Julie Lelek
Third Committee Advisor
New York, New York
October 12, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. Heller, for your work on this important issue alongside the committee to work with States Parties and individual petitioners. The prohibition against torture and the convention itself is a tribute to human dignity.
As Secretary Blinken stated in June, the United States condemns torture wherever and whenever it occurs, and strongly urges governments to abide by their international obligations and end impunity for these crimes.
Nevertheless, we continue to see governments using torture and other violations of human rights as tools of ongoing repression against political opponents, members of minority groups and marginalized populations, human rights advocates, and those who simply voice an opinion that these governments do not like.
The absolute prohibition of torture is of fundamental importance to the United States and we take our commitment to the Convention Against Torture seriously. In September of this year, we filed our sixth periodic report, providing detailed and thorough answers to questions posed by the Committee.
Additionally, in line with our long-standing support for the important work of the Committee Against Torture, the United States has again nominated an independent expert to serve on the Committee. We will continue to work towards a world free from torture.
Thank you, Mr. Heller.
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