Torture is an inhumane practice and the EU will continue to fight it, Mogherini said

Torture is a "terrible and inhumane practice" which is "unequivocally prohibited under international law", said the High Representative. The EU will work to stop torture in all its forms, respond to the plight of victims and support those who "engage tirelessly in combatting torture, raising awareness and caring for its victims, sometimes putting their own safety and lives at risk".

"It is our conviction that respect for fundamental freedoms and rights, promotion of inclusive societies and support to open and vibrant civil societies is the only way to guarantee sustainable stability and security," Mogherini added.  

From 2007 to 2016, the EU allocated EUR 89,2 million to fund more than 150 anti-torture projects, thus becoming a leading source of funding for the rehabilitation of victims and the prevention of torture worldwide. Projects have focused among others on raising awareness, investigating the supply of torture technology, developing torture prevention and monitoring networks, supporting the rehabilitation of torture victims and the fight against impunity. In 2017, the EU will finance several new civil society projects devoted to the fight against torture and ill-treatment for an overall amount of EUR 13.5 million. 

The EU also strongly supports the work of international bodies mobilised to fight torture, notably the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, the UN Special Rapporteur and the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture.