OSCE and UNHCHR Appeal on UN day in Support of Victims of Torture

Today is United Nations Day in Support of Victims of Torture. On this occasion, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Norwegian Foreign Minister, Mr. Knut Vollebæk, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Mary Robinson, call on governments to take concrete measures to prevent all forms of torture and ill-treatment.

The OSCE and the UNHCHR call on those countries that have not yet ratified the UN Convention against Torture to do so, and on those countries that have ratified the Convention to ensure that prevention of torture is a priority. Governments should ensure that their legislation is in line with international standards for the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and that national legislation is fully implemented.

Allegations of torture or ill-treatment must be investigated promptly, impartially and thoroughly by the authorities. Those responsible for torture must not go unpunished. Anyone guilty of torture or ill-treatment must be brought to justice, and victims of torture or ill-treatment must be assured legal remedies and rehabilitation. These are issues that concern all nations to a greater or lesser extent.

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo, 26 June 1999.