Türk – Torture is never legal, never justified, and always abhorrent

Excellencies, distinguished members of both Committees, dear Special Rapporteur, colleagues, friends,

The adoption of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 40 years ago was a seminal moment in the history of human rights.

It represented – and continues to represent – a powerful, collective commitment by States to prevent and punish one of the most despicable acts perpetrated by human beings.

Torture – the deliberate infliction of physical agony, psychological terror and trauma on defenceless adults and children – is a vile, heinous act that has absolutely no place in our world.

It is never justified; it is always abhorrent; and we have a clear legal and moral duty to prevent it.

Forty years after its adoption, the Convention has been ratified by 174 out of 193 Member States of the United Nations. But for an issue this fundamental, there must be universal ratification and adherence to this treaty by all States.

This important commemoration is a call to action – an opportunity for all States to re-commit to their obligations. Torture is a pestilence, and like any pest, its eradication requires constant vigilance and constant effort. The provisions of the Convention must be implemented tirelessly and faithfully. 

Today, this Convention, and the dedication and commitment it demands, are more urgently needed than ever.

Our troubled world is becoming more violent and more polarised.

According to statistics of the ICRC, we have over 120 conflicts raging globally, and every one of them is a chaos machine. Hate speech and discrimination are more and more prevalent, and entire communities are scapegoated and denounced.

At the same time, we see a pushback against the time-honoured values and norms of human rights.

Even the fundamental principle that nothing ever justifies torture has been repeatedly questioned in recent decades.

The prohibition against torture is a jus cogens norm – a compulsory norm of international law that is absolute. It applies to everyone and every State, regardless of whether they have ratified the Convention.

Torture is never legal and never permitted, under any circumstances.

And yet, to my profound concern, it continues to blight our world.

It is harrowing to see the extent to which torture arises in our monitoring work and in the reports of my Office, and I fear that reports of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are increasingly being normalized. This is simply unacceptable. We must reject this trend, completely, categorically and collectively.

We cannot allow what should be repulsive and repugnant to become mundane.

Dear colleagues,

Each and every government, regardless of their political affiliation, has a responsibility to prevent and punish torture. Those in power must lead the way. Political leaders must make it crystal clear at the very highest levels that nothing ever justifies torture. They must hold perpetrators accountable – concretely and consistently.

I call on all governments to use the existing international machinery that backs the fight against torture. They are all represented here today. It offers support not only at the international level, but also through regional and national bodies that can support States in identifying gaps in their laws and policies, helping to prevent torture and ill-treatment, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing redress and rehabilitation to victims.

These bodies exist to assist. Please use them and benefit from them.

There is also a broader anti-torture movement that has an important role; when it comes to preventing torture and ill-treatment, when it comes to working towards accountability, and when it comes to supporting victims. Each component of this ecosystem is vital, and each must be fully supported and empowered. 

Together, we must keep pushing for universal ratification and effective implementation of the Convention, including by ensuring that all the anti-torture mechanisms are properly resourced.

Dear colleagues,

I have met many victims and survivors of torture throughout my life, and I came away from those meetings deeply saddened by the profound impact torture had on their lives but also inspired by their bravery and resilience.  

I sensed during these meetings how torture leaves very deep scars on the mind, body and soul of a person. How it represents an intolerable strike against their dignity and humanity. So we really need to prioritise victims and we need to prioritise their healing.

There is no room for torture in our societies: not in situations of conflict, not in crises, not in counterterrorism.

We, as the international community, must reassert zero-tolerance for torture and ill-treatment. And we, as individuals, must do the same.

Guided by the Convention, people have been committed to this goal for 40 years. Today, we acknowledge that dedication; we commemorate the Convention; and we commit to redoubling our efforts to achieve a world free from torture, now and in the future, for all people, everywhere.

Thank you.