UN HRC52: Statement on torture and other inhuman treatment
During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council the UK delivered a statement on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.
The UK considers torture to be an abhorrent violation of human rights and human dignity. The UK continues to stand in solidarity with torture victims around the world. We owe it to survivors to hold perpetrators of torture to account.
We must take a survivor-centred approach in investigating and prosecuting this serious crime. We must also work together to ensure real accountability when torture is used, including instances of rape and sexual and gender-based violence.
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 are committed to upholding our obligations under international law and call upon all states to do the same.
The UK welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report and recommendations. We note her grave concern about the lack of investigations into torture and other ill treatment. What steps would she advise to ensure more states uphold their duty to investigate crimes of torture in national law and practice?
Thank you.