Committee against Torture, Consideration of reports submitted
by States Parties under article 19 of the Convention,
Norway (1998).


The Committee considered the third periodic report of Norway (CAT/C/34/Add.8) at its 322nd and 323rd meetings, held on 6 May 1998 (CAT/C/SR.322 and 323) and adopted the following conclusions and recommendations:

A. Introduction

1. The third periodic report of Norway was submitted on 6 February 1997. It conformed fully with the requirements laid down in the Committee's reporting guidelines. It provided information, article by article, on new measures to implement the Convention taken since the submission of the its last report and answered questions raised during the discussion of the second periodic report. The Committee also thanks the delegation for its oral information and its frank and precise replies to the questions raised by members of the Committee.

B. Positive aspects

2. The fact that Norway continues to do its utmost to secure respect for human rights, including the prohibition of torture, in law and in practice, inter alia, with the creation and constant development of special bodies such as Special Investigation Bodies.

3. The generous donation to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture.

C. Subjects of concern

4. The Committee is concerned over the fact that Norway has not yet introduced the offence of torture into its penal system, including a definition of torture in conformity with article 1 of the Convention.

5. The Committee is concerned about the institution of solitary confinement, particularly as a preventive measures during the pre-trial detention.

D. Recommendations

6. The Committee reiterates the recommendation it made during its consideration of the initial and second periodic report of Norway that the State party should incorporate into its domestic law provisions on the crime of torture, in conformity with article 1 of the Convention.

7. Except in exceptional circumstances, inter alia, when the safety of persons or property is involved, the Committee recommends that the use of solitary confinement should be abolished , particularly during pre-trial detention, or at least that it should be strictly and specifically regulated by law and that judicial supervision should be strengthened.



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