In commemoration of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, celebrated annually on 26 June, the six Core States spearheading the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI), namely, Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco, recall the absolute and non-derogable nature of the prohibition of torture under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, as CTI Core States, we encourage all Governments to support efforts towards torture prevention and eradication, redress and rehabilitation for victims.

As we take this day to pay tribute to torture survivors around the world, we recall the obligation on all States to respect the absolute and non-derogable nature of the prohibition of torture. Torture is never justified, even in the context of armed conflicts, hostilities or humanitarian crises. The UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) forbids invoking exceptional times such as war, internal political instability or other public emergencies as a justification of torture. Torture is unjustifiable and unequivocally prohibited under international customary law, regardless of whether a State is party to UNCAT.

On this day, the CTI Core States also recognise the vital role that the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture has played in supporting efforts toward torture survivor rehabilitation worldwide and congratulate the Fund on its 40^th anniversary. On Friday 24 June, CTI was pleased to co-sponsor the Fund’s commemorative regional event for Latin America, which highlighted the Fund’s contribution to support torture survivors in the region over the past four decades.

Today, we also celebrate the 35^th anniversary of UNCAT’s entry into force, and in doing so, we must recognise its resounding global impact, including its crucial influence in inspiring and supporting national discussions on enacting anti-torture laws, putting in place complaints and investigation mechanisms and fulfilling victims’ rights.

In order to be successful, the fight against torture requires a collective and multi-stakeholder approach – including through the universal ratification of UNCAT. To date, 173 States are party to UNCAT. With only 22 States remaining, the goal of UNCAT universal ratification is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. CTI stands ready to support States in their ratification and implementation journeys.

Joint Statement of the Heads of Missions in Geneva of the Governments of Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco – Core States of the Convention against Torture Initiative