Finland ratified the UN's Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture
Finland ratified the UN’s Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 8 October 2014. The purpose of the Protocol is to strengthen the protection of persons deprived of their liberty against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as to emphasize the duty of States to take effective measures to prevent torture. The Protocol will enter into force as regards Finland on 7 November 2014.
A subcommittee on the prevention of torture was established through the Protocol. In each State Party, the subcommittee has the right to conduct inspections in any place under the State Party’s jurisdiction and control where persons are or may be deprived of their liberty, either by virtue of an order given by a public authority or at its instigation or with its consent or acquiescence.
The Protocol obliges each State Party to establish or designate one or several independent national supervisory bodies with the corresponding right to conduct inspections. The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been appointed as the national supervisory body in Finland.
The Protocol was adopted in New York in December 2002 and entered into force internationally in June 2006.
Additional information: Legal Officer Mia Spolander, Unit for Human Rights Courts and Conventions, tel. +358 295 351 176.