UN chief urges ending “cruel, degrading and illegal practice” of torture

(June 25, 2010) The United Nations chief has called on all nations who have not ratified the Convention against Torture to do so saying the crime is still practised or tolerated by many states. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made the call in his message for the June 26^th International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Saturday. “Torture is a crime under international law. The prohibition of torture is absolute and unambiguous,” Ban stressed. “Torture,” he said, “cannot be justified under any circumstances whatsoever, whether during a state of war or in response to terrorism, political instability or any other public emergency.” “And yet, torture is still practised or tolerated by many States. Impunity persists for the perpetrators. The victims continue to suffer,” he noted. Ban said that the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an “opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to prohibit torture and all cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.” He therefore urged all nations who have not ratified the Convention against Torture and the provisions of its Optional Protocol to do so and honour their obligations. He also urged nations to invite the Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit their prisons and detention facilities, and to allow full and unhindered access to those detained there. “I call on states and people to do their utmost to rid the world of this cruel, degrading and illegal practice,” Ban Ki-Moon urged