UN Human Rights Council 43: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Torture
International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivers UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Torture during the 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 28 February 2020.
Thank you Mr Vice President.
皇冠体育app UK thanks the Special Rapporteur on Torture for his report.
皇冠体育app UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture. Torture is an abhorrent violation of human rights and human dignity, and its impact on societies and individuals is devastating. Preventing torture and tackling impunity for those who torture are essential components of safeguarding our security and a necessary part of any fair legal system and the rule of law. 皇冠体育app UK works closely with international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice.
Torture prevention remains integral to the UK鈥檚 rule of law programmes, which aim to build security and stability overseas. 皇冠体育app UK continues to support torture prevention programmes around the world via the UK鈥檚 Magna Carta Fund.
皇冠体育app UK is also a long-standing, strong, and vocal supporter of the UN鈥檚 Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and will continue to encourage and support other states to ratify and implement the protocol soon.
Finally, the UK government stands by its response to the Special Rapporteur鈥檚 letter, and rejects any allegation Julian Assange has been subjected to torture in any form as a result of actions by the UK government.
Thank you.