Geneva, 1 July 2025
The Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) hosted a briefing today for nine delegates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Trust Fund for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States (LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund). The event took place on the sidelines of the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (16 June – 9 July 2025).
Delegates from Bangladesh, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, Fiji, The Gambia, Malawi and the Maldives attended the session as beneficiaries of the LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund.
The briefing highlighted the Initiative’s tailored support for States working toward and effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). Since its launch in 2014, 21 new States have ratified UNCAT – 17 of which are LDCs or SIDS – underscoring a growing global commitment to strengthening human rights protections.
During the session, CTI reaffirmed its readiness to provide technical and strategic assistance to States. The session fostered and encouraged enhanced dialogue and collaboration among LDCs and SIDS to overcome common challenges in aligning national frameworks and practices with international human rights obligations.
Ghana, a CTI core State and UNCAT State Party for almost 25 years, shared insights into the legal, administrative and institutional reforms it has undertaken since ratifying the Convention. Ghana’s presentation emphasised the importance of peer-learning and international cooperation for States to overcome challenges in ratifying or implementing the Convention.
CTI welcomes continued dialogue with States interested in joining and implementing the Convention. For more information or to explore how CTI can support your country, please contact info@cti.international.