Convention
Abbreviation:
CAT
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Twentieth session
4 - 22 May 1998
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
Norway
149. The
Committee considered the third periodic report of Norway (CAT/C/34/Add.8)
at its 322nd and 323rd meetings, held on 6 May 1998 (CAT/C/SR.322
and 323), and adopted the following conclusions and recommendations.
1. Introduction
150. The
third periodic report of Norway was submitted on 6 February 1997.
It conformed fully with the requirements laid down in the Committee's
reporting guidelines. It provided information, article by article,
on new measures to implement the Convention taken since the submission
of its last report and answered questions raised during the discussion
of the second periodic report. The Committee also thanks the delegation
for its oral information and its frank and precise replies to the
questions raised by members of the Committee.
2. Positive aspects
151. Norway
continues to do its utmost to secure respect for human rights, including
the prohibition of torture, in law and in practice, inter alia,
with the creation and constant development of special bodies such
as Special Investigation Bodies.
152. Norway
has made a generous donation to the United Nations Voluntary Fund
for the Victims of Torture.
3. Subjects of concern
153. The
Committee is concerned over the fact that Norway has not yet introduced
the offence of torture into its penal system, including a definition
of torture in conformity with article 1 of the Convention.
154. The
Committee is concerned about the institution of solitary confinement,
particularly as a preventive measure during pre-trial detention.
4. Recommendations
155. The
Committee reiterates the recommendation it made during its consideration
of the initial and second periodic report of Norway, that the State
party should incorporate into its domestic law provisions on the crime
of torture, in conformity with article 1 of the Convention.
156. Except
in exceptional circumstances, inter alia, when the safety of
persons or property is involved, the Committee recommends that the
use of solitary confinement should be abolished, particularly during
pre-trial detention, or at least that it should be strictly and specifically
regulated by law and that judicial supervision should be strengthened.
