Today, as we celebrate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, our thoughts go to all those around the world who have been and continue to be exposed to this horrible practice. The EU will never give up its staunch commitment to the prevention and eradication of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, which are unequivocally prohibited under international law.
The EU supports the Convention against Torture Initiative and its efforts to achieve global ratification and, most importantly, implementation of the Convention against Torture by the year 2024. We will do our utmost to contribute to the achievement of this goal. Our commitment to enhance activities to combat torture is also reconfirmed in the Communication on the EU Action plan on Human Rights 2015-2019.
In this work we are using our political tools to the maximum, coupled with financial support. Through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, the EU is one of the major donors in this field and funds a number of activities to prevent torture, increase accountability, fight impunity and rehabilitate victims of torture. Together with civil society we are supporting awareness raising campaigns, the development of prevention and monitoring mechanisms as well as rehabilitation centres to help victims and their families to rebuild their lives.
The European Union expresses its appreciation for the work undertaken by the UN Special Rapporteur, the Committee Against Torture, the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, and the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and other international mechanisms, urging all states to implement their recommendations.
Eradication of torture requires political will, joint effort and global teamwork. The EU has always been and will remain at the frontline of these efforts.
ST
