Combating torture and the death penalty

Liechtenstein repeatedly spoke out in favor of reaffirming the absolute prohibition of torture and supported efforts aimed at preventing torture and inhumane treatment of detainees through appropriate measures. Accordingly, Liechtenstein is a party to both the European Convention on Human Rights and the Anti-Torture Convention of the UN. It has also recognized the right of the UN Committee against Torture (CAT) to consider individual complaints. Since 1992, Liechtenstein has also been a party to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This Convention established an independent panel of experts (CPT) to carry out a preventive periodic visit system in the prisons of the member states. The expert panel has visited Liechtenstein three times so far and reviewed the measures taken by the authorities to prevent torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Another important instrument to combat or prevent torture is the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT), to which Liechtenstein has been a party since 2006.

In the fight against the the death penalty, Liechtenstein is actively engaged in both the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly and the Council of Europe.