Group of Friends

International cooperation, knowledge and experience sharing are integral to successful treaty ratification as well as sustained progress toward full observance following that process.

To help States overcome challenges to ratification and implementation of UNCAT, CTI welcomes the expertise, experience and knowledge of a diverse coalition that share our vision and objectives, known collectively as the CTI Group of Friends. The CTI Group of Friends comprise UN Member States, international and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), researchers, academics, torture prevention and other theme related experts.

Friends buttress the work and progress of CTI by providing assistance through active engagement in CTI technical workshops, training, seminars and other forums. They are  invited to attend the CTI’s Annual Forum  which provides an opportunity to inter alia provide input and advice on the strategic direction of CTI as well as to address specific regional and thematic challenges in the ratification or implementation of the Convention. Membership of the Group of Friends does not carry specific obligations or commitments, however, Friends are expected to share the vision and goals of the CTI and to work positively to those ends.

The effective implementation of human rights instruments, in particular of the Convention against Torture, demands of the international community to move from words to action. In this regard, Costa Rica is happy to join the Group of Friends of the Convention against Torture Initiative. I hope many more Member States will follow.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Mr. Manuel Gonzalez-Sanz

Group of Friends – States

All UN Member States are invited to participate in the CTI Group of Friends. Both States parties to UNCAT as well as States that are considering ratifying belong to the Group of Friends, with many opportunities for exchange and sharing experiences.

47 Current State friends:

Albania, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Luxembourg, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Montenegro, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States of America.

How to Join: Requests to join the CTI Group of Friends can be indicated by letter to:

CTI Nations Business Centre
1 Rue du Pré-de-la-Bichette,
6th floor, 1202 Geneva

or email to the CTI Secretariat: info@cti2024.org

More friends

A range of international, regional and non-governmental organisations, as well as experts and practitioners have additionally been invited to join the CTI Group of Friends, and participate in relevant activities. A formidble group of leading anti-torture experts and organisations enhance the commitment and technical know-how within the CTI family.

Organisations: ACAT France, African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV – Uganda), Amnesty International, Center for Victims of Torture (USA), Centre for Civil and Political Rights, DIGNITY (Denmark), FIACAT, International Aid Network, International Bar Association, International Commission of Jurists, Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, Omega Research Foundation, Penal Reform International, REDRESS Trust, SAVE CONGO, Shield for Justice Foundation (Kenya), Universal Rights Group, University of Bristol, UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.

Experts:  A wide array of experts and esteemed career professional working in the field of torture prevention and response, policing, intelligence, corrections and justice sectors.

Who Can Join: Engagement and participation is by invitation only and based on level of expertise, track-record and potential for contributing to CTI’s objectives. 

The full list of CTI Expert Friends can be found here.

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