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Press Release

European Committee for the Prevention of Torture: 
Publication of the report on the visit to Norway, and of the Norwegian Government's response

STRASBOURG 21.09.94 - The Norwegian authorities have decided to make public the report of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture on its visit to Norway in June/July 1993. The report is published together with the Norwegian Government's response.

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

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 State concerned may decide to lift the rule of confidentiality provided for in the Convention.

The CPT was set up under the 1987 European Convention for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The following member States of the Council of Europe are bound by the Convention: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The CPT is composed of persons from a variety of backgrounds: lawyers, medical doctors, prison experts, persons with parliamentary experience, etc. Its 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 CPT organises periodic visits as well as any other visits which appear to it to be required in the circumstances.

For further information:

STRASBOURG

• Media representatives: Sabine ZIMMER, Council of Europe Press Department.
  (Tel. +33/88.41.25.97; Fax. +33/88.41.27.90).
• others: Secretariat of the CPT.
  (Tel. +33/88.41.23.88; Fax. +33/88.41.27.72).

OSLO

Copies of the CPT's report to the Norwegian Government and the response of the Norwegian Government may be obtained from:

• Ellen C. BJERCKE, The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Police, Akersgt. 42, P.O. Box 8005 DEP., 0030 OSLO.
  (Tel. +47/22.34.55.65; Fax. +47/22.34.95.31).