In a year of war, conflict and uncertainty, it can be easy to feel discouraged. But as 2022 draws to a close, I am filled with hope. The reason is you, our partners and supporters.
This year we have seen, once more, how much progress can be made to prevent torture and ill-treatment when we work together.
With States, we have worked towards a growing commitment to end coercive interrogations, with more than 60 States expressing public support to the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing. And the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has endorsed them.
With authorities, we have facilitated dialogue and training programmes for police, prison officers or judges, for example in Timor Leste, Thailand or Panama.
In partnership with oversight bodies, and thanks to our e-learning courses, we have strengthened the monitoring and protection of women and LGBTI+ people in detention.
Finally, through our partnership with civil society, we have mobilised youth around torture prevention in Malaysia and supported joint advocacy efforts that led to a major victory in Brazil’s Supreme Court.
These outcomes inspire and motivate us.
On behalf of all my colleagues at the APT, thank you for your support this year. We look forward to continue working with you in 2023.
Together, we can prevent torture and promote dignity.