UN Human Rights Council 55th Session.
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,
Intervention by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries
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7 March 2024
Mdm Special Rapporteur,
I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank you for your tireless efforts in the fight against torture. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Convention, it is more important than ever to ensure a strong, sustained response to torture globally.
We commend your focus on current issues and good practices relating to prison management. All prisoners shall be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity as human beings. Around the world, we unfortunately see that prisoners are particularly exposed to the risk of torture, including political prisoners and human rights defenders.
As you note, internationally agreed standards for the protection of persons deprived of liberty exist, albeit with gaps and implementation issues. To name a few, the Bangkok Rules on women prisoners, the Havana Rules on juveniles, and the Nelson Mandela Rules, which are used in many countries as the blueprint for national prison rules and in others, as the only rules directly regulating the treatment of prisoners.
Dr Edwards,
In light of these standards’ recognition and their undeniable impact on prison management, what opportunities do you see for feeding into possible revision processes of these instruments?
Thank you.