CTI maintains an active presence across multilateral forums and international anti-torture mechanisms and bodies, promoting inter-State cooperation in the global effort to prevent torture and ill-treatment. Our activities highlight how the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) can can strengthen institutions, policies and practices to enable dignified, rule-based governance that reduces the risk of modern day torture and related violations. Through statements, events and bilateral engagement, we highlight important issues, showcase good practices, and share the latest developments in torture prevention, response and eradication.
“The UN Convention against Torture is a landmark treaty that advises parties on basic legislative, institutional and practical elements necessary for fair, intimidation-free and transparent systems of governance and justice.”
Dr. Alice Edwards, former Head of CTI Secretariat and current Special Rapporteur on Torture and Ill-Treatment
CTI’s Core States are actively engaged in Geneva, the European home to the United Nations and the international centre for protecting and promoting human rights. We participate in the following United Nations mechanisms:
CTI also regularly collaborates with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), including its treaty-body capacity-building programme, to identify future opportunities.
Every March during a high-level segment of the Human Rights Council, CTI makes a joint statement on progress and hosts a side event on a topical issue, drawing participation from around 80 States.
Taking advantage of their presence in Geneva, CTI Ambassadors meet frequently with visiting fellows of the UN Trust Fund for Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They often return enthused about UNCAT ratification and implementation and become key collaborators in their country’s journey.
As a number of UN Member States do not have permanent missions in Geneva, the UN Headquarters in New York is a key location for bilateral discussions with LDCs and SIDS. It is important that CTI stay up-to-date on discussions taking place in New York on security, counterterrorism, policing, and development agendas. Our Core States aim to help align approaches between Geneva and New York.
CTI’s Annual Forum provides a platform for discussions on the latest innovative developments in tackling torture and related abuses. The Annual Forum provides space for CTI’s Friends, and other invited guests, to hear about progress on reaching our goals and discuss experiences and challenges concerning the implementation of the Convention and topical issues.
Forums are routinely attended by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives, as well as leading thematic experts from internationally and nationally renowned non-governmental organisations, international and regional organisations, and academia. They are biannually held in Geneva, and in various locations outside of Geneva during alternate years.
Check out our Events page for more information.
CTI’s programme of regional seminars, technical workshops and in-country visits provide practical support and experience sharing for countries working on UNCAT implementation through peer to peer exchanges, knowledge transfer, and on the ground support to help resolve institutional gaps.
Check out our Events page for more information.
CTI has partnered with a range of regional and cross-regional organisations with the aim of sharing regional expertise on anti-torture tools and frameworks. We promote the exchange of good practices, experiences and challenges with countries who share similar legal, geo-political, historical and cultural institutions and frameworks.
Check out our partners here.
CTI works closely with international and regional organisations, anti-torture NGOs and independent thematic experts, many of whom also belong to our group of friends. These civil society organisations play a critical role in building and advancing the global movement of solidarity against torture and ill-treatment.
As experts in their fields, such groups bring an enormous wealth of knowledge and information, including:
CTI’s expert team responds confidentially to governments and national institutions, offering one-to-one technical support on a wide range of issues relevant to the implementation of UNCAT – such as police and law enforcement, legislative review and reform, policy drafting, prison reform, complaints, investigations and prosecutions, and redress for victims. We have advised many governments and supported them in taking action on torture prevention, eradication and redress.Â
Contact us at info@cti.international.