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- Ελληνικά
June 26 has been designated as the International Day against Torture. The day was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in support of victims of torture on 26 June 1998, the day on which the UN Convention against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment entered into force in 1987.
Torture is a flagrant and abhorrent violation of human rights, causing profound physical and mental harm, undermining human dignity. Under the UN Convention, each State Party has an obligation to take effective measures to eliminate and prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in any territorial territory under its jurisdiction, and no absolutely exceptional circumstances 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 Commissioner for Legislation is the monitoring, preparation and supervision of the National Reports submitted by the Republic of Cyprus on its compliance with obligations under international human rights conventions of the United Nations, signed by Cyprus and aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights. At the same time, the Commissioner for Legislation actively participates, as head of the Cypriot delegation, in presenting and supporting such reports before the competent UN bodies.
Therefore, the Office of the Legislation Commissioner, having the responsibility of submitting the National Report of the Republic against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in accordance with Article 19 of the relevant Convention, has prepared and submitted the 6th Periodic Report of the Republic to the relevant UN Committee on 6 December 2023. This National Report includes, inter alia, the progress achieved in our country towards the elimination of all forms of torture and inhuman treatment in matters relating to violence, conditions of detention of prisoners, trafficking and exploitation of persons, 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 competent United Nations Commission, together with a team of high-level officials.
(NYAN/AF)
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