ICCPR concluding observations 2015, paragraph 19
Plain English recommendation
Government should: Fully apply the ban on refoulement (forcibly returning people to countries where they are likely to be persecuted), in line with articles 6 and 7 of the ICCPR. Fully evaluate diplomatic assurances (political agreements between countries against torture). Monitor the treatment of people who have been transferred under diplomatic assurances. Do not extradite, transfer or return people to states lacking appropriate monitoring. Take action when diplomatic assurances are not followed.
Original UN recommendation
The Committee recalls its previous recommendation (see CCPR/C/GBR/CO/6, para. 12) and recommends that the State party strictly apply the absolute prohibition on refoulement under articles 6 and 7 of the Covenant; continue to exercise the utmost care in evaluating diplomatic assurances; ensure that appropriate, effective and independent post-transfer monitoring of individuals who are transferred pursuant to diplomatic assurances is in place; refrain from relying on such assurances where the State party is not in a position to effectively monitor the treatment of such persons after their extradition, expulsion, transfer or return to other countries; and take appropriate remedial action when assurances are not fulfilled.
Date of UN examination
16/08/2015
UN article number
2 (implementation at the national level), 6 (right to life), 7 (freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment)
Original UN document
Download the original ICCPR concluding observations 2015 on the UN website