CAT Article 13 · OPCAT Articles 11 to 16

You must not be punished for reporting

You can complain, and witnesses should be protected from threats, isolation or punishment for reporting.

How you can use it

1. 1Make a complaint in writing, by speaking, through an advocate, or in an accessible format.
2. 2Ask for confidentiality and a safe contact method.
3. 3If you are punished for reporting, tell the inspector, lawyer or complaints body immediately.

What a violation looks like

A child is threatened, isolated or punished after complaining about serious abuse.

Words you can use

“I want to complain safely. Please protect me from retaliation.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.