Convention Against Torture Scheme The Convention Against Torture Scheme provides legal assistance to claimants who have made a claim to the Immigration Department under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The 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 subjected to the agreement of the Government and the Duty Lawyer Service. The scope of legal assistance to claimants under this Scheme covers the following stages: (a) To advise the claimant of his legal right and the procedures in the process of his claim. (b) To assist the claimant to complete the Questionnaire. (c) To accompany the claimant to attend interview(s), if considered necessary by the duty lawyer. (d) To assess merits of petition for claims rejected by the Immigration Department. (e) To prepare submissions for the appellant for meritorious petition cases; and (f) To represent the claimant at oral hearing, if any. 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 completely free of charge.   Back To Top