UN Human Rights Council
61th session
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture
Statement delivered on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
March 2nd 2026
[Check against delivery]
Special Rapporteur,
I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
At the outset, I want to acknowledge that this marks the final dialogue of your mandate. We commend your steadfast and tireless dedication throughout your mandate, including in order to amplify the voices of survivors in the global fight against torture.
We welcome your report and the development of theCharter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture. It demonstrates how survivors’ perspectives are indispensable to understanding the full impact of torture on them, their families and communities.
In order to develop measures that restore dignity and ensure accountability, it is imperative to ensure a victim- and survivor-centred and gender-responsive approach. Public awareness and recognition of survivors’ experiences are equally vital to building a lasting culture of zero tolerance for torture.
Special Rapporteur, what would be most effective for ensuring that survivors’ voices are embedded at every stage of anti-torture policies and reparation programmes?
Thank you.