25th anniversary of the UN Committee against Torture time for universal rejection of torture

Tuesday 7 May 2013 – Today marks the 25th anniversary of the UN Committee against Torture, the guardian of one of the most widely accepted international human rights conventions. In a campaign for universal ratification of the Convention against Torture, several leading human rights organisations now call on the remaining 42 countries to join the treaty and recognize the full competence of the Committee against Torture.

The Convention against Torture, ratified by 153 countries, is the only treaty at the international level concerned exclusively with the eradication of torture around the world. By ratifying the convention, States commit to make torture a crime, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and to provide redress for torture victims. The Convention also requires States parties to take effective measures to prevent all forms of torture and ill-treatment of people deprived of their liberty.

In a joint effort, international NGO’s are addressing the remaining States to encourage them to join the Convention and make it the first universally-ratified human rights treaty – and a great step towards a world free from torture.

Of the countries that have not yet ratified the UN Convention against Torture, almost all have made voluntary pledges to consider ratification, especially in the context of the regular Universal Periodic Review by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.

The undersigned organisations therefore call on all States which are not yet parties to the Convention to seize the opportunity of the 25th anniversary of the Committee against Torture, and take this necessary step towards the global eradication of torture.

List of organisations and contact persons:

Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)
Rosita Ericson
+41 22 919 21 69
[email protected]

REDRESS
Eva Sanchis
+44 20 7793 1777
[email protected]

TRIAL (Track Impunity Always)
Daniele Perissi
+41 22 321 61 10
daniele.perissi@trial-ch

International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
Asger Kjaerum
+41 76 221 59 59
[email protected]

The International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FIACAT)
Lionel Grassy
+41 78 74 99 328
[email protected]

Alkarama
Noemie Crottaz
[email protected]

World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Seynabou Benga
+ 41 22 809 49 39
[email protected]