The basis for RCT's work is UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, of 1984. This convention was adopted on December 10, 1984 by UN General Assembly and entered into force on June 26, 1987. Denmark ratified the convention in 1987. The work of RCT furthermore builds on the principles of a series of international and regional convention and declarations, in particular the Universal Declaration on Human Rights from 1948 and the Council of Europe Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading treatment or punishment from 1987.