EU Presidency Statement - Victims of torture

On the occasion of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June), the European Union underlines the primary importance it attaches to the prevention and eradication of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in all parts of the world. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are among the most abhorrent violations of human rights and human dignity. This day is an occasion to speak up against this scourge, to be mindful of those who suffer it and pay tribute to those who combat torture and help victims overcome the physical and psychological pain.

Fifteen years ago, on 26 June 1987, the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into force. Since then 129 States have become parties to the Convention. Yet, torture continues to occur and perpetrators continue to go unpunished, even in countries that have ratified the Convention. This underscores the need for more intensive and concerted action, at national, regional and international level, towards the goal of global eradication of torture. The European Union expects all countries to comply with the unconditional prohibition of all forms of torture and urges them to adhere to international norms and procedures and co-operate with relevant international mechanisms. It is in this context that the European Union in April 2001 adopted Guidelines for an EU Policy Towards Third Countries on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, thus confirming this issue is at the centre-stage of the Union's human rights policy. The Guidelines provide an operational tool for the EU to intervene in cases of torture and step up efforts to further reinforce respect for international norms and standards. A number of démarches have actually been carried out by the European Union in this respect, during this last year, in different corners of the world.


The European Union welcomes and supports the work done by the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE in the fight against torture. Co-operation by States with international mechanisms, such as the UN Special Rapporteur and the Committee Against Torture, is essential to make our international system of protection and promotion of human rights effective. The European Union welcomes the adoption of the draft optional protocol of the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment at The Commission on Human Rights this year and remains fully committed to the eventual success and final adoption of the draft optional Protocol. In this sense, the European Union will actively support it at ECOSOC and at the next UN General Assembly session in the autumn when it will be voted on. The European Union believes that it remains the best means of strengthening international mechanisms to prevent torture. The European Union further actively supports the work of the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Through funding at the national and Community level, it also offers substantial support to torture rehabilitation centres and organisations that provide medical, social, legal and other assistance to many men, women and children who are victims of torture with the aim of restoring their health and dignity as human beings.

The role played by human rights NGOs and human rights defenders deserves a particular attention. They work selflessly, and often at great risk, to bring cases of torture to the attention of the international community and to assist those at risk of torture. The European Union is pleased with the contribution by the NGOs to make this day a living event. The dedicated involvement of many sectors such as civil society, including NGOs, professional engagement by lawyers, police, medical personnel and educators etc. as well as government action is required to find ways and means to combat torture.

We must stand together to make the world free from torture."

The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.

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