76^th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY – THIRD COMMITTEE

Promotion and protection of human rights – Item 74 (a-d)

Sub-item 74 (a) – Implementation of human rights instruments

Statement during the interactive dialogue with mandate holders on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Delivered by Mr René Ruidiaz Pérez, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Chile to the UN

Thank you Mr Chair,

I have the pleasure of speaking on behalf of the six States leading the Convention against Torture Initiative, namely Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Morocco, and my own country, Chile.

We are a cross-regional group of States pursuing international collaboration towards the universal ratification and effective implementation of the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) by 2024. We work to strengthen State institutions, policies and practices through capacity building and technical advice, and enjoy support from a growing Group of Friends open to all UN Member States. We would like to take this opportunity to invite all UN Member States here today to join our initiative.

Since CTI was launched in 2014, 18 new ratifications have been deposited, bringing the current total to 172 State parties. We congratulate and welcome the newest State Party, Sudan, who ratified in August this year, bringing in the laudable achievement of universal UNCAT ratification amongst the members of the Arab League. Sudan’s ratification also brings us closer to universal ratification for the African region, with only two States remaining. CTI remains committed to raising awareness on the benefits of becoming party to the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol, which we trust will guide States on their pathways towards ratification and effective implementation of the Convention.

CTI continues to support States to professionalise their police and other law enforcement services, cognizant of their key role in the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, and that a human rights based approach by these institutions is central to an effective implementation of the Convention against Torture. Towards this endeavour, CTI held an online workshop for West African States in April 2021, aiming to build the capacity of police services and broader criminal justice actors on non-coercive interviewing methods as one of the key elements of torture prevention in the first hours of police custody. CTI is also working on a Police Resource Kit in partnership with the UNODC, which will compile existing good State practices, tools and examples on best ways to improve performance of police and law enforcement authorities, whilst safeguarding human rights including the right to be free from torture and other ill-treatment.  Such activities and tools will support effective and human rights compliant policing and independent and fair justice systems , and enable States to fortify crucial trust between citizens and its criminal justice systems. CTI remains committed to supporting capacity building in these areas, and we stand by to support Governments in the global fight against torture and ill-treatment.

Exchange of knowledge and expertise, and sharing of good practices alongside challenges on the road towards ratification and subsequent implementation of the Convention against Torture is a central foundation of CTI’s work. In this view, CTI has held online regional workshops for Caribbean and Pacific States in December 2020 and May 2021, respectively, fostering platforms for dialogues on how to strengthen anti-torture legal frameworks whilst reinforcing the fair administration of justice. CTI will continue to create space for such exchanges, where States can learn from each other’s experiences and receive support from experts and regional / international organizations.

To conclude, we would like to express our appreciation to the mandate holders for their vital work, and their continued support and cooperation with the CTI.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.