NCJ Number
66511
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE TEXT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS PROHIBITING TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN, AND DEGRADING TREATMENT.
Abstract
THIS SPECIFIC CODE, BASED ON THE GENERAL UNITED NATIONS PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, OUTLINES THE PREREQUISITES FOR THE HUMANE PERFORMANCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS. ITS PROVISIONS ARE RECOMMENDED TO SERVE AS A FRAMEWORK FOR NATIONAL LEGISLATION AND PRACTICES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS. THE CODE CONSISTS OF 8 ARTICLES DELINEATING LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES. SUCH OFFICIALS ARE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY PROTECTING ALL PERSONS AGAINST ILLEGAL ACTS WHILE RESPECTING HUMAN DIGNITY AND MAINTAINING AND UPHOLDING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL PERSONS. MOREOVER, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS MAY USE FORCE ONLY WHEN STRICTLY NECESSARY, AND MATTERS OF A CONFIDENTIAL NATURE ARE TO BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL UNLESS THE PERFORMANCE OF DUTY OR THE NEEDS OF JUSTICE REQUIRE OTHERWISE. NO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL MAY INFLICT, INSTIGATE, OR TOLERATE ANY ACT OF TORTURE OR OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS MUST ENSURE THE FULL PROTECTION OF THE HEALTH OF PERSONS IN THEIR CUSTODY; THEY MAY NOT COMMIT ANY ACT OF CORRUPTION AND THEY MUST RESPECT THE LAW AND THIS CODE. ARTICLES OF THE CODE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY COMMENTARY EXPLICATIVE OF THE BASIC PROVISION. FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED. (MRK)