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 commenced operation on a pilot basis for 12 months with effect from 24th December 2009. Following the successful operation of the pilot Scheme, the Duty Lawyer Service has agreed with the government to continue the CAT Scheme until 31st December 2013. 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