“[…] the international human rights system operates even more in rhetoric than in reality” (Copelon, 2003, page 11) The Holy See has joined the Convention against Torture and other Cruelty, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) of 22 June 2002. Pope John Paul II observed that “[t]orture must be called by its proper name” upon the Holy See's accession to the Convention Against Torture ( hereinafter referred to as the Convention against Torture). 'Convention'). Yet, in the Initial Report under the Convention, the Holy See did not mention the widespread cases of sexual abuse committed by priests around the world, nor did it label them for what they are, acts of torture. Furthermore, cases of child abuse and sexual abuse continued to occur under the eyes of the Holy See even after accession to the Convention; matters of this kind were dealt with as quietly and quickly as possible. The oppressors, who ranged from lower-ranking priests to high-ranking members of the Church, were often not punished and were allowed to walk freely, while the oppressed were left to deal with their suffering in one way or another (Center for constitutional rights, 2014). It is clear that serious action must be taken to address and stop these aberrant situations. Non-governmental organizations such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) are trying to help those who have suffered, but an equally important question remains in the air: is the United Nations adequately equipped to address such issues effectively? More concretely, what can the Committee Against Torture (hereinafter 'CAT') actually achieve through its 'Concluding Observations' on reports submitted to States? To answer this question, a critical analysis of previous cases in which the......middle of paper......improving and tenfold the effectiveness of the CAT. While some aspects of these mechanisms are already in place, they need to be further developed and enhanced to make CAT truly effective. Only then would the CAT finally grow its official "teeth". However, this cannot happen overnight. More and more academics, legal professionals and anyone who can make their voices heard must highlight the urgency and serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of the CAT. Once more efficient mechanisms are implemented, other international human rights systems will follow, and will themselves begin to implement similar mechanisms. These could improve international law, giving it a more centralized character and strong enforcement tools. Copelon's declaration will then begin to crumble, as international human rights systems will function more in reality than in rhetoric..