Preventing and Combating Torture in South Africa : A framework for action under CAT and OPCAT

Why talk about torture in post-apartheid South Africa? Is torture not something that we have left in the past? Regrettably torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment still takes place in South Africa; this reality did not end on 27 April 1994.

Official statistics are not kept on the incidence of torture, but from departmental annual reports, research and media reports it is evident that torture remains a problem. No country, regardless of the strength and maturity of its democracy, can afford to become complacent about the issue of torture. In 1998 South Africa ratified the UN Convention Against Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and in 2006 signed the Optional Protocol to CAT (OPCAT).These two actions have placed significant obligations on South Africa to take measures to prevent and combat torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This booklet aims to provide more information to decision-makers and stakeholders on the challenges relating to preventing and combating torture; and also outlines South Africa’s obligations under CAT and OPCAT. These two instruments are valuable resources in the quest to prevent and combat torture. This booklet is a rough guide to this task.