IRCT Secretary-General Brita Sydhoff speaks at UN event on rehabilitation. She is joined by Carsten Staur (left), Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, and Raphael Mfuambote Kiama (right) of Survivors Speak OUT Network. UN Photo / Eskinder Debebe

IRCT welcomes UN moves on right to rehabilitation

The IRCT welcomes the initiative of the UN Committee Against Torture to develop a General Comment on Article 14 of the Convention Against Torture. As article 14 specifically addresses the right of torture victims to obtain redress and specifically rehabilitation, this represents an important step towards full access to rehabilitation for all victims of torture.

The IRCT has closely followed the progress of the General Comment and were pleased to participate in yesterday's public consultation on the Draft General Comment. During this session, the IRCT expressed satisfaction with the victim centred approach, and offered a number of comments in an effort to further strengthen the draft text. Specifically, the IRCT emphasised the need for a holistic interpretation of rehabilitation, for early identification of torture victims, guidelines for the establishing effective rehabilitation services, and enhanced protections for vulnerable groups such as children and ethnic minorities.

For more information:

Full press release by the UN Committee Against Torture

IRCT's submission the UN Committee against Torture on the Right to Rehabilitation

Draft General Comment - UN Committee against Torture