Marking the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) on 18 December 2002, we the six Core States spearheading the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI), recall the importance of taking preventive measures to address risks of torture and other ill-treatment. Torture prevention is one of the primary obligations within the anti-torture architecture set out in the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and, on this day, we recognize the important role that UNCAT’s Optional Protocol plays in strengthening preventive measures taken by UNCAT States Parties.

By assisting in identifying the root causes of torture and other ill-treatment and mitigating risk factors in all places of detention, OPCAT’s system of regular international and national visits contributes to achieving one of UNCAT’s main objectives: to effectively prevent torture and other ill-treatment where these are most likely to occur. In this context, States across regions can highly benefit from CTI’s tools, particularly those on States strategies to prevent and respond to torture and ill-treatment or punishment, on Safeguards in the first hours of police detention and on Initial Medical Assessment (IMA) of detainees upon admission.

Providing States with practical recommendations for effective torture prevention policies and strategies is one of the crucial contributions of both the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) and National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs). We underscore the SPT’s vital contributions and advisory role, including through the OPCAT’s Special Fund, in supporting educational and capacity-building programmes for NPMs and State officials alike to be better able to implement issued recommendations. CTI has been pleased to hold a yearly briefing with the SPT since 2016, and remain keen to find synergies and avenues for strengthened collaboration.

As CTI Core States, we reiterate our availability and readiness to continue supporting States on torture prevention strategies, including through exchanging of mutual good State practices, experiences and challenges. We encourage all Governments to join us in advancing efforts towards torture prevention and eradication.

Joint Statement of the Governments of Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco – Core States of the Convention against Torture Initiative – for 20^th anniversary of the adoption of OPCAT –Sunday, 18 December 2022