Meetings of States parties & elections

Meetings of States Parties are held to elect the members of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. States Parties cast their votes by secret ballot from a list of nominees, The members of the Subcommittee shall be elected for a term of four years and are eligible for re-election once if renominated.

The members shall be chosen from among persons of high moral character, having proven professional experience in the field of the administration of justice, in particular criminal law, prison or police administration, or in the various fields relevant to the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. In the composition of the Subcommittee due consideration shall be given to equitable geographic distribution and to the representation of different forms of civilization and legal systems of the States Parties. In this composition consideration shall also be given to balanced gender representation on the basis of the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The members of the Subcommittee on Prevention shall serve in their individual capacity, shall be independent and impartial and shall be available to serve the Subcommittee Prevention efficiently, as per articles five to 10 of the Optional Protocol.

Find out more about treaty body elections.

Elections