CTI releases its ninth entry to its “States parties in focus” blog series, this time exploring the Maldives’ experiences in ratifying and implementing the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and its Optional Protocol (OPCAT).

The blog showcases the Maldives’ pathway and progress and aims to inspire and encourage other States, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other States in South Asia, to consider becoming party to UNCAT and effectively implement the Convention.

Since becoming party to UNCAT in April 2004 and to its Optional Protocol in 2006, the Maldives has made positive progress in developing and implementing a solid anti-torture legal, institutional and policy framework, notably through the enactment of a stand-alone Anti-Torture Act in 2013 and designating its national Human Rights Commission as the country’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under OPCAT.

The implementation of Anti-Torture Act 2013 and the positive outcome it brings to the prison system is immense. The reporting mechanism for the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) ensures transparency and accountability when dealing with prisoners – which I believe is an integral part of preventing torture and ill-treatment of prisoners.

Tholath Raufuddeen, Director General, Monitoring, Rehabilitation and Peace Department, Ministry of Home Affairs of the Maldives

The Maldives has previously participated in a number of CTI’s regional seminars and events in Geneva and across regions, in which they have shared their positive experiences on torture prevention and response, as well as existing challenges and lessons learnt. Most recently, two representatives from the Maldives’ Parliament and the country’s NPM spoke at the CTI regional seminar for the Asia-Pacific, held online and in Bali, Indonesia, on 20-22 April 2022.

Through its Core States and the Secretariat, CTI stands ready to support any States considering becoming party to the Convention through one-on-one technical assistance and capacity-building.

For States interested in how CTI can offer technical assistance and advice for ratification and/or implementation of UNCAT, please contact advicehub@cti2024.org. For general queries, you can e-mail the CTI Secretariat at info@cti2024.org.

Read the Maldives’ experiences here.