A/RES/57/200
Noting with satisfaction the existence of a considerable international network
of centres for the rehabilitation of victims of torture, which plays an important role
in providing assistance to victims of torture, and the collaboration of the Fund with
the centres,
Commending the persistent efforts by non-governmental organizations to
combat torture and to alleviate the suffering of victims of torture,
Mindful of its proclamation, in its resolution 52/149 of 12 December 1997, of
26 June as the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture,
1.
Condemns all forms of torture, including through intimidation, as
described in article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment; 6
2.
Urges all Governments to promote the full implementation of the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human
Rights on 25 June 1993, 5 stresses in particular that all allegations of torture or other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment should be promptly and
impartially examined by the competent national authority, that those who encourage,
order, tolerate or perpetrate acts of torture must be held responsible and severely
punished, including the officials in charge of the place of detention where the
prohibited act is found to have been committed, and that national legal systems
should ensure that the victims of such acts obtain redress, are awarded fair and
adequate compensation and receive appropriate social and medical rehabilitation,
and encourages the development of rehabilitation centres for victims of torture;
3.
Takes note of the Principles on the Effective Investigation and
Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment annexed to its resolution 55/89 of 4 December 2000 as a useful tool in
efforts to combat torture;
4.
Urges Governments to take effective measures to provide redress and to
prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,
including their gender-based manifestations;
5.
Stresses that, under article 4 of the Convention, torture must be made an
offence under domestic criminal law, and emphasizes that acts of torture are serious
violations of international humanitarian law and that the perpetrators are liable to
prosecution and punishment;
6.
Notes with appreciation that one hundred and thirty-one States have
become parties to the Convention, and urges all States that have not yet done so to
become parties to the Convention as a matter of priority;
7.
Invites all States ratifying or acceding to the Convention and those States
that are parties to the Convention and have not yet done so to consider joining the
States parties that have already made the declarations provided for in articles 21 and
22 of the Convention and to consider the possibility of withdrawing their
reservations to article 20;
8.
Urges all States parties to the Convention to notify the Secretary-General
of their acceptance of the amendments to articles 17 and 18 of the Convention as
soon as possible;
_______________
6
2
Resolution 39/46, annex.