Every 4 years the Committee against Torture (CAT), which monitors states’ observation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Ever since the revelations of torture and ill treatment of detainees by Coalition forces in Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and other places of detention , the importance and relevance of CAT’s role has been considerably enhanced.

Coincidentally, the UK was scheduled to present its report to the CAT next year, but following PHR-UK’s fax to the CAT in May 2004, expressing our concerns regarding the detainees, the schedule was advanced to November 2004.

PHR-UK has submitted a shadow report to the CAT cataloguing violations of the Convention. Included within the report is a section on health care. Prisoners are entitled to the same standards of healthcare as the general public.

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