In our follow up report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT), we are calling for the UK Government to withdraw plans that could make it more difficult to hold UK military personnel to account for crimes (including torture and ill-treatment) committed overseas. We are concerned that the Overseas Operations Bill, introduced by the Government in March 2020, would create a time limit for claims of torture or ill-treatment. This is widely recognised as being incompatible with international human rights standards.
In June 2019 CAT specifically recommended that the UK should not introduce legislation which would grant amnesty or pardon for UK personnel where torture is concerned. We are pressing the Government to withdraw proposals that would prevent a criminal case being brought against members of the UK forces after five years, without special consent from the Attorney General.
Our submission to CAT specifically focuses on the accountability for any torture and ill-treatment committed by UK personnel in Iraq from 2003 to 2009. It also includes recommendations that, if implemented, would see the UK strengthen its commitment to the international human rights framework and the Convention against Torture.
Our full report, including recommendations, has been submitted to CAT as part of the sixth periodic report of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
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