International recommendation

Police detention safeguards

Issue date:
Human rights body:
Committee Against Torture (CAT)
Themes:
Access to court and legal aidAccess to healthcarePolice custody and pre-trial detention
Relevant CAT articles:
Art. 11 – Review of detention proceduresArt. 12 – Prompt and impartial investigationArt. 13 – Right of victims to complainArt. 16 – Prevention of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatmentArt. 2 – Prevention of torture
Source:
CAT/C/NOR/CO/8, para. 12

Recommended measures (1)

Measure
Measure types:
Practices and guidelinesLaws and regulations
Responsible Ministry:
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

The State party should ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty are afforded in law and in practice all fundamental legal safeguards from the very outset of their detention, in accordance with international standards, including being informed of their rights, receiving at their request a medical examination preferably by a doctor of their own choice, having access to a lawyer or free legal aid in all cases required by the interests of justice, particularly during investigation and questioning, being informed of their right to lodge complaints and about the actual complaints procedure, and being brought before a judge within 48 hours of their apprehension.