KABUL - The European Union (EU) on Tuesday welcomed Afghanistan’s ratification of the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol.
The EU reiterated its call for a broad ratification and effective implementation of the convention on International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
In a statement, High Representative Federica Mogherini reaffirmed EU’s commitment to eradicating all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishments.
“We will keep mobilising all our means to protect all those that have been and continue to be exposed to this abhorrent human rights violation and standing by all those who very courageously engage against this crime through awareness...”
The fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment is enshrined in the European Union Treaties and Charter of Fundamental Rights. It is a key priority area in the EU Action plan on Human Rights and Democracy.
Mogherini said the RU had a global approach to eradicate torture including prohibition, prevention, combating impunity and redress for the victims through a combination of political and human rights dialogues, awareness-raising activities and financial assistance.
She went on to underline the role of international and regional mechanisms, as well as human rights bodies, in eradicating torture. The EU financially supports their work in several countries around the globe.
Eradication of torture could be achieved only through a global effort by joining forces, defining common strategies and implementing joint actions, the Italian politician believed.
“Continuous engagement with our partners, at regional and multilateral level, along with civil society, is crucial to making progress,” the EU official added.
The launch of the "Global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade" in September 2017, for example, reiterates the EU's commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture, capital punishment and other degrading treatment.
In a year which marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the European Union recalled that all human beings were born free and equal in dignity and rights. (Pajhwok)