Following its examination of the third periodic report of Egypt, reviewed in May 1999, the Committee identified among positive aspects the release of large numbers of persons held under the Emergency Act of 1958; a reduction in complaints of maltreatment by persons detained under the Emergency Act; improvements in the quality of some Egyptian prisons; and cases in which compensation was awarded by Egyptian civil courts to victims of torture. The Committee expressed concern, however, among other things, about the large number of allegations of torture and even of death relating to detainees, made against both the police and the State Security Intelligence, about the allegations concerning the treatment of female detainees, and about the allegations that persons had been held in custody in defiance of court orders to release them. It recommended that Egypt take effective measures to prevent torture in custody; that all perpetrators be vigorously prosecuted; and that effective steps be taken to protect female detainees from threats of sexual abuse.

Following its consideration of the second periodic report of Cyprus, taken up in November 1997, the Committee acknowledged the activities of the country's Ombudsman and the response of the Council of Ministers to established cases of police violence; and welcomed the way in which the Convention had been incorporated into the domestic law of Cyprus, in particular the Convention definition of “torture”. The Committee expressed concern, however, about some cases of violence by police officers and emphasized the continuing need for programmes of education and vigorous legal response to such instances.