Statement on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June 2025
In 1997, the United Nations proclaimed 26 June as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to strengthen global efforts to eradicate torture, mark the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and promote its effective implementation. CAT is a key instrument which commits and guides states on torture prohibition, prevention, punishment, and redress for victims.
At the regional level, Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter) which is supplemented by the 2002 Robben Island Guidelines, affirm the absolute prohibition of and protection from torture, a peremptory norm or jus cogens, and a fundamental international standard whereby states cannot derogate from their obligation under any circumstances.
As noted under the Robben Island Guidelines, States should ensure that their obligations under ratified human rights instruments are fully implemented in domestic legislation offering individuals the maximum scope of protection.
Therefore, on this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (the CPTA) underscore the importance of enacting domestic legislation that prohibits, prevents, and responds to torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
National anti-torture legislation that is fully compliant with the standards under CAT and the African Charter is a necessary foundation and tool for the eradication of torture and ill-treatment. The legislation should clearly define torture and ill-treatment including the elements of torture, and explicitly stipulate a state’s obligations to prohibit, prevent, and punish. Additionally, State parties are required to ensure that victims of torture and ill-treatment are able in law and in practice to claim redress.
In line with its mandate to promote and facilitate the implementation of Article 5 of the African Charter and the Robben Island Guidelines, the CPTA is in the process of drafting a model anti-torture law to assist State Parties fulfill their obligations.
The CPTA notes that implementation of anti-torture legislation where it exists, especially in states affected by conflict or in situations of insecurity presents a significant obstacle to prevention, accountability, and redress for victims. Therefore, national anti-torture legislation should include implementation measures including establishment of institutional frameworks for complaints handling and monitoring.
Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem
Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa
