A/RES/62/148 International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court 3 acts of torture can constitute crimes against humanity and, when committed in a situation of armed conflict, constitute war crimes, 2F Welcoming the establishment of national mechanisms for the prevention of torture pursuant to the obligations of States parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 4 which entered into force on 22 June 2006, 3F Acknowledging the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in its resolution 61/177 of 20 December 2006, and recognizing that the entry into force of the Convention, expected before the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, will be a significant event, Commending the persistent efforts of civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations and the considerable network of centres for the rehabilitation of victims of torture, to combat torture and to alleviate the suffering of victims of torture, Bearing in mind the special procedures review process being undertaken by the Human Rights Council, and its relevant resolutions, Condemns all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading 1. treatment or punishment, including through intimidation, which are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever and can thus never be justified, and calls upon all States to implement fully the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Emphasizes that States must take persistent, determined and effective 2. measures to prevent and combat torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including their gender-based manifestations, and stresses that all acts of torture must be made offences under domestic criminal law; Also emphasizes the importance of States ensuring proper follow-up to 3. the recommendations and conclusions of the relevant treaty bodies and mechanisms, including the Committee against Torture, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Condemns any action or attempt by States or public officials to legalize, 4. authorize or acquiesce in torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under any circumstances, including on grounds of national security or through judicial decisions; Stresses that all allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or 5. degrading treatment or punishment must be promptly and impartially examined by the competent national authority, and that those who encourage, order, tolerate or _______________ 3 4 2 Ibid., vol. 2187, No. 38544. Resolution 57/199, annex.