Geneva, 26 June 2017 – On the dual occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the 30th anniversary for the UN Convention against Torture entering into force, the CTI publishes 10 good reasons to ratify UNCAT.

The reasons to ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment are numerous and compelling. Today – on the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Convention entering into force* – the CTI is pleased to launch a helpful addition to its website namely a new sub-page on “Why ratify UNCAT?”.

From sending a powerful international message that the ratifying State takes a zero tolerance approach towards torture and other ill-treatment, ratifying UNCAT also supports States in their work to strengthen the rule of law and the administration of justice and to provide remedies for victims. The Convention is ultimately a practical tool to help guide States to improve national practices in areas such as policing, criminal justice and prisons.

Through our work, the CTI will continue to support States in recognising the rights of victims of torture around the globe and work tirelessly for their right to redress and rehabilitation while remaining committed to realizing our goal of a world free from torture by ensuring that the Convention is universally ratified and more effectively implemented by 2024.

* UNCAT entered into force on 26 June 1987 with the 20^th ratification, deposited by CTI core State Denmark.