[PIO] Announcement by the Office of the Legislative Commissioner on the International Day against Torture - 26 June

Today, humanity celebrates the International Day against Torture. The aforementioned celebration was established exactly 21 years ago, namely on 26 June 1998 by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in support of victims of torture, following the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1987.

Torture is a flagrant violation of human rights and the aforementioned Convention stipulates that each State Party shall take effective measures to prevent acts of torture in each of the territories under its jurisdiction and that no exceptional circumstances whatsoever may be invoked as a justification for torture.

Cyprus ratified the Convention by Laws 235/90, 35(III)/93 and 36(III)/2002 and subsequently, by Law 2(III)/2009, the Optional Protocol to the Convention was also ratified.

One of the institutional responsibilities of the Office of the Legislative Commissioner is to monitor, prepare, supervise and actively participate, as head of delegation, in Periodic Reports on the compliance of the Republic of Cyprus with International Conventions. The obligations derive from International Human Rights Conventions of the United Nations signed by Cyprus and aiming at the promotion and protection of human rights.

Therefore, the Office of the Commissioner for Legislation, having the responsibility to submit the 6th National Report of the Republic against Torture in accordance with Article 19 of the relevant Convention by 6 December 2023, has already started the work for its preparation. The National Report will include, inter alia, the progress achieved in our country in eliminating all forms of torture and inhuman treatment in matters relating to violence, conditions of detention of prisoners, trafficking and exploitation of persons and the prevention and management of domestic violence, always with respect for human existence.

Further, the Commissioner for Legislation, as the Commissioner responsible, is expected to be invited in the near future to present and support this National Report against Torture at a hearing before the relevant United Nations committee, together with a team of high-level officials.

(AF/SX)
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