response can be obtained from the Council of Europe Press Department, Strasbourg (Sabine ZIMMER, tel. 88.41.25.97; fax 88.41.27.90).