From 12 – 14 June 2023, the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) held a regional event for Pacific States titled “Pacific Learning Exchange on the United Nations Convention against Torture”. Hosted by the Government of Fiji as a CTI Core State and organised in partnership with the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Pacific Regional Office and the Human Rights and Social Development Division of the Pacific Community (SPC), the event built on previous dialogues and seminars CTI held for Pacific States in Fiji in 2016 and 2019 and online in 2021.

Over three days, the event brought together representatives from 12 Pacific States, who came together to share experiences, good practices and challenges to ratification, implementation and reporting under the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). As six Pacific Island Countries are already party to the Convention, several others are currently considering taking steps to become party to this international landmark document.

On the relevance of having co-organised this Pacific Learning Exchange, the three organisations stated:

The Pacific Learning Exchange on UNCAT has sprung into a community of practice to share knowledge and experiences and to build domestic and regional capacity on torture prevention and response. In the past three days, we heard many positive State experiences, good practices, and challenges, and we heard commitments towards better protecting Pacific people from one of the most horrendous human rights violations: torture and other ill-treatment.

CTI, OHCHR‘s Pacific Regional Office and the Pacific Community’s Human Rights and Social Development Division

Speaking about the success of the event, Head of the CTI Secretariat, Ms. Gayethri Pillay, stated:

CTI is pleased to have co-organised this regional Learning Exchange on UNCAT and we thank Fiji, as a CTI Core State and Host Government, for the wonderful hospitality and support in the preparations. I am delighted to have partnered with the OHCHR’s Pacific Regional Office and the Pacific Community in this regional event and I look forward to continued engagement and collaboration in our joint efforts to making the Pacific a torture-free region.

Gayethri Pillay, Head of the CTI Secretariat

Over the course of the three days, Governments identified concrete steps and commitments to strengthen their efforts to prevent and address torture and other ill-treatment, including by engaging with international expert mechanisms such as the UN Committee against Torture, and putting in place domestic National Mechanisms for Reporting, Implementation and Follow-up (NMRIFs). Furthermore, non-States-parties assessed measures and considerations to be taken into account for becoming party to UNCAT and discussed two tangible actions or activities with provisional dates attached in view of UNCAT ratification.

At the event’s closing, Hon. Ropate Green Lomavatu, Fiji’s Solicitor-General, reflected on the importance and benefits that UNCAT ratification can bring to Pacific States, pointing out that:

Ratification also provides an impetus for enhanced training of law enforcement and other actors, and allows for exchanges between States on good practices and challenges. There are many other benefits and I urge those States that have not ratified UNCAT to take steps to do so.

Hon. Ropate Green Lomavatu, Solicitor-General of Fiji

CTI looks forward to continue working to support Pacific States in their journeys to ratify UNCAT and to improve its implementation.

For governments interested in learning more about CTI’s work and how can CTI support their efforts towards ratification and/or implementation of UNCAT, please contact info@cti2024.org.