Item 3 Intervention on the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Statement as Delivered By Lucy Seyfarth
UN Human Rights Council – 49th Session
March 11, 2022
The United States gratefully recognizes Special Rapporteur Melzer’s difficult and important work. As Secretary General Kofi Annan said in 2006, special procedures are the “crown jewel” of the human rights system. Although the impacts of a mandate holder’s efforts are not always obvious, as Special Rapporteur Melzer finishes his term, we know the legacy of his important work will encourage a more just world for years to come.
We reaffirm our commitment to eliminating torture and the need for effective, real-time mechanisms to address instances of torture. Accountability is necessary to eliminate such practices. In this regard, we commend Armenia for its first successful prosecution of perpetrators since its 2015 adoption of a new criminal code definition of torture.
The United States denounces torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment, wherever it occurs, and we continue to promote justice and healing as the largest donor to the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
Question: How can the international community better utilize analysis from the special rapporteur to promote accountability for perpetrators of torture?
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