Ratification of OPCAT
The Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) is an international human rights treaty that assists States in preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment in places of detention.
Ireland signed OPCAT in October 2007 - but more than a decade and a half on it is yet to ratify it.
The Optional Protocol (OPCAT) was agreed by the UN General Assembly in 2002, introducing a combined system of national and international monitoring of places of detention with a view to preventing ill-treatment.
Places of detention are not limited to prisons. OPCAT applies to anywhere where people are deprived of their liberty. Examples of places of detention include, but are not limited to:
- Psychiatric units;
- Juvenile detention centres;
- Immigration detention centres;
- Pre-trial detention facilities;
- Garda stations.
Accountability in places of detention is crucial. Monitoring and inspection, along with an effective independent complaints mechanism for detainees, are central to the protection of human rights and form part of Ireland’s obligations under international law.
The aim of OPCAT is to strengthen the protection of persons deprived of their liberty. IPRT supports this goal and believes that independent monitoring under OPCAT will serve to strengthen a culture of human rights within Irish detention facilities.
For more information on OPCAT, click here.
Did you know that Ireland hasn't met its commitment to ratify OPCAT?
26th June 2014
Today, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, IPRT is highlighting that the Government still hasn't met its commitment to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).
IPRT welcomes new laws strengthening internal Prisoner Complaints system, but need for independent complaints mechanism remains
22nd January 2013
The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) strongly welcomes amendments to the Prison Rules 2007, and the recruitment of 22 external investigators, which together bring a level of independence to prisoner complaints systems in Ireland for the first time. However, this must be matched by similar reform of existing monitoring structures, and the establishment of a fully independent oversight mechanism.
IPRT Position Paper 7: Complaints, Monitoring and Inspection in Prisons
5th November 2009
A Position Paper setting out the main issues relating to the monitoring and inspection of places of detention, and the need for independent external mechanisms for review of prisoners' complaints.
