Monday 25 June, Geneva: On the eve of the International Day for Victims of Torture, CTI released its 2018-20 strategic plan at a gathering in Geneva of UN Member States, UN agencies and international organisations and other friends and partners. The strategy will guide the work of the CTI over the important mid-years of the 10-year initiative, calling for deeper and broader engagement at national, regional and international levels.

Speaking at the launch on behalf of the five core States of the CTI, Ambassador Carsten Staur, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations in Geneva, noted that:

“As an inter-governmental initiative, the CTI is building capacity, interest and momentum towards our ultimate vision of eradicating the use of torture by public authorities through universal membership and implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and other ill-treatment. Our approach is based on constructive dialogue, technical assistance and the mutual respect and equality between States; it is proving to be even more effective than we had dared hope, when we set out four years ago.”

Since the CTI was established, 10 new States have ratified or acceded to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). The number of States parties stands at an impressive 164, yet UNCAT remains one of the least ratified of the human rights treaties. CTI is committed to changing this. Many of the remaining 31 non-States-parties are in close discussions with the CTI on doing so, and the CTI remains optimistic.

Commenting on the new strategy, Ambassador Ramses Joseph Cleland, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations in Geneva, and core member of the CTI, earlier noted:

“Through the CTI, we hope to inspire ourselves and other States to do better. We look forward to all UN Member States joining us. For Ghana, ratifying UNCAT provided an opportunity to reflect on our own domestic practices and in some areas to reset priorities and to make a break with past practices. The Convention can be a catalysing force for good.”

During 2018-20, an enhanced programme of diplomatic and technical support visits are planned, along with other activities to raise awareness, build knowledge and technical capacity of States. CTI’s focus on showcasing good State practices and sharing challenges in confidential settings will continue.

States interested in learning more are invited to get in touch with the Permanent Missions of Chile, Denmark, Ghana, Indonesia or Morocco, in Geneva or New York; or with Dr. Alice Edwards, Head of the CTI Secretariat, aedwards@cti2024.org

The strategy is available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.