The Benefits of Incorporating the UN Convention against Torture and other forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment into Scots Law

This report focuses on the gaps that persist in Scots law in the pursuit of eradicating all forms of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (CIDT). It highlights that despite the existing UK and Scottish implementation measures giving effect to the UNCAT, ensuring the general prohibition against torture warrants further attention and action in the Scottish context. The recommendations offered herein also recognise the growing need to reinforce the basic prohibition against torture and CIDT in Scots law in response to the central UK Government’s increasing attempts to dismantle existing human rights protections secured through the HRA 1998.