HRC46 - NB8 statement - SR on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

5 March 2021

Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

Madame President,

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

We are committed allies in your important work to eradicate torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment globally. 

In your latest report, you evaluate the effectiveness of States’ cooperation with the mandate and highlight the difficulties you as mandate-holder face in fulfilling your mandate.

We are concerned by your findings, which show that merely 10 per cent of the responses to the communications transmitted by the Special Rapporteur between 2016 and 2020 were satisfactory. Knowing that a great number of communications go unanswered, this number is even higher and more concerning. We appreciate your continued dedication to a constructive dialogue for the collaboration by states to ensure the prevention and prohibition of the use of torture and ill treatment.

What further measures can the Human Rights Council along with other relevant UN bodies take to ensure satisfying state cooperation?

And what are your reflections on the mandate’s work to ensure full cooperation by the states concerned?

Thank you.