United Nations Human Rights Council
61st Session (23 February to 31 March 2026)
General Debate - Item 3
11th March 2026
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
Report of the Secretary-General
Statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
11.03.2026
Thank you Mr President / Mr / Ms Vice-President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, a cross-regional group of States that aims to support and raise awareness about the Fund’s essential work. We welcome the presentation of the Secretary-General’s report.
The Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture plays a fundamental role in enabling access to medical, psychological, legal, social, humanitarian and other essential aid for victims of torture and members of their family. It supports victims and survivors to seek redress and rebuild their lives after experiencing torture.
We commend the work undertaken by the Fund in 2025 as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, including grants awarded to support over 56,000 victims in 92 countries. These are not just figures but represent individual cases of hope, healing and justice.
We are deeply concerned by the unprecedented financial constraints facing the Voluntary Fund at a time of increased demand. We encourage all States to contribute to the Fund as a concrete manifestation of their commitment to uphold the right to rehabilitation for victims of torture and the abolition of torture, in line with article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture in all circumstances.