It is hoped that this Handbook would not only be a useful reference in the understanding of the UN Convention against Torture, but would also be a tool in the implementation of the obligations assumed by the States Parties. National actors, including non-governmental organisations, are encouraged to make use of the material contained herein as part of their education and training activities, as well as campaigning and lobbying efforts. Moreover, the Handbook could be very useful in the drawing up of reports intended to analyse the situation of torture in the countries; likewise, States Parties and non-government organisations may use the Handbook when drawing up their respective reports for the UN Committee against Torture. In the drafting of this Handbook, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) wishes to acknowledge the comments and contributions of the following persons: Heema Dawoonauth, Claudine Haenni, Prof. Malcolm Evans, Prof. Peter Thomas Burns and members of the APT Secretariat (2001 – 2002). Annex IV was drafted by Marie-Eve Friedrich. The final Handbook was drafted by Lene Wendland and edited by Cecilia Jimenez. INTRODUCTION Geneva, May 2002 8