Statements and speeches Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Türk: The Convention Against Torture Initiative is a safeguard for the world
19 November 2024
Delivered by
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
At
Convention against Torture Initiative, Convention against Torture 2024 Annual Forum
Excellencies, colleagues, friends,
Torture is a vile crime – a despicable attack that strikes at the very heart of our humanity and our society.
I have met many victims and survivors of torture. During our conversations, I sensed how the body, the mind, the soul of a person are deeply and profoundly scarred by torture, and how important the healing process is.
We must always prioritise victims and survivors, and we must never become numb to such shocking inhumanity.
The Convention Against Torture Initiative is a safeguard for the world, pushing for global recognition, for prevention and punishment of this vile crime.
I thank all members of the Initiative for their important work.
Distinguished participants,
Forty years ago, the international community took a monumental step towards the eradication of torture, with the adoption of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
It was a powerful statement to the world that torture can never be justified and can never be legal.
Today, the Convention has been ratified by 174 out of 193 Member States of the United Nations. Over the past ten years, the Convention Against Torture Initiative has played an enormous part in building this support, promoting ratification, and ensuring effective implementation.
The Initiative is an example of the power of State advocacy. It offers a model to promote ratification not only of the Convention, but also of the other core human rights treaties.
Torture is a persistent crime, and I am deeply concerned that allegations of torture and ill-treatment risk becoming normalized.
In the past, allegations of torture were met with widespread outrage and condemnation. Today, when we hear reports of torture, particularly in conflict and war, I ask: where is that outrage? We must find it within ourselves and harness its power to guide our action.
We – as the international community and as individuals – need to reiterate to the world that there is no place for torture or ill-treatment in our societies. And that perpetrators must always be held accountable.
I commend the Convention Against Torture Initiative for its important work to strengthen institutions, to raise awareness, to build expertise, and to reduce the risk of torture. You are inspiring, facilitating and motivating States to prevent and punish torture.
However, the eradication of torture cannot be achieved by States alone. It requires a global, multi-stakeholder effort, backed by the existing international anti-torture machinery.
Distinguished participants,
The prohibition against torture is absolute and ironclad. Our commitment to this core principle of law must be equally concrete and unshakeable.
The Convention Against Torture Initiative is essential to upholding that fundamental and powerful tenet.
The Initiative is making our world a safer, more just and more equal place for all people, and is contributing to a future free from torture.
You have my strong support.
Thank you.
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