On Thursday, 13 October 2022, the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) and its Core States – namely Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, and Morocco – held a reception in Geneva to celebrate the full ratification of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) by all Arab States and States from South America.  

Over 70 ambassadors and representatives from States, International Organizations, and NGOs in Geneva, convened to celebrate this key milestone. 

The full ratification of the Convention against Torture by all Arab States and States from South America was achieved in 2021, with the ratification by Sudan in August and the accession of Suriname in November. With these ratifications, 173 States have now joined UNCAT, only 22 short of universal ratification. This important milestone brings us even closer to fulfilling CTI’s vision to achieve the universal ratification and improved implementation of the Convention against Torture by 2024.  

H.E. Ambassador Omar Zniber, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted the significance of this achievement: 

Ratifying the Convention is a powerful signal that States are committed to ending torture, ensuring accountability, and providing reparation for victims. Together with its effective implementation, the Convention against Torture presents the opportunity to build better and safer communities.

H.E. Ambassador Omar Zniber, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva 

Ratifying and implementing the UNCAT can have a deep and long-lasting impact on societies as it ultimately helps strengthen State institutions and fosters accountability, in line with Sustainable Goal 16. 

In that regard, H.E. Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio, Permanent Representative of Chile, noted the historic role Chile’s decision to join the Convention had on the development of the country: 

Emerging from a difficult past, ratifying UNCAT in 1988 was an important step in strengthening the rule of law and implementing human rights-compliant policies in the justice and law enforcement sectors.

H.E. Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Mr. Mahamane Cissé-Gouro, Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the recent ratification by Sudan and Suriname, and reiterated the OHCHR’s commitment to continue collaborating with the Convention against Torture Initiative to work towards mutual goals.  

As we celebrate the ratification and accession of Sudan and Suriname and the complete ratification of UNCAT by all South America and Arab States, we trust that this positive action will inspire fellow States to join the Convention against Torture. CTI stands ready to support States towards the full ratification of the Convention against Torture by 2024 and to provide its support to ensure improved implementation of UNCAT.