The Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture

Rachel Murray is Professor of International Human Rights Law at the University of Bristol and Director of its Human Rights Implementation Centre.Dr Elina Steinerte is a Research Associate at the Human Rights Implementation Centre of the University of Bristol.Professor Malcolm Evans is Professor of International Law at the University of Bristol.Antenor Hallo de Wolf is based at the University of Groningen.

• 1. The origins and development of OPCAT ; 2. Drafting of OPCAT: Towards deadlock 1991-2000 ; 3. The text of OPCAT ; 4. The Scope of OPCAT ; 5. The Role of the SPT ; 6. The Role of NPMs ; 7. OPCAT within the Broader UN and Regional System ; 8. Regional Trends towards Ratification and Implementation of OPCAT ; 9. Conclusion: Emerging Trends and the Future of OPCAT ; Appendix I: OPCAT ; Appendix II: Rules of Procedure of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture ; Appendix III: Guidelines of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in relation to visits to States parties ; Appendix IV: Preliminary Guidelines on NPMs ; Appendix V: Guidelines on National Preventive Mechanisms ; Appendix VI: The approach of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to the concept of prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ; Appendix VII: Members of the SPT as at January 2011 ; Appendix VIII: Chronology of States visited by the SPT