Annual Report 2009 > 6. Convention Against Torture Scheme

6.1 The Convention Against Torture Scheme (CAT Scheme) provides legal assistance to claimants who have made claims under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This Scheme is operating on a pilot basis for 12 months with effect from 24th December 2009. During this 12 months period, the Scheme would only deal with claimants referred to it by the Immigration Department. The continuation of the Scheme after the 12 months period will be subject to further agreement between the Government and the Duty Lawyer Service.

6.2 The provision of legal assistance to CAT claimants in the screening process by the Immigration Department will include the decision stage and if needed, the petition stage. 6.3 CAT claimants applying for legal assistance have to make statutory declaration that they are without means to pay the cost for legal representation before they are eligible for assistance. This service is also completely free of charge. 6.4 The list of duty lawyer participating in the CAT Scheme (Appendix A-5) includes 228 lawyers which comprises of 129 barristers and 99 solicitors.