iii) the outcome; and, iv) national follow up
on the Committee’s recommendations. The
cycle is supposed to take four to five years
but often takes longer.
NGOs have the possibility to engage with
the Committee and contribute to the process at all four phases of the cycle.
Start of
cycle
Promote
and monitor
implementation
of Concluding
observations
Prepare
NGO
input to
LOIPR
Follow-up
Adoption
of LOIPR
Promote implementation
of concluding observation
and prepare report on
implementation of followup recommendations
NGOs input to
the process and
substance of the
State report
Adoption of
Concluding
Observations
Submission
of State
report
NGOs should be
available to provide
additional information
and clarification as
necessary
Prepare NGO
alternative report and
conduct oral briefings
to Committee
members
Oral
hearing in
Geneva
8
Phase 1 – Preparation and information
collection
This phase is mainly focused on gathering information from all stakeholders so
that the review can be undertaken on a
sound evidentiary basis. The reporting cycle starts by the Committee producing a
document called a List of Issues Prior to Reporting (LOIPR). This document contains a
list of both specific and broader questions
posed to the State in relation to the current
implementation of UNCAT and initiatives
undertaken since the last time the State
was reviewed. This is the first possibility for
NGOs to contribute to the process by sharing with the Committee their main issues
of concern and background information
on the situation of torture in their country.
The LOIPR is adopted during the official
session of the Committee, and NGOs can
submit information to the Committee approximately two months in advance of the
review to inform the contents of the LOIPR.
Next, the State is asked to prepare a report
responding to each of the questions posed
by the Committee and including any other
information that the State deems relevant.
This report is usually prepared in collaboration between the ministries and agencies
whose area of responsibility is relevant
to the issue of torture and ill-treatment.
Some States also consult a broader range
of stakeholders including NGOs during this
process.
To complete the preparation and information collection, NGOs, National Human
Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and other relevant non-state stakeholders are invited
to submit their own alternative reports in
Engaging with State reviews in the UN Committee against Torture: A practical guide