On Tuesday 4 July, during the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council (19 June – 14 July), the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) held a briefing to beneficiaries of the LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund.

The briefing convened 13 beneficiaries – from Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Suriname, Togo, and the United Republic of Tanzania – and explored the various modalities of support that CTI can offer to assist States in their journeys to ratifying and implementing the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).

Since 2014, 19 States have ratified UNCAT, of which 16 are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). During the discussion, SIDS and LDCs discussed their journeys to UNCAT ratification, and took the opportunity to reflect upon the specific challenges and opportunities they face in its implementation.

Among other interventions, the representative from Maldives referenced several reforms undertaken in the prison system since the country’s ratification of UNCAT in 2004, and the positive impact they had on conditions of detention. In addition, the delegate from The Gambia highlighted that CTI’s support both prior to and following the ratification of UNCAT in 2018, including with the organization of a workshop in Banjul in 2022, was instrumental in progress relating to the prevention of torture. Among other milestones in the implementation of UNCAT, The Gambia adopted in 2023 its Prevention of Torture Act. Further, the delegate from Malawi expanded upon the country’s initial review by the Committee against Torture, and explained how the review process is contributing to ongoing legal reforms. Finally, the delegate from Suriname highlighted that support is available for SIDS and LDCs on their UNCAT ratification and implementation journey:

Our experience shows that joining the UN Convention against Torture is not a journey you have to take alone, there are partners willing to help along the way.

Annelies Shirley Agwense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Suriname

Mr. Maximiliano Valdes, representing the CTI Core State of Chile, underscored how UNCAT ratification has positively shaped the rule of law and Chile’s compliance with human rights standards:

UNCAT ratification was instrumental to Chile’s transition to democracy and led to a myriad of reforms that ultimately strengthened the administration of justice, law enforcement practices and the overall responses to human rights violations.

Maximiliano Valdes, Counsellor at Chile’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva

The inspiring exchanges of good practices ultimately highlighted that SIDS and LDCs, with the support of their peers and other organizations, can effectively prevent torture despite the unique obstacles they face.

CTI is cognizant of the specific challenges SIDS and LDCs are facing in ratifying and implementing UNCAT. As an initiative by States and for States, CTI is well positioned to help them on their ratification and implementation journey.

Gayethri Pillay, Head of CTI Secretariat

CTI published materials supporting States efforts in ratifying and implementing UNCAT, such as its Implementation tools and Police Resource Toolkit.

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