EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly: Before the vote on the resolution on Torture

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

The triennial resolution on “Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” has traditionally been adopted by consensus by the Third Committee.

We sincerely regret that a vote has been called on this normally consensual resolution.

As the facilitator, Denmark has conducted the negotiations in an inclusive and transparent spirit to bring us to a consensual agreement on this text, as has been the case in previous years.

The prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment is absolute under international law. The EU and its Member States follows a comprehensive approach to eradicate torture, which includes prevention, accountability, and redress for the victims and survivors. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to achieve those aims.

We regret that the General Assembly is not able to speak with one unequivocal voice on the issue. 

The EU and its Member States are committed to uphold the constructive and collaborative spirit of the Third Committee and to defend our shared values, principles and longstanding agreed language, reflected in the text. 

The Member States of the European Union will therefore vote YES on resolution L.49 and we strongly encourage others to do the same.

Thank you.