On 10 July, the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) held its annual briefing to the UN Committee against Torture (CAT) on the opening day of the Committee’s 77^th session which runs until 28 July.

H.E. Ambassador Claudia Fuentes, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations in Geneva and H.E. Ambassador Febrian Ruddyard, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva delivered joint remarks on behalf of CTI. During her remarks, Ambassador Fuentes referred to the numerous events and activities that CTI has organized since its last annual briefing to the Committee in November 2022, namely CTI’s Annual Forum in 2022 which convened members of its Group of Friends network, CTI’s side-event at the 52^nd session of the Human Rights Council, and two briefings for participating delegates from the LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund held on 15 March and 4 July.

At CTI, we are firmly convinced that universal ratification of UNCAT will strengthen the global movement against torture, as States will be united in condemnation of such abhorrent practice and will all be part of an international community and forum for exchange on experiences and best practices on its prevention, prohibition and eradication.

H.E. Ambassador Claudia Fuentes, Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN in Geneva

Ambassador Ruddyard’s remarks focused on the Pacific Learning Exchange on UNCAT that CTI held with OHCHR’s Pacific Regional Office and the Pacific Community’s Human Rights and Social Development Division from 12-14 June in Fiji, and hosted by the Government of Fiji, as a CTI Core State. Ambassador Ruddyard highlighted the significance of the event, including through the unanimous endorsement of an outcomes document through which 12 Pacific Island States committed among others, to continue the regional conversation with experts on the UN Convention against Torture, and to work towards a “Pacific Torture Free Zone.” He added that the seminar facilitated critical dialogue on positive practices as well as obstacles that hinder the response to gender-based violence and sexual violence against women and girls. Other areas discussed during the event included alternatives to corporal punishment, and ways forward for non-States-parties in their efforts to ratify UNCAT.

Reiterating the importance of CAT member participation at CTI’s events and briefings, Ambassador Ruddyard underscored:

We continue to see the immense benefits that CAT member participation provides for States participating in our events and activities (…) particularly for those who have had little engagement and experience reporting to Treaty Bodies, it offers a valuable opportunity to engage with members informally, and to learn more about your experiences and the work of the Committee

H.E. Ambassador Febrian Ruddyard, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN in Geneva

The remarks also highlighted progress in developing other tools and resources, including the Study Paper on anti-torture legislative frameworks in the Pacific which was released in June 2023, and the publication of French and Spanish translations of thematic chapters from the CTI Police Resource Toolkit on arrest, stop and search, and safeguards in police custody.

Following the joint remarks delivered by Ambassador Fuentes and Ambassador Ruddyard, fruitful discussions took place between CAT members and CTI on synergistic cooperation, advancing efforts to encourage the ratification and effective implementation of UNCAT.

For States interested in how CTI can support their efforts towards ratification and/or implementation of UNCAT, please contact info@cti2024.org.