The Danish Institute for Human Rights co-hosts international conference on combating torture
As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of its core tenets – “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” – remains distressingly relevant. Despite international conventions and widespread condemnation, torture persists both in times of conflict and peace.
To address this pressing issue, the Danish Institute for Human Rights is honored to co-host the 14th International Conference for National Human Rights Institutions. The conference, taking place at UN City in Copenhagen from November 6-8, is a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Torture is a severe violation of human rights and ranks among the most devastating crimes. Those who have been subjected to torture often face significant personal, health-related, and social challenges. As national human rights institutions, we have a crucial role to play in combating and preventing this atrocity,” says Louise Holck, Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
A global gathering for change
The triennial event aims to foster cooperation among national human rights institutions and discuss critical human rights issues. The last conference, held in Marrakech in 2018, focused on expanding civic space and promoting human rights defenders, particularly women.
The conference will delve into practical and effective ways national human rights institutions can use their broad mandates to uphold human dignity and freedom from torture. It will also explore how states, regional networks, UN agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders can collaborate to eliminate torture in their respective jurisdictions.
The conference will culminate in an outcome document, outlining a practical set of strategies to promote and protect the right of all persons to be free from torture and other ill-treatment.