CAT Articles 4 to 12

Serious harm must be investigated

A credible report of torture or cruel treatment should be investigated promptly and independently. Staff should be trained to prevent it.

How you can use it

1. 1Report the facts — dates, people, place — to a lawyer, police officer, doctor or inspector.
2. 2Say: “I want an independent and prompt investigation.”
3. 3Keep the reference number and ask the investigator’s name and next step.

What a violation looks like

A credible disclosure of torture in a state-supervised placement is not investigated.

Words you can use

“I want a prompt, independent investigation and a case number.”

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