UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Torture

Thank you Mr President.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for this report.

The UK Government unreservedly condemns the use of torture. It is an abhorrent violation of human rights and human dignity. Its impact on societies and individuals is devastating. We reaffirm our commitment to prevent, investigate, prosecute and provide redress for torture and ill-treatment within our jurisdiction.

The UK proudly works with like-minded partners and civil society to support torture prevention initiatives globally.

The UK is a long-standing, vocal supporter of the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, and other international mechanisms focussed on ending torture. We welcome recent ratifications of the Convention against Torture, and again encourage the minority of states, who have not yet done so, to ratify and implement the Convention. This is a vital step towards the global eradication of torture.

We note the Special Rapporteur’s concern about the failure of some states to fully engage with the mandate. What advice would he give his successor to encourage more comprehensive consideration of the mandate’s reporting and recommendations?